A Comprehensive Assessment of Sustainable Construction Materials in Saudi Arabia’s Construction Industry
摘要
Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is under increasing environmental and economic pressures, prompting a critical need for sustainable solutions. Traditional materials such as steel and concrete are major contributors to carbon emissions, conflicting with the nation’s Vision 2030 objectives, emphasizing environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. The country’s diverse climatic zones—including hot desert, semi-arid, and Mediterranean—present unique challenges, underscoring the importance of adopting region-specific sustainable materials. Eco-friendly alternatives offer reduced embodied carbon and operational energy consumption. This research aims to evaluate and promote the adoption of sustainable construction materials in Saudi Arabia, focusing on their environmental, economic, and practical performance across diverse climates. A primary outcome of the study is creating a pilot program designed to compile and present localized data on sustainable materials, serving as a reference tool for the construction industry. The study employs a comprehensive methodology combining quantitative with qualitative insights from surveys and interviews with industry stakeholders. This approach provides a holistic understanding of eco-friendly materials’ performance, costs, and environmental impacts. The pilot program will offer data on the effectiveness of these materials. Findings suggest that while sustainable materials incur higher upfront costs, their long-term advantages far outweigh the initial investment. The research recommends implementing the proposed pilot program and providing localized performance data to promote adoption. Financial incentives, updates to the Saudi Building Code to include sustainability guidelines and fostering local manufacturing capabilities for sustainable materials are also suggested. In conclusion, adopting sustainable materials presents significant opportunities for Saudi Arabia to achieve its Vision 2030 goals, reducing emissions, conserving resources, and improving quality of life.