The Mostadam Rating System: A Pillar of Saudi Sustainability
Designed for the Kingdom
Mostadam is the first green building rating system developed specifically for Saudi Arabia. Unlike international standards that apply a broad brush, Mostadam addresses the specific environmental challenges of the region, particularly water scarcity and cooling demands.
Three Rating Systems
Mostadam is not a one-size-fits-all. It is divided into three comprehensive systems:
- Residential Buildings: Targeted at villas and housing complexes, focusing on family comfort and privacy while maximizing efficiency.
- Commercial Buildings: For offices, schools, and malls, emphasizing operational efficiency and indoor environmental quality to boost productivity.
- Communities: A master-planning tool that ensures entire districts are walkable, connected, and sustainable.
Key Credits
Water Conservation (25% Weight)
Given the Kingdom's reliance on desalination, water efficiency holds the highest weight. This involves smart irrigation, greywater recycling, and low-flow fixtures.
Local Culture & Heritage
Mostadam rewards designs that reflect Saudi architectural heritage, such as the use of Mashrabiya for shading, which reduces cooling loads while maintaining privacy.
Conclusion
Adopting Mostadam is a direct contribution to Vision 2030, ensuring that the rapid urban development of the Kingdom is sustainable and resilient.