Barriers to the Diffusion and Adoption of Green Buildings in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Many countries around the globe have recently pursued sustainability. The public and governments are demanding sustainability due to worldwide environmental disasters caused by pollution and man-made activities that impact the ecological system. Green buildings represent a significant component of sustainability, as their construction is intended to reduce natural resources consumption through energy and water conservation. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's richest countries, but its number of certified green buildings is notably low. In addition, all of these buildings are certified by the US Green Building Council LEED rating system and not by a national organization. It seems that numerous barriers exist, slowing the development and diffusion of green buildings in Saudi Arabia. Through a systematic qualitative research approach, this research aims to explore barriers to the diffusion and adoption of green buildings in Saudi Arabia, which will facilitate the development of green buildings in Saudi Arabia. This research concludes the identification of 14 green building barriers, with lack of skilled personal and unsupportive government policies and regulations being the most significant barriers.

Motivators for Green Buildings: A Review

“…It is very difficult and almost impossible for stakeholders to succeed in applying green buildings without any support or guidance (Aktas & Ozorhon, 2015). Establishment of an official green building body is considered as the most important strategy for spreading the application of green buildings (Alrashed & Asif, 2014;AlSanad, 2015;Elfiky, 2011;Mosly, 2015;D. O. Nduka & Sotunbo, 2014;Shi, 2009;Yen et al, 2016;Y.…”

“…For example, the private sector may offer electricity and water subsidies for the payments of water and energy utilities (Mosly, 2015;Song & Peña-Mora, 2012). Private sector can also enlighten the public regarding the benefits of green buildings and increase the Environmental Management and Sustainable Development ISSN 2164-7682 2018 publicity and awareness through the media (Dahiru et al, 2014;Olubunmi et al, 2016).…”

“…Several previous studies have indicated the importance of this strategy, which include; "Development of designers" competence and team working", "Created education programs", "Improving sustainable design knowledge", "Improving knowledge and scope of products and materials", "Educating clients and utilizing rating tools", "Improving knowledge of economic performance", "Encouraging green building research", "Enhancing research collaborations on sustainability issues among academic staffs, students and outsiders", and "Training people in the building sector through workshops and seminars" (Abidin & Powmya, 2014;Alrashed & Asif, 2014;AlSanad, 2015;Gohardani, 2014;Gündoğan, 2012;Hä kkinen & Belloni, 2011;Hankinson, 2012;Hankinson & Breytenbach, 2012;Mosly, 2015;Wimala, Akmalah, Irawati, & Sururi, 2016).…”

“…Some of the policies that the government can take to support green buildings are; "Make policy to promote green building assessment". "Legislate against energy use", Financial incentive mechanisms", "Convert government building projects into green buildings", and "Local government tax concessions for green buildings" (Abidin & Powmya, 2014;Bond, 2010;Deutsche, 2016;Gündoğan, 2012;Hankinson & Breytenbach, 2012;Mosly, 2015;Shi, 2009;Yen et al, 2016).…”

Grease the Green Wheels: A Framework for Expediting the Green Building Movement in the Arab World

“…Also, people in Egypt are resistant to green buildings because they lack the proper education and awareness of green technology, and they do not want to invest in such things that they believe they are not able to maintain; "the main challenges are education and affordability" [8]. Mosly found that lack of skilled workers, unsupportive government policies, and regulations are the most significant barriers to the spreading of green buildings in Saudi Arabia [9].…”