Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia could consume as much oil as it exports by 2030 and it uses nearly 200bn kWh of electricity every year, according to an expert.



“There are excellent foundations here in Saudi Arabia for sustainability in green building and you can sense the commitment when the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) has initiated a decree that in 5 years all companies have to meet new air, water and noise pollution standards. As a start 90,000 mosque across the Kingdom would be made more eco-energy,” said John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer, UTC Building & Industrial Systems.



He added “therefore, Saudis should make their economy more energy, efficient and how to accelerate green building.”



Mandyck assured that the Saudis have the basics for the changes to green building. “You can touch and feel that sustainability is started to take place in Saudi Arabia and we think that will lead to greener future,” he said. 



He noted that Saudi Arabia will invest $26 billion in 76 renewable energy projects across the country.



“Saudi Arabia has already shown strong interest in strengthening its green building presence. We hope our continued discussions with the official Saudis will help further drive advancements and shape the decisions made for years to come,” said Mandyck.



He pointed out that the GCC countries are one of the largest consumers of energy in the world with increasing population and growing construction sector.



He affirmed that Dubai and Abu Dhabi are ahead in green building but other GCC can catch up because of their determination and interest in accelerating green building.



“Dubai has been pursuing the lead in green building in the last ten years and Abu Dhabi comes next because of its sophisticated system called “Pro Rating System,” he said.



Speaking about their lecture held in Jeddah recently, Mandyck said “UTC Building & Industrial Systems has been a leader in sustainability and the green building movement. With buildings in the Middle East accounting for more than 50 percent of the region’s energy consumption, we place sustainability and energy efficiency at the core of our building solutions. 



“The lecture showed our commitment to sustainability awareness and education, and connects international sustainability thought experts with local professionals in countries with emerging economies.”



Launched in the Middle East in 2011, the Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series has reached more than 2,500 professionals through 21 events in Brazil, China, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. — SG