Sustainability

MOSTADAM Certification

Introduction:

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to promote sustainability in its rapidly growing urban landscape. MOSTADAM, the nation’s green building rating and certification system, was developed by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing to address environmental and economic challenges while improving the sustainability of the built environment. By aligning with the Saudi Green Building Code (SgBC 1001), MOSTADAM aims to enhance the design, construction, and operation of buildings, ensuring that developments contribute to the nation’s long-term sustainability goals.

  1. Overview of MOSTADAM Certification System
  2. Commercial Building Sectors
    1. 2.1 Residential Buildings
    2. 2.2 Commercial Buildings
    3. 2.3 Communities
  3. Certification Stages: Design & Construction (D+C) and Operation & Existing (O+E)
  4. Point System and Rating Level
  5. Conclusion

1. Overview of MOSTADAM Certification System

MOSTADAM represents Saudi Arabia’s green building certification system, which supports the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It integrates sustainable development practices and focuses on improving the design, construction, and operation of buildings in the kingdom.

2. Rating Systems for Different Development Types

MOSTADAM features three rating systems, each tailored to a specific type of development:

  • 2.1 Residential Buildings:
    Focuses on sustainability within housing projects, ensuring that homes meet key environmental and resource efficiency standards.
  • 2.2 Commercial Buildings:
    Applies to commercial sectors, education institutions, healthcare facilities, warehouses, mosque, and hospitality. 
  • 2.3 Communities:
    Involves the development of sustainable communities, encompassing urban planning and infrastructure that promote livability and environmental stewardship.

3. Certification Stages: Design & Construction (D+C) and Operation & Existing (O+E)

MOSTADAM offers two certification stages based on the development phase:

  • Design + Construction (D+C): Assessing projects during the planning and building phases.
  • Operation + Existing (O+E): Evaluating the performance of buildings once they are operational.

4. Point System and Rating Levels

  • 4.1 Residential and Communities Rating System:
    In these systems, projects are evaluated based on a 100-point scale. Points are distributed across various categories, with weightage given to each sustainability aspect. The final certification level is determined by the points achieved.
  • 4.2 Commercial Building Rating System:
    The commercial system uses a 130-point scale, allowing for more complex assessments due to the diversity of building types. Projects that focus solely on Shell or Fitout work are rated separately, and the points allocated differ accordingly.

Conclusion

MOSTADAM is a pivotal step toward realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, driving the country’s green building transformation. By offering tailored certification systems for residential, commercial, and community projects, it promotes a sustainable approach to urban development.