Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), the country is implementing green policies in construction to promote sustainability, reduce emissions, and support a green economy. Launched in 2021, SGI unites government, private sector, and society-wide efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2060, with construction playing a key role in realizing these targets.

With Saudi Arabia experiencing rapid population growth, new buildings must be developed in line with increasing concerns about climate change and global warming. This challenge is particularly pressing given that the country’s economy has long been heavily dependent on fossil fuel extraction, making the transition to sustainable construction even more critical.

According to the International Energy Agency, buildings are responsible for a significant share of global energy use and emissions. In 2021, they accounted for 30% of final energy consumption worldwide and 27% of total energy sector emissions. Of these emissions, around 8% came directly from buildings, while 19% were indirect, resulting from the electricity and heat used to power them. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is a rapidly developing country with a significant role in the construction sector. According to the Statista Research Department (2022), construction activities contributed approximately 45.4 billion US dollars to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), highlighting the sector’s economic importance.

The country also set the record for registering 2,000 of the 5,000 Green Building projects currently underway in the Middle East. By prioritizing sustainability, efficiency, and harmony with the environment, Saudi Arabia has pledged to redefine the design, construction, and operation of spaces to promote health, reduce environmental impact, and foster economic resilience.

Saudi Arabia faces several challenges in implementing sustainable housing, driven by harsh environmental conditions, rapid urbanization, and social considerations. Temperatures range from -11°C to 51°C, and water scarcity forces reliance on desalination and non-renewable groundwater, contributing to the country’s high ecological footprint. Privacy issues have arisen as high-rise developments encroach on low-rise family homes, generating social and cultural conflicts. Moreover, true sustainability extends beyond simply using “eco-friendly” materials, for instance, heat-resistant glass on a 51°C rooftop does not suffice. Although innovative sustainable housing concepts are gaining traction and professional awareness is growing, widespread implementation remains challenging due to limited public understanding, perceived high costs, and the need for effective coordination among governments, planners, and communities.

With projects such as NEOM and New Murabba in progress, another main challenge arises: ensuring that green and modern housing does not become a privilege reserved for the wealthy. NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious megacity, is projected to cost nearly $9 trillion and take over five decades to complete, according to an internal audit reported by the Wall Street Journal. The audit revealed significant delays, budget overruns, and a drastic increase from the initial $500 billion estimate, highlighting how such high-cost, long-term projects risk prioritizing affluent residents while potentially excluding middle-class families and limiting broader access to sustainable housing. Furthermore, NEOM’s massive carbon footprint, the vast quantities of raw materials required, and the risks posed to the regional ecosystem stand in stark contrast to its stated ambition of becoming a “green megacity of the future,” raising questions about its environmental and social sustainability. Adding to these concerns are numerous reports documenting the extreme working conditions faced by migrant workers who make these projects possible, raising questions about labor practices and social sustainability.

In summary, while Saudi Arabia is making significant strides toward sustainable construction through Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, numerous environmental, social, and economic challenges remain. From harsh climate conditions and rapid urbanization to housing equity, labor issues, and the environmental impact of megaprojects like NEOM, achieving truly sustainable and inclusive housing will require careful planning, broad public engagement, and a commitment to balancing innovation with social and environmental responsibility.

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