How EPDs Align with Saudi Vision 2030: A Guide for Manufacturers in KSA
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently home to the most ambitious construction projects on the planet. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is not just building bigger; it is building smarter. For manufacturers, this shift means that traditional quality checks are no longer enough. To join the supply chain of "Giga-projects" like NEOM, Red Sea Global, and Qiddiya, you need to prove your environmental credentials.
The most recognized way to do this is through an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). In this guide, we explore why
Key Takeaways
Vision 2030 Link: EPDs directly support the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom's goal of reaching Net Zero by 2060.
Procurement Edge: Giga-projects prioritize suppliers who provide transparent
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Global Standards: KSA is adopting ISO 14025 and EN 15804+A2 to ensure local materials are export-ready.
Material Transparency: EPDs provide the verified data needed for Mostadama and LEED certifications in the Kingdom.
The Green Heart of Saudi Vision 2030
At its core, Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and develop a sustainable future. The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) has set a target to reduce carbon emissions by more than 278 million tonnes per annum.
Since the construction sector is a major contributor to carbon, the government is looking at embodied carbon—the emissions generated during the making of building materials. This is where
Why KSA Giga-Projects Demand EPDs
If you are a manufacturer of steel, concrete, or
1. NEOM and The Line
NEOM is designed to be a 100% sustainable city. Their procurement teams require rigorous data on the environmental impact of every ton of material delivered to the site.
2. Red Sea Global
This project follows "Regenerative Tourism" principles. They don't just want to "do no harm"; they want to improve the environment. A verified EPD allows them to select materials that have the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP).
3. Mostadama Rating System
KSA has its own green building rating system called Mostadama. Similar to Estidama in Abu Dhabi, Mostadama rewards the use of materials that have a
EPD vs. HPD: What Saudi Developers Want
While an EPD focuses on the planet, a Health Product Declaration (HPD) focuses on the people. Saudi developers are increasingly asking for both.
EPD: Tells them the carbon footprint and energy use.
HPD: Tells them if the material contains harmful chemicals like VOCs.
For manufacturers, providing both
7 Steps for KSA Manufacturers to Get Certified
The process of getting an
Select a Program Operator: Choose a recognized body like
The International EPD System Data Collection: Gather energy, water, and raw material data from your KSA factory.
LCA Modeling: Work with
ESG experts Verification: Hire a third-party auditor to check the math and the science.
Registration: Upload the verified document to a public database.
Marketing: Add the EPD logo to your technical datasheets.
Sales Integration: Train your sales team to explain how your EPD helps builders win
LEED EPD Credits
The ROI of EPDs for Saudi Businesses
Is it worth the investment? The data says yes.
Preferential Procurement: Many Saudi government tenders now give a "sustainability score" boost to EPD-certified products.
Reduced Waste: The LCA process often identifies areas where your factory is wasting electricity or raw materials.
Future-Proofing: As the KSA government moves toward a carbon tax or carbon trading, having your data ready is vital.
Brand Authority: Position your company as a leader in the
Net Zero Construction
FAQ: EPDs in Saudi Arabia
Is EPD mandatory for NEOM projects? While requirements vary by package, most Tier-1 contractors at NEOM now prioritize suppliers who can provide third-party verified EPDs to meet strict sustainability KPIs.
What standards must a Saudi EPD follow?
EPDs in KSA must follow
How does an EPD help with Mostadama? Mostadama gives credits for "Life Cycle Impact Reduction." Using products with an EPD makes it much easier for the project to document these savings.
Can an EPD help with Saudi exports? Yes. If you manufacture in KSA and want to export to the EU, you will likely need an EPD to comply with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
How long does the EPD process take? Typically, the process takes 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly you can provide factory data.
Do I need an LCA before an EPD?
Yes, an
Who verifies EPDs in Saudi Arabia? EPDs must be verified by an independent, accredited third-party individual or body to ensure the claims are not "greenwashing."
Glossary for Saudi Manufacturers
Mostadama: The sustainable building rating system developed by the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.
SGI: Saudi Green Initiative; the Kingdom’s roadmap for climate action.
Giga-projects: Massive development projects like NEOM, Diriyah Gate, and Amaala.
PCR: Product Category Rules; the specific guidelines for how to calculate the LCA for a specific product like cement or steel.
Embodied Carbon: The carbon footprint of a material before the building is even occupied.
Cradle-to-Gate: The impact of a product from raw material extraction to the moment it leaves the factory.
Type III Declaration: A verified environmental declaration based on ISO 14025.
Verification: The process of having an external expert check the LCA data for accuracy.
GWP: Global Warming Potential; the primary metric used in EPDs to show climate impact.
Transparency: The act of disclosing environmental data to build trust with developers and engineers.
Final Thoughts
For manufacturers in the Kingdom, the message is clear: the future of construction is transparent. An EPD is no longer just a certificate on the wall; it is a critical business document that connects your factory to the grand vision of a sustainable Saudi Arabia.
Would you like me to help you compare your current product data against the requirements of the Saudi Mostadama system?
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