GCC’s First Sustainable Construction Code Paves the Way for a Greener Future
The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) has developed the GCC’s first-ever Sustainable Construction Code, marking a major step toward eco-friendly urban development.
According to ESG MENA, GORD, a subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, signed an agreement with the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) to integrate this framework into the Gulf Building Code.
The agreement was formalized at GSO headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by Dr. Yousef Bin Mohammed Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, and His Excellency Engineer Nawaf bin Ibrahim Al-Hamad Al-Mana, President of GSO.
Gulf Building Code: A Regional Framework for Sustainability
The Gulf Building Code, endorsed by the Ministries of Municipalities and Urban Planning in Gulf states, provides a standardized approach to building regulations across the region.
The Sustainable Construction Code, developed by experts at Qatar Science & Technology Park, expands on GORD’s Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS)—the first performance-based green building rating system in the MENA region.
22 Key Sustainability Criteria for Green Buildings
The Sustainable Construction Code is a 115-page document that simplifies the sustainability framework by narrowing 55 criteria down to 22 key performance indicators (KPIs) for practical implementation. This streamlined approach makes the code easier to adopt and enforce across all Gulf countries.
6 Core Chapters of the Sustainable Construction Code
The Code is divided into six key chapters, each addressing a critical aspect of sustainable construction:
1. Site Planning and Use – Guidelines for land use and infrastructure planning.
2. Material Selection – Recommendations for eco-friendly and sustainable building materials.
3. Energy Conservation & Efficiency – Strategies for optimizing energy use and reducing carbon footprints.
4. Water Conservation & Efficiency – Standards for efficient water management and resource conservation.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality – Measures to enhance air quality, ventilation, and occupant well-being.
6. Heritage & Cultural Identity – Emphasis on preserving regional architecture and historical elements.
Transforming the Gulf’s Construction Industry
The adoption of the Sustainable Construction Code represents a major shift in Gulf urban development, aligning with global climate goals and regional sustainability efforts.
By integrating green building principles into national construction regulations, GORD and GSO are paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally responsible future in the Gulf.
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