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USGBC convened the sustainability community for its inaugural Middle East Town Hall to celebrate regional
accomplishments and reaffirm strategies for moving toward a healthier, more resilient future.
Gopal kicked off the event by welcoming the Middle East green building community while Deepthy highlighted
some of the amazing progress being made across the region. Dave Witek introduced the many functionalities
of the Arc platform that help make performance measurement accessible for all, and Mahesh Ramanujam
shared his vision for creating a strong and healthy economy through the healthy people and healthy places
strategy.
Regional Highlights
Bahrain
The Island Nation of Bahrain is
establishing itself as a country
committed to bettering the lives of
every Bahraini citizen through
sustainable development.
In January 2019, the Sustainable
Energy Authority launched the Green
Building Code, which outlines
guidelines for both new and existing
buildings to ensure energy efficiency. Furthermore, in March 2019 Bahrain published its Construction
Projects Directorate, which includes a “Green Retrofit” Initiative, that emphasizes the use of LEED certification.
The newly constructed barracks at Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NSA Bahrain), Bachelor Enlisted Quarters,
are set to satisfy the housing needs of nearly 500 sailors. Built to maximize efficiency, the building contains
solar powered water heaters, Energy Star appliances, and an irrigation system that uses condensate water
from the base’s Consolidated Utilities Building. The plumbing systems reduce water consumption by 40% and
the barracks are constructed with energy efficient Insulated Concrete Form technology that can withstand
winds of up to 250 mph. Coming in nearly $500,000 under budget, the environmental innovations and
sustainability components incorporated into Bachelor Enlisted Quarters not only increase service member
quality of life but also translate into real dollar savings for NSA Bahrain and the Navy.
Through the green building community’s consistent progress, Bahrain now has over 1.2 million GSM of
certified space over 30 LEED projects and is well on its way to becoming a sustainable development leader in
the Middle East.
Jordan
With more than 1 million GSM of project space and over 300 LEED professionals, Jordan is doing the work
necessary for a better future.
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The Dutch Embassy was the first
building in Jordan to receive the
prestigious international LEED
certification. This environmentally-
friendly and energy-efficient building
was constructed by transforming and
renovating an old villa. Taking
inspiration from traditional Jordanian
building practices, the architect used
thick walls made from local materials to
act as natural insulation. The structure’s
original swimming pool was repurposed as a thermal buffer, resulting in the cold summer night breeze being
captured and pumped back into the building during the day as a natural cooling system. During the colder
months, solar panels warm the water inside which is then pumped into the central heating system. The
building also features a low water intensive garden, glass walls to maximize natural light, and canvas shades
to keep the building cool.
The Arab Technical Group’s headquarter facility in Amman, originally obtained LEED Gold certification under
the LEED v2009 Commercial Interiors rating system in 2015. They were the first facility in Jordan, to re-certify
their premises as a LEED Platinum building through the Arc platform, further emphasizing their commitment
towards efficient building performance.
With committed members like the Jordan Green Building Council, OMRANIA, Consolidated Consultants
Group, and Specialized Wood Establishment, Jordan is well on their way to establishing a more resilient
future.
Kuwait
Already establishing over 3.5 million
GSM of certified space across 64
projects, the community in Kuwait is
working together to establish a
healthier life for all.
Longtime Silver member ALARGAN
International Real Estate Co. focuses
on sustainable residential and
commercial buildings to ensure an
economically and socially viable urban
environment. While ALARGAN has a presence in Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, it is
headquartered in Kuwait and recently achieved LEED v4.1 O+M Platinum Re-Certification, becoming the first
to do so within the country. The project features high performance glazing to manage exterior heat, energy-
efficient lighting that uses motion detectors and daylight-sensing technology. Almost 75% of the frequently
occupied spaces rely on natural light and low-emitting materials which assists in improving the indoor air
quality. As the focus on developing green buildings in Kuwait broadens, ALARGAN International Real Estate
Co. continues to pioneer innovative services for sustainable buildings in the country.
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Thanks to the important work being done by members like Kuwait Green Building Council, ALARGAN
International Real Estate Co., Gulf Consult, SSH International, KEO International Consultants, Kuwait Gypsum
Ceilings Factory, Hempel Paints, Kuwait Technical Consulting Bureau, and Alia Alsayegh Engineering
Consultants, Kuwait is transforming into a healthier and more resilient setting for the nearly 4.2 million people
who call the country home.
Lebanon
Green building practices and techniques
are paving the path for a more
sustainable future in Lebanon.
USGBC member SOCOTEC Liban
recently announced a 5-year action plan
that identifies their commitment to
reducing their environmental impact
wherever they work and in any stage of a
project whether it be construction,
operation, or demolition. They have identified
three key tasks that will help them to achieve
their goal: limiting their carbon footprint through energy conservation, environmentally conscious travel, and
general eco-friendly behavior; develop responsible and sustainable purchasing practices; and support the
circular economy through waste sorting.
With the dedication of active members like SOCOTEC Liban, MAN Enterprise, the American University of
Beirut, and EcoConsulting, Lebanon’s sustainable building community continues to grow and make incredible
progress in the region.
Oman
With nearly 2 million GSM of certified
space, Oman is on its way to a more
resilient economy and a better quality
of life for its residents.
Like many in the region, Oman’s
economy relies heavily on revenue
generated by oil and gas. In order to
combat this, Oman launched its
Tourism Strategy 2016-2040, which
aims to increase tourism’s GDP
contribution by 6%. This diversification of Oman’s economy caused a rapid rise in commercial construction
and the adoption of more sustainable and resilient building practices.
In Muscat, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) was created as part of Oman’s Tourism
Strategy to promote sustainable development throughout the country. OMRAN currently has 5 LEED Certified
properties and several more underway. The LEED Gold City Hotel features exteriors clad in sun shading mesh
made of aluminum grids and glass fiber reinforced concrete, which prevents overheating and reduces cooling
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requirements. An interior courtyard allows natural light to reach the center of the building limits the need for
artificial lighting. Additionally, the LEED Gold Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) was the first
project to achieve LEED Gold certification in the Sultanate for its Exhibition Centre, Car Park, and Energy
Centre. The project features locally sourced and low-emitting materials in addition to water efficient
landscaping and fixtures. The passion OMRAN has for designing healthier, more resilient buildings is
contributing to the efforts the Middle East region is making to create a more sustainable world.
Qatar
With more than 550 LEED professionals
throughout the country, Qatar is laying the
groundwork for a more resilient future.
The LEED Gold Qatar National Convention
Centre (QNCC) Extension and Exhibition
Hall is the first certified project on the
Qatar Foundation (QF) campus. The
107,535 square meter project includes
large exhibition spaces, conference and
office rooms, concourse, and back-of-house
support areas. An external bridge connects the new exhibition hall with the existing Qatar Science and
Technology Park which supports a pedestrian friendly campus. QF's dedication to sustainable growth is
further demonstrated with the inclusion of several green building features such as on-site renewable energy
sources that produce a considerable percentage of the building's energy needs; Roof surfaces that either
support a PV array or are covered with a high-albedo roofing material to reduce the heat island effect; A
greywater capture system is fed from all of the low-flow showers, fixtures and sinks used for the sewage
conveyance from the building and elements to provide a high standard of indoor environmental quality;
Locally extracted and manufactured materials were used whenever possible and the concrete floors,
supporting members and other selected finish materials added to the quantity of recycled content.
With a steadily growing base of over 200 LEED projects totaling nearly 6.2 million gross square meters of
certified space, Qatar is helping to grow and educate the green building community in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia
Healthy buildings are leading the way
to a healthy economy in Saudi Arabia.
In 2016, Saudi Arabia unveiled their
2030 Vision which provides the
framework to reduce their
dependence on oil and diversify the
economy. Construction, specifically
sustainable construction, plays a
significant role in making this vision a
reality.
In Riyadh, the LEED Gold Marriott Hotels Diplomatic Quarter, the first LEED certified hotel in the country, is
one example of how thoughtful construction can turn undesirable environmental factors into green building
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advantages. The building features recycled and low emitting materials, onsite renewable energy, and water
efficient landscaping. The layered design of the hotel mimics the geology of the region and creates a
protected micro-climate. Complex reflection processes allow the buildings to amplify natural light and spaces
are generously lit with skylights, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The hotel’s construction and plentiful
shaded areas allows for natural ventilation, minimizing the dependence air conditioning.
The Marriott Hotels Diplomatic Quarter serves as an exemplar of the marriage between economic grown and
environmental sustainability and clearly illustrates that Saudi Arabia is well on its way to achieving its goals.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a green building powerhouse
in the Middle East with more than 1,200
LEED projects covering over 658.5
million total gross square feet of certified
space.
A number of notable projects are
contributing to the spread of green
building in the UAE. DEWA’s Sustainable
Building, the largest LEED Platinum
government building in the world at the
time of certification, prioritized efficiency in its design. The facility consumes 66% less energy than a
traditional building and generates additional renewable energy through an on-site 660 kilowatt (kW) solar
power plant. Du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), was recognized for
sustainability best practices through Mirdif and Fujairah City Centre retail outlet's LEED v4.1 O+M Platinum
re-certification. The Signature Shop at Mirdif re-certified through the Arc Platform, scoring 84 out of a
possible 100 points. The Provis and Khidmah’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi recently received the highest level
of points in LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) Commercial Interiors certification in the region and
is the fourth project globally to achieve 90 points in the LEED rating. As a community, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Authority (DSOA) implemented several environmental initiatives in line with its smart city strategy such as
smart lighting, integrated water recycling & smart irrigation, and as a community succeeded in reducing its
cumulative energy consumption by 33.67%, surpassing the 30% target set out in the Dubai Integrated Energy
Strategy 2030. They have 4 LEED v4.1 O+M Platinum certified facilities: the high-bay building, the techno-
point building, DSOA Headquarter building, and Techno-hub 2.
A great example of how an existing, high energy and water consuming building can be transformed into a
high performing skyscraper is the Dubai Chamber’s head office. The building was constructed in the dense
business hub of Dubai in 1995 and its LEED Certification demonstrated that existing buildings in the region
could be greened without major investment. Since then, the Dubai Chamber has continued to upgrade its
office with the latest sustainable features and achieved LEED Platinum at recertification, showing that the
highest standard is also attainable in the UAE through thoughtful renovation focused on creating healthier,
more resilient buildings.
With over 2,000 LEED Accredited Professionals, including LEED Fellow Mario Seneviratne, the UAE is a
booming metropolis of sustainable and resilient innovators who are demonstrating their commitment towards
a higher quality of life for all.
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Fostering a Sustainable Future
Educational institutions across the Middle East are demonstrating their commitment to green building
practices through LEED certifications and initiatives. For example, INSEAD’s middle east campus in the UAE
recently achieved LEED Operations + Maintenance (O+M) Platinum certification. This is the first business
school in the world to achieve this certification and regionally it is the first to receive LEED v4.1 O+M
certification. With the support of Consultant Alpin, INSEAD was able to optimize performance and prioritize the
health of the building occupants to ensure a sustainable future for the leaders of tomorrow.
In Lebanon, USGBC
Member, American
University of Beirut
launched their “Boldly
AUB” Campaign, which
is aimed towards
enriching education
and research,
furthering innovation
and entrepreneurship,
enhancing healthcare,
solidifying community
relevance, and
ensuring resilience.
Their efforts include a
balance of economic, cultural, and environmental consciousness on campus. Currently AUB owns four LEED
projects including their recently LEED Gold certified Penrose Hall.
At the King Abdullah University
of Science and Technology in
the Saudi Arabia, sustainability is
at the core of KAUST’s vision to
be a destination for scientific and
technological education and
research and to inspire
discoveries that address today’s
global challenges. Influenced by
traditional middle east
architecture, KAUST’s LEED
Platinum campus is home to
scientific research that will
enable KAUST to improve its environmental standards and contribute to global solutions. As the first LEED
Platinum building in Saudi Arabia, KAUST serves as a living laboratory demonstrating that environmentally
responsible methods of operation and maintenance are possible in the region.
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The importance of green building goes far beyond present-day environmental consciousness. As exemplified
by INSEAD, KAUST, and other educational institutions who are pursuing LEED certification, such as the
Lebanese American University, the International College in Lebanon, and the Qatar Academy Msherieb. Each
of these organizations are helping to ensure healthy and resilient buildings for our future leaders.
Leaders in Green Home Innovation
In the Middle East, there are several standout residential leaders in green home innovation. By incorporating
such things as improved air quality, energy efficiency and optimal lighting in their spaces, it is clear how these
residential areas are putting human health, comfort, and the environment at the forefront of their innovation.
The KAPSARC research
campus in Riyadh is a
unique project incorporating
sustainability. All of the villas
on this 70,000m
2
campus
have been awarded LEED for
Homes, with 188 out of 191
being LEED Gold certified.
This campus has shown
tremendous leadership being
the first project outside of
North America to be awarded
a LEED for Homes
certification and also the first
large project anywhere in the world to achieve this certification at all. In pushing for greatness this campus
specifies strict limits on its energy efficiency and water usage exemplifying its proactive sustainability goals.
A major project leading in innovation is the
550,799.45m
2
Diyar Al Salam Residences Project
in Saudi Arabia. These residences are equipped
with the first charging stations for electric cars as
a residential property in the Kingdom in addition
to glass facades to enjoy the natural light coming
in during the daytime and air conditioning filters
with water to help reduce costs and ensure
optimal thermal comfort. The residence also
includes a bicycle parking facility to promote
physical exercise as well as recycling bins spread
throughout the building to encourage recycling by
residents. Diyar Al Salam has shown to be all
encompassing with its intentions by aiming to be not only environmentally friendly, but also financially
responsible, and human-centric.
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Oman has also shown great leadership
with its LEED certified ALARGAN Green
Home. This residence is the first LEED
Platinum home in its Telal Al Qurm
property in the Sultanate of Oman. This
single townhouse has proven to put the
health of people and the environment at
the forefront of its design, consuming
30% less energy, 35% less water and
emitting 40% less CO
2
than a normal
home. This home, having followed
LEED for Homes guidelines is said to
have saved the homeowner 67% more
on energy consumption and 35% more
on water consumption annually than a
normal home would have.
Responsible Infrastructure
The Middle East is home to several
development and consulting companies that
have introduced avant-garde projects to
their region. One of these companies is The
Red Sea Development Company, a Platinum
member since 2019. They have designed
what is one of the world’s most sought-after
travel destinations: The Red Sea Project.
This site has three unique components to it:
incorporation of more than 90 pristine
islands, miles of sweeping desert, and
dramatic mountain landscapes. Although
this is an immensely beautiful project,
developers did not disregard their
responsibility to preserve the natural environment or standards for sustainable development. The Red Sea
Project aims to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, waste production, and light and noise pollution, while
maintaining the destination at a level equivalent to a Marine Protected Area.
DAR Consulting, a LEED Platinum member operating out of Lebanon, has a strong demand for sustainable
development with their projects. They are committed to preserving the natural resources, enhancing the open
space, and protecting the public health and wellbeing of the communities they work in. As a consulting
company they offer many services to help assist their clients with creating environmentally friendly
infrastructure. Some of these services include Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Environmental
Effects Monitoring, and a specialty in Sustainable Buildings Designs and Certifications, which includes their
commitment to and implementation of LEED.
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EcoConsulting, a LEED
organizational member in
Lebanon since 2009, has made
great strides in the
environmentally friendly real
estate world. With over 15 years
of experience in leading
consulting seminars for their
clients, they provide the best
proactive solutions and
technologies, in-depth knowledge
on green construction, and real
case examples from projects they
have worked on before.
These companies, along with many more across the Middle Eastern region, have shown the importance of
committing to creating- or teaching about- responsible, green, and healthy infrastructure.
Embracing Your Environment
In the Middle East, climate and landscape provide challenges that are unique to the region. For that
reason, communities, cities, and developments must consider environmental factors and long-term
resilience when during development and operation.
Majid Al Futtaim properties, a leading retail developer in the Middle East region has led the green building
movement for decades, with various LEED Certified buildings to their credit, ranging from retail malls, office
spaces, interiors, and existing buildings.
The Msheireb Downtown
Doha regeneration project
aims to revive the old
commercial district with new
architectural methodologies
and design married with
traditional Qatari heritage and
architecture. Made up of a
combined 1,408,936 sqm,
the development will
eventually include over 100
buildings all targeting a
minimum of Gold certification
with some pursuing Platinum. The project has a strategic goal to reverse the existing pattern of
development in Doha, which trends towards isolated land use, reliance on car transportation, and high
energy structures. Msheireb Downtown Doha will become a social and civic hub in the city center where
people can live, work, shop, and socialize.
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The design and architecture of the district prioritizes sustainability and resilience while considering the
environmental factors of the region. The master plan includes street patterns designed to align with the
prevailing winds, channeling cooling sea breezes. The structures themselves feature thicker walls,
strategic building orientation, and shade from nearby buildings to cool the local environment and reduce
air-conditioning requirements. Utilization of materials from the region and the adoption of new
technologies and practices make the most efficient use of water and energy. Central chillers create
efficient use of infrastructure and provide 30% more efficient cooling when compared to typical building
systems. The project also features 6500 PV panels producing renewable energy equivalent to 4% of
building energy use and 1400 solar thermal panels producing enough energy to provide 75% of hot
water used. High efficiency plumbing fixtures reduce water usage up to 30% while efficient irrigation
systems and the use of native species adapted to survive in the climate reduce irrigation requirement.
On a larger scale,
the Emirate of
Dubai recently
achieved LEED
for Cities
Platinum
certification and
is the first city in
the region to
certify under the
program. LEED
for Cities and
Communities
certification helps
revolutionize the
way cities and
communities are
planned,
developed, and
operated in order to improve the quality of life for their inhabitants. According to Abdulla Al Basti,
Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, “this certification reinforces Dubai’s strategic vision
for a better future…this milestone serves as further proof that Dubai is on the right track to becoming a
smart, sustainable city and to securing a green, safe, and happy living environment for our generation
and future generation to come.” This statement is further evidenced by the Dubai Clean Energy strategy
2050, which aims to achieve 75% clean energy output by 2050. In June 2020, Dubai took substantial
steps towards that goal by installing the world’s tallest concentrated solar power tower, which stands at
over 262 meters tall in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a 77 KM2 solar park south of
Dubai.
The environmental conditions in the Middle East provide a unique set of challenges for cities,
communities, and developments in the region. As shown by Msheireb Downtown Doha project LEED
certification and the Emirate of Dubai’s LEED for Cities certification, it is possible to work within these
conditions and even use them as tools in order to create sustainable and resilient place for people to
live, work, and play.
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Healthier Offices and Facilities
Whether it be in an office, a factory, the outdoors, or somewhere in between, the health of a workspace is vital
for the productivity and well-being of workers.
The Algorithm Zekrit, a pharmaceutical firm based in Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon, has taken initiative to make its
office spaces both environmentally friendly and healthier for their tenants. Seeking further expansion into the
city of Zekrit, the new building is working toward successfully achieving the LEED Gold certification through
various sustainability recommendations and performance simulation studies. The 11,824.23 m
2
space has
allowed for 55 rooms with HVAC lab controls, a chilled water plant, steam boiler plant, compressed air
system, and water treatment.
Stimulating their national economy, The CCBCSA Sudair Production Facility in Saudi Arabia is doing its part
to help push for better buildings. Their new facility, completed in 2019, will create roughly 200 new jobs for
Saudi Arabians. Coca-Cola, the owner of this LEED Silver facility, claimed the location for the plant because of
its proximity to the capital, Riyadh, and its strategic importance as a center for manufacturing in the kingdom.
This facility will allow the company to be at the core of the manufacturing world effecting sustainable changes.
The Izzat Marji Group
Headquarters, located
in Jordan, is also
pushing for healthier
workspaces. The space
spanning 8,700m
2
is
the first in Jordan to
receive the Jordan
Green Building Guide
Certificate at the
highest level of “A”,
and the first
commercial building in
Jordan to receive a
LEED Platinum
Certification. The
building, uniquely, is
able to completely
cover its electrical
consumption. Using innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency systems through PV systems, they are
able to convert solar energy into electric power. With the energy efficient equipment, they use in addition to
the use of PV systems in the building, carbon dioxide emissions are expected to decrease by approximately
310,500 kilograms per annum. Outside of doing their part to manage their energy use, the headquarters also
captures rainwater and saves 58% in water-usage while also providing excellent indoor quality for their
tenants.
