How Saudi Arabia is making the construction industry greener and more sustainable

How Saudi Arabia is making the construction industry greener and more sustainable
A conceptual view of The Line, a project of NEOM in Saudi Arabia's northern region of Tabuk. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 January 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is making the construction industry greener and more sustainable

How Saudi Arabia is making the construction industry greener and more sustainable
  • The Kingdom is advancing green construction techniques with cutting-edge technologies, local partnerships, and regulatory support 
  • Red Sea Global, SCG International, VEKR Environmental Services, and SABIC are setting the standard for sustainable construction

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is embracing sustainability as a core element of its Vision 2030 economic reform agenda, driving transformative practices across whole industries.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Kingdom’s construction sector, where innovative solutions and eco-conscious strategies are reshaping the urban landscape.

Through cutting-edge technologies, collaborative efforts and the adoption of environmentally responsible materials, companies like Red Sea Global, SCG International, VEKR Environmental Services and SABIC are setting a high standard for sustainable development.

Red Sea Global has made environmental stewardship a priority across its mega-projects, ensuring that development enhances rather than disrupts the delicate ecosystem.

“At Red Sea Global, we have initiated several critical programs to safeguard endangered species such as the hawksbill turtles and sooty falcons,” Raed Al-Basseet, RSG’s group chief environment and sustainability officer, told Arab News.

“These efforts include habitat conservation, the protection of turtles’ nesting sites, and tagging programs to monitor their behaviors. On birds, we’ve established artificial nesting sites for the sooty falcon and implemented preventive measures to mitigate bird collisions.”




Engineers and construction professionals at a sustainable building site. (AN file)

The organization has also embraced advanced technologies to protect marine ecosystems.

“RSG is leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, including drone surveys equipped with multispectral cameras and satellite imagery for coral reef mapping,” Al-Basseet said.

These tools ensure the real-time monitoring of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses, while helping respond swiftly to environmental changes.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Saudi Arabia’s construction sector produces about 38% of the Kingdom’s carbon emissions, highlighting the critical need for sustainable practices.

• Mangroves, like those planted by RSG, can sequester up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests.

• LEED Gold-certified buildings, like SABIC’s Jubail headquarters, consume 30% less energy than traditional buildings.

• 3D-printed construction reduces material waste by up to 60%, significantly lowering environmental impact.

RSG’s achievements extend beyond conservation. The company’s renewable energy initiatives have resulted in the installation of more than 760,500 solar panels, reducing CO2 emissions by 46,350 tonnes annually.

Additionally, its mangrove nursery produced more than 1 million seedlings in 2024, with a target of reaching 3 million this year.

“Our commitment to achieving a net conservation benefit of 30 percent by 2040 is integral to our vision of creating harmonious development,” Al-Basseet added.

Another key player in Saudi Arabia’s sustainability journey is SABIC, a global leader in materials innovation and environmental solutions.




A modern sustainable building with cascading greenery, representing eco-friendly architectural practices that merge design with nature. (AN File)

SABIC’s Jubail headquarters, which has been certified with LEED Gold, stands as a symbol of green construction.

The building incorporates solar energy systems, wind turbines and electric vehicle charging stations, while also utilizing water recycling systems and low-energy lighting controls.

Beyond infrastructure, SABIC is pioneering efforts in carbon capture and utilization. The company operates the world’s largest CO2 purification and liquefaction plant, capturing 500,000 tonnes annually to convert into valuable products such as methanol and ammonia.

These initiatives reflect SABIC’s broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030.

In addition to these efforts, SABIC has launched a circular carbon economy model, promoting renewable energy, chemical recycling and afforestation projects.

The company’s recent exports of low-carbon ammonia to global markets, including Japan and South Korea, highlight its leadership in sustainable industrial practices.

Sustainability in construction is not just about preserving nature but also about adopting technologies that redefine how buildings are constructed. SCG International, a global leader in green building solutions, is paving the way for technological innovation in the Kingdom.

“3D printing technology enables accelerated construction timelines, reducing time by up to 30 to 50 percent and labor requirements by 50 percent,” Abhijit Datta, managing director of SCG International, told Arab News.

“It significantly reduces material waste and ensures no leftover raw materials, contributing to a cleaner and safer working environment, by lowering dust and noise levels.”

Among its innovations, SCG’s concrete fabric offers a sustainable solution for erosion control and water management.

“This flexible material conforms to various shapes, reducing logistics costs and emissions while ensuring durability,” Datta said.




Engineers and construction professionals at a sustainable building site. 
(Shutterstock)

The company’s commitment to local empowerment is equally noteworthy. SCG actively collaborates with Saudi firms to train teams in low-carbon cement and ready-mix consultancy services.

Despite recent progress, the adoption of sustainable construction technologies has faced difficulties.

“One of the primary challenges is the high upfront cost of sustainable building practices, which can be a concern for clients,” Dana Al-Damegh, an environmental consultant at VEKR Environmental Services, told Arab News.

“Many are not fully aware of the long-term benefits, including cost savings and enhanced efficiency, that sustainable materials can offer.”

Another pressing issue is the scarcity of resources.




A modern sustainable building with cascading greenery, representing eco-friendly architectural practices that merge design with nature. (AN File)

“There is currently a shortage of locally sourced materials, which poses a challenge to sustainable construction efforts,” Al-Damegh said.

“This scarcity extends to skilled manpower as well, which further impacts the ability to fully leverage local resources. Addressing these gaps is crucial for achieving greater sustainability in the sector.”

Nonetheless, Al-Damegh is optimistic about the future. “The collaboration between environmental services companies and regulatory bodies has been instrumental in driving progress,” she said.

As the Kingdom advances its Vision 2030 reform agenda, the focus on green construction continues to grow. The integration of advanced technologies, development of local supply chains and investments in education as well as training will be critical to scaling sustainable practices.

“The successful implementation of sustainable methods requires collaboration, commitment and the right resources,” said Al-Damegh. “All of which are becoming increasingly accessible in Saudi Arabia’s evolving environmental landscape.”
 

 


Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
Updated 7 min 46 sec ago
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Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
  • Meeting will also be attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Sunday to chair a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Gaza.

The meeting has been assigned by the Extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

It will also be attended by Kaya Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, to discuss the latest developments in the enclave amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.


KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon
Updated 23 March 2025
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KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.

KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.

The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.

KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.


Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
  • The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage

RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.

These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque’s reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported.

The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers.

A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages’ urban fabric.

Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style’s urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture.

It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.


Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.

The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.

This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.

As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.

Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.

This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.


Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 552 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 513 unexploded ordnances, 35 anti-tank mines and four explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 485,501 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.