Saudi Arabia Leads Region in Green Buildings for 2025

Saudi Arabia just became the regional leader in sustainable construction, proving that ambitious climate goals can transform into real results.

The Kingdom earned the highest regional score of 76.31 points on the Saaf index in 2025, a specialized measurement system developed by the Saudi Green Building Forum. This achievement came after certifying more than 1.03 million square meters of sustainable building space.

The numbers tell a powerful story of commitment. Since 2010, Saudi Arabia has completed 6,662 green building projects that work together to reduce environmental impact across the nation.

These aren't just buildings with solar panels. The projects achieved an estimated 62,800 tonnes of carbon reduction annually while setting new standards for water efficiency, eco-friendly materials, and energy performance.

Faisal Al-Fadl, secretary-general of the Saudi Green Building Forum, called 2025 a major turning point. The approach now embeds sustainability directly into economic planning and public development programs rather than treating it as an afterthought.

The growth reflects careful planning tied to Vision 2030, the Kingdom's roadmap for cleaner growth and climate resilience. What started as individual projects has evolved into a coordinated strategy connecting policy, technology, and practical execution.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond Saudi borders. More than 7,300 professionals across 22 Arab countries engaged with the Saaf platform in 2025, learning from Saudi Arabia's model and bringing sustainable practices to their own communities.

The Kingdom earned 29 professional recognitions internationally, strengthening its voice in global sustainability conversations. Regional governments and public institutions now collaborate on integrated efforts that accelerate green building adoption throughout the Middle East.

This institutional approach creates lasting change. Rather than isolated success stories, the framework builds professional capacity, drives market innovation, and enables precise performance tracking through the Sufficiency and Resilience Composite Index.

Al-Fadl described the period from 2025 to 2026 as a bridge toward Vision 2030, strengthening a model where sustainable buildings are measured by impact and delivered through lasting partnerships. The framework ensures quality implementation at scale while maintaining environmental standards.

The transformation shows what's possible when climate action meets careful planning, proving that sustainable development can drive economic progress while protecting the planet for future generations.