Gulf states accelerate green building codes amid rapid urban expansion

As urban centres expand and the skyline transforms, the environmental impact of construction becomes increasingly significant. Globally, buildings contribute approximately 39 percent of energy-related carbon emissions—28 percent from operational energy usage and 11 percent from the processes and materials used in construction, referred to as embodied carbon. With projections indicating that the global building stock may double by 2050, the carbon emissions generated during construction could potentially consume a substantial portion of our remaining carbon budget.

In light of these challenges, the World Green Building Council has established clear targets urging a 40 percent reduction in embodied carbon by 2030, with aspirations for net-zero operational and embodied carbon across the sector by 2050. Achieving these ambitious goals necessitates comprehensive strategies encompassing greener building regulations, significant energy retrofits, the use of cleaner construction materials, and innovative design solutions—underpinned by robust leadership and coordinated policy efforts, particularly in regions undergoing rapid construction growth.

Building Codes as Catalysts for Change

The United Arab Emirates presents a compelling case study of how regulatory frameworks can translate sustainability visions into actionable practices. In 2010, Abu Dhabi introduced the Estidama initiative—which translates to “sustainability” in Arabic—accompanied by the Pearl Rating System, mandating that all new developments obtain at least a 1 Pearl rating, escalating to 2 Pearls for government-funded projects. Unlike other voluntary frameworks such as LEED or BREEAM, Estidama is embedded in legislative requirements. Moreover, Masdar City has set an even higher benchmark, enforcing a minimum of 3 Pearls for its buildings.

Following Abu Dhabi’s lead, Dubai implemented its Green Building Regulations in 2014, which apply to both public and private constructions. The Al Sa’fat system, introduced in 2016, offers additional incentives for projects that exceed baseline sustainability standards. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) joined the movement in 2019 with the Barjeel Green Building Regulations, which have been mandatory since 2020, aiming for a 30 percent reduction in energy and water usage compared to traditional buildings.

While these regulatory achievements are commendable, gaps remain within the UAE, where several northern emirates have yet to adopt binding green building codes. Comprehensive enforcement of these regulations is crucial to prevent a fragmented approach that might inadvertently allow high-carbon developments to proliferate.

Regional Momentum: Saudi Arabia and Beyond

The momentum for sustainability is also gathering pace across the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia has made notable strides with the introduction of its Green Building Code as part of a comprehensive update to its national construction regulations. This initiative sets minimum standards for sustainable construction, while the Mostadam rating system promotes sustainability across various communities and developments, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda.

The country has registered around 2,000 of the 5,000 green building projects within the Arab world, reflecting a significant growth trajectory in its green building market, projected to reach $33 billion by 2030. Landmark projects such as NEOM’s “The Line” aim to redefine urban living with designs powered entirely by renewable energy, emphasising a commitment to preserving surrounding natural landscapes. Similarly, Qatar has implemented the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) to set benchmarks for green structures, notably during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

However, the focus must extend beyond high-profile projects; the real measure of success will rely on ensuring daily construction practices adhere to sustainable standards. Effective enforcement of regulations across thousands of diverse projects will ultimately determine the impact of these initiatives.

Private Sector Leadership and International Standards

Merely establishing regulations is not sufficient; innovation emanating from the private sector is essential for surpassing basic compliance. Prominent UAE companies, including Aldar Properties and Masdar, exemplify how private enterprises can lead the charge towards sustainability. Aldar aims for net-zero operations by 2030, striving to extend this target to its entire value chain by 2050, while investing heavily in low-carbon technologies and renewable energy sources.

Masdar continues to make strides as a clean energy pioneer, with its Masdar City development achieving energy and water savings of around 40 percent compared to traditional buildings through strategies such as passive cooling and the integration of renewable energy sources. The company has also invested in over 11 GW of renewable energy globally, indicating a robust commitment to sustainable practices.

Furthermore, international frameworks like LEED and BREEAM play a vital role in bolstering regional sustainability efforts. Numerous high-profile UAE projects, from airports to luxury hotels, aim for LEED Gold or Platinum certification, positioning the UAE among the leading nations for LEED-certified constructions outside the United States. The blending of local regulations with global standards fosters a culture of sustainability within the region’s architecture and engineering spheres.

Beyond New Construction: Retrofitting and Circular Economy

Merely addressing new construction is insufficient in combating climate change; around 80 percent of buildings in 2050 are already in existence. Many of these structures were built prior to the introduction of modern efficiency standards, rendering them functionally wasteful. For instance, a study conducted in Dubai revealed that the most efficient hotels consumed 58 percent less energy and 65 percent less water than their least efficient counterparts.

Retrofitting presents a significant opportunity for enhancing building efficiency. Enhancements such as improved insulation, air sealing, modern HVAC systems, and smart controls can result in a 50 percent reduction in energy consumption. Initiatives by Dubai’s Etihad ESCO have led to substantial efficiency improvements, with parallel efforts occurring in Abu Dhabi.

Embracing a circular economy within the construction sector is equally critical, as construction and demolition waste contributes to approximately 70-75 percent of the UAE’s total solid waste. Strategies that promote recycling, modular construction, and designed disassembly can dramatically reduce both emissions and waste. The UAE’s Circular Economy Policy for 2021-2031 prioritises green infrastructure, focusing on renovation practices, efficient material use, and recycling initiatives, while companies like Bee’ah pioneer zero-waste-to-landfill programmes.

However, for circular strategies to succeed, there is a pressing need for stricter compliance regarding waste sorting and recycling requirements. This will require government incentives supporting low-carbon materials, recycled content mandates, and investments in recycling infrastructure.

Bridging the Gaps: Policy and Practice

Despite notable advancements, significant gaps persist within the region’s policy framework. Expanding and harmonising green building codes across Gulf jurisdictions is essential. A unified sustainability rating system applicable to all emirates—including those lacking mandatory regulations—could streamline compliance and simplify sustainability navigation for the private sector.

Moreover, enforcement measures should extend beyond initial construction approvals to incorporate ongoing monitoring and post-occupancy evaluations. Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl Operational rating, although voluntary, underscores the importance of performance-based certifications to ensure sustainable operation.

Retrofitting policies also require scaling through financial mechanisms like green loans, subsidy programmes, and mandatory energy audits for larger properties. Without deep retrofitting initiatives, there is a risk of solidifying high emissions into the urban landscape.

Lastly, the regulation of embodied carbon remains insufficiently addressed. While operational efficiency continues to dominate current building codes, developers must also consider the embodied emissions of construction materials. The Gulf could benefit from adopting measures similar to those implemented in cities like London and California, which have established limits on embodied carbon for construction, particularly in cement and steel-intensive sectors.

Building sustainable infrastructure in a rapidly expanding real estate market is not a mere option; it is a necessity. The UAE and the wider Gulf region find themselves at a critical juncture where the decisions made today will profoundly influence future generations. A continuation of the status quo threatens to escalate emissions, deplete resources, and increase climate vulnerability. In contrast, prioritising sustainability could lead to vibrant, resilient cities that align with global climate goals and enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants.

Encouraging signs of progress are already visible. By amplifying successful initiatives and addressing existing policy gaps, the Gulf can evolve into a pioneering model for sustainable urban development. The opportunity is immense, and the urgency is palpable. Each new building, community, or retrofit must move us closer to a net-zero future. The respective commitments of regional governments—such as the UAE’s pledge for net-zero emissions by 2050 and Saudi Arabia’s and Bahrain’s targets set for 2060—indicate a widespread intent to build responsively and resiliently. The legacy shaped by today’s infrastructural choices will either mitigate risks or position the region ahead in the pursuit of sustainable progress.

Reference Map:

• Paragraph 1 – ^[1], ^[7]
• Paragraph 2 – ^[1], ^[2], ^[4]
• Paragraph 3 – ^[3], ^[5]
• Paragraph 4 – ^[1], ^[3], ^[6]
• Paragraph 5 – ^[1], ^[2], ^[7]
• Paragraph 6 – ^[1], ^[2], ^[5]
• Paragraph 7 – ^[1], ^[2], ^[4]
• Paragraph 8 – ^[1], ^[3], ^[6]

Source: Noah Wire Services