Structural Evaluation and Sustainable Practices in the Construction Industry withing the Framework of Saudi Vision 2030

Buildings and infrastructure are major contributors to environmental degradation due to high energy use, water pollution, construction waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to reduce these impacts in the construction sector to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability. While several buildings have obtained LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a global system evaluating buildings’ environmental performance, including energy, water, and material efficiency, though sustainable practices remain limited. Green building principles focus on minimizing environmental impacts through energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. LEED and similar rating systems are key tools for assessing building performance, yet their application in Saudi Arabia faces challenges, mainly due to a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and limited consideration of local climatic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. Additionally, the connection between structural performance, LEED scoring is unclear, limiting its integration into sustainability assessments. This study analyzes LEED’s implementation in the Saudi construction market, identifies barriers to broader adoption, and proposes practical recommendations to adapt the system to local conditions, supporting the sustainability goals of Vision 2030.

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