Zero Carbon Design 2030 in KSA: opportunities and challenges for building services  

Saudi Arabia’s buildings sit at the centre of one of the region’s fastest growing energy demands. Heavy reliance on cooling, rapid urban growth, and rising expectations for comfort are reshaping how engineers approach zero carbon. Cundall’s Zero Carbon Design 2030 (ZCD2030) commitment focuses on reducing carbon across the full building lifecycle from operations to materials. 

For building services engineers, this presents both a technical challenge and a significant opportunity to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals. Progress relies on three core areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and low carbon materials, supported by stronger alignment between policy, industry, and education.

Energy efficiency: the first line of defence

Because 76% of national electricity demand comes from buildings, efficiency is the most direct way to cut emissions. We continue to see an appetite for designs that balance comfort, resilience, and cost efficiency, especially in high growth cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.  

Passive measures such as shading, ventilation, and thermal mass materials can reduce cooling demand by 9% – 17%, when considered early in design stage. Technologies such as variable refrigerant flow and energy recovery ventilation systems can deliver 8.9% – 20.4% energy savings, but we often see their performance varies significantly when systems are oversized or when maintenance practices aren’t aligned with manufacturer specifications.  

Powering buildings with clean energy

Today, 99.9% of electricity in KSA is generated from fossil fuels, highlighting the scale of opportunity for renewable energy adoption. A common misconception we encounter is that photovoltaic (PV) systems offer limited return on investment, whereas our modelling shows the opposite when systems are correctly sized and integrated with architectural design. Building integrated photovoltaics offer aesthetic and functional benefits. Off-site renewable procurement can bridge the gap, but it requires stronger market mechanisms, clear tariffs, and more transparent tracking to enable widespread adoption.

Smart systems and low carbon materials

As buildings grow in scale and complexity, the role of smart systems is becoming critical. Modern controls and real time monitoring help teams understand how a building is performing and make quick adjustments that improve comfort and reduce energy use.  

At the same time, low carbon materials, including Low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants and products with verified environmental data, are giving designers more responsible choices without compromising quality. These two elements work together: smart systems enhance day-to-day performance, while low carbon materials reduce the impact of construction.  

Challenges on the path to zero carbon  

As noted before, Saudi Arabia is still the largest fossil fuel consumer in the Middle East, with demand expected to rise due to population growth, economic expansion, and cultural expectations where thermal comfort is a lifestyle priority. Usually there is limited data on the performance, durability, reliability, and cost effectiveness of renewable technologies. 

Local supply chains for low carbon materials remain inconsistent, and imported products often carry long lead times or cost premiums, which can influence procurement decisions. Limited private sector participation and a small renewable energy entrepreneurship base add further complexity to widespread low carbon implementation. These factors create a landscape where solutions exist, but the supporting ecosystem is still maturing.

Unlocking the potential of green buildings  

Zero Carbon Design 2030 is more than a technical framework; it reflects a broader cultural and economic shift. Strengthening the national policy landscape through clear renewable energy targets, supportive subsidies for green technologies, and streamlined planning permissions, paired with robust building energy codes, can accelerate progress. Legislation that mandates or incentivises the use of low embodied carbon materials will further minimise environmental impact.

Investment in human capital is equally important: training scientists, engineers, technicians, and marketing professionals will foster innovation across the sector. Finally, public awareness will play a major role, helping position sustainability as an opportunity for resilience, economic value, and global competitiveness. With coordinated action across policy, industry, and education, the Kingdom is well positioned to become a regional leader in zero carbon design.