Saudi Arabia leads in sustainable construction by cutting emissions by 24% and developing over 1,190 green buildings
A new report from construction consultancy Stonehaven analyses global emission data and LEED project numbers to discover which country is leading the way for greener construction.
The report breaks down two key players in the Middle Eastern construction market, UAE and KSA, to discover how their emissions and LEED projects differ.
The UAE saw an increase of over 18% in ten years (2010 – 2020) for both CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing and construction sectors. The country ranks seventh for having the highest increase in emissions, with India, Russia and Vietnam taking the top three spots, respectively.
However, Saudi Arabia reduced their manufacturing and construction emissions by over 24%, ranking fifth globally for reducing Co2 and greenhouse gas emissions, behind Japan, Kazakhstan and the USA.
| Location | Emission | % Difference [10 years] | Difference in Tonnes [10 years] |
| UAE | Co2 | 18.57% | 11,730,000 |
| UAE | Greenhouse Gas | 18.65% | 11,790,000 |
| KSA | Co2 | -24.18% | -26,800,000 |
| KSA | Greenhouse Gas | -24.20% | -26,880,000 |
The report also looks at the number of LEED projects by country to discover who is leading the way for green buildings. The UAE and KSA ranked in the top 10, with Saudi Arabia taking fifth place with 1,190 certified projects and the UAE in ninth place with 641 projects. They are the only Middle Eastern nations in the top 10 countries with the most LEED projects.
Dubai (348) and Ras Al Khaimah (120) have the highest LEED projects in the UAE.
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, has the most LEED projects in KSA, with 866, with Jeddah somewhat behind in second place with 20.
Gordon Rodger, Managing Director at Stonehaven, commented on the findings: “Although the construction industry has a long way to go in reducing its impact on the planet, accounting for 37% of global emissions, this report shows positive signs that the region is moving in the right direction. At Stonehaven, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. Investing in the latest technologies has increased design and engineering efficiencies, resulting in less material wastage and energy consumption on our sites.”
“Our dedication to sustainability extends beyond our operations. We educate our clients on the benefits of sustainable construction methods, including solar solutions, water reduction systems, and eco-friendly materials. One of our recent projects, the Jetex Al Bateen VIP Airport Lounge in the UAE, has been awarded the Estidama 3 Pearl Rating.”
He continues, “Estidama, essentially a LEED rating developed explicitly for Abu Dhabi, covers more than the building itself and considers environmental, economic, social, and cultural factors. This recognition highlights our commitment to innovative, eco-friendly solutions that set new standards in the construction industry.”
The report also details expert insight on the future of materials to make construction more sustainable and trends we’re likely to see a boom in as the industry moves towards a greener future.