Saudi Arabia’s real estate market increasingly prioritizes sustainability. The Sustainability Assessment Service helps developers, investors, and buyers evaluate buildings against environmental, economic, and social standards, from Green to Diamond levels, aligning with the Saudi Building Code and Vision 2030.
This service, part of the Sustainable Building Platform by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, is crucial for assessing property value in a growing sustainable building market. Let’s explore more.
What is the Sustainability System?
The Sustainability Assessment is the first national Saudi system developed in alignment with the Saudi Building Code and global best practices. It allows developers and property owners to measure the sustainability of new or existing buildings and communities. The system uses a comprehensive classification covering the design and construction phases as well as operation and maintenance.
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Sustainability Assessment Service in Saudi Arabia
The Sustainability Assessment is the first national system developed in line with the Saudi Building Code. It enables developers and property owners to evaluate the sustainability of their buildings.
How to Obtain the Sustainability Assessment Service in Saudi Arabia?
The service is granted based on the points achieved within sustainability criteria, spanning five levels from Green to Diamond. These criteria are tailored to the local climate and environment, focusing on key areas such as energy, water, health, and quality of life, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Requirements to Obtain the Service
Applicants must register on the Sustainable Building Portal through a certified Sustainable Building entity. The steps are as follows:
- Access the Sustainable Building Platform via the official website
- Select the “Building Sustainability Assessment” service from the “Our Services” menu
- Log in as a property owner
- Choose a certified engineering office from those listed on the platform
- Coordinate with the engineering office to determine the desired sustainability level
- The office inputs the required project data into the system
- Monitor project implementation to ensure all sustainability requirements and points are achieved
- Upon completion, a sustainability certificate is issued based on the points achieved
What is the Sustainable Building Inspection?
Sustainable Building Inspection is part of the Sustainability Assessment Service. It evaluates the property to ensure compliance with approved standards during design, construction, and operation.
Inspections are conducted by certified engineers and technicians following the National Evaluation Guide, covering environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and construction materials. Buildings receive a rating showing their sustainability level, which supports responsible purchasing or development decisions.
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The Importance of Sustainability Certification in Real Estate
Many developers seek sustainability certification because it is a vital tool to enhance the quality and longevity of real estate projects. Its benefits include:
- Improving construction quality and operational efficiency: Ensures energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, reduces costs, and extends building lifespan.
- Enhancing project credibility: Certified buildings are perceived as high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly, increasing their attractiveness for sale or lease.
- Regulatory compliance: Certified projects comply with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing regulations, facilitating permits and government support.
- Supporting sustainable development: Encourages responsible urban practices that enhance quality of life and build sustainable cities.
- Competitive advantage: Certification distinguishes projects in the real estate market and attracts long-term investors.
How Has the Sustainable Building Platform Increased Demand for Sustainability Assessment in 2025?
The Ministry announced that demand for sustainability assessments tripled in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, thanks to the launch of the online platform, automated procedures, and improved service accessibility.
Six projects were granted sustainability certificates during this period, marking a 200% increase compared to the first half of the previous year, demonstrating a notable rise in demand for the service in Saudi Arabia.
Sustainability Assessment Projects – Statistics
The number of projects undergoing sustainability assessment has grown significantly in recent years. In the first half of 2025, six real estate projects received sustainability certificates, while 38 new projects covering over 8 million m² were registered for assessment.
These projects include integrated residential communities, commercial towers, and smart cities reflecting national environmental sustainability goals. Each project follows precise criteria throughout its lifecycle, including compliance with the Saudi Building Code.
Role of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in Launching the Service
The ministry not only launched the service but also plays a key role in its regulation and supervision, issuing legislation, monitoring compliance with standards, and partnering with local and international authorities.
In conclusion, this article has covered all details regarding the Sustainability Assessment Service in Saudi Arabia. Many developers seek this certification to distinguish their real estate projects according to multiple criteria. We also discussed the requirements, application steps, and the importance of the certificate.
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