GCC builds future with transparent sustainability

Mohamed Amer, managing director of ICC MENA, highlights how GCC nations are integrating transparency, verification, and sustainability across construction, materials, and urban development.

Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), from the dynamic skylines of Riyadh and Dubai to the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious net-zero strategies, the region is constructing a future-oriented built environment while setting global benchmarks

As governments, developers, and manufacturers embrace more responsible building practices, one principle is becoming increasingly critical: transparency is emerging as the cornerstone for credible sustainability initiatives.

In a region where development is rapid and ambitions are vast, this shift toward transparent sustainability is both timely and necessary.

From vision to verification

National strategies such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy place environmental stewardship at the centre of economic transformation. These are not mere symbolic gestures but structural commitments aimed at securing a sustainable future.

Governments and designated demand drivers are establishing measurable, time-bound targets. For instance, the UAE’s Federal Decree Law requires companies emitting 500,000 tons or more of carbon dioxide annually to monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions. These metrics ensure accountability through verified progress, with commitments being evidenced and enforced.

Construction firms and other stakeholders are expected to substantiate sustainability goals with certifications, lifecycle assessments, and emissions data. Authorities are increasingly mandating environmental product declarations and embodied carbon thresholds, aiming to confirm that buildings are efficient and resilient. Embedding transparency throughout the construction lifecycle—from design and procurement to operation and decommissioning, enhances accountability and ensures tangible results.

Sustainable construction requires measurable change

According to a PwC report, sustainable technologies in the built environment could reduce lifecycle emissions by more than 50% across the MENA region. Meeting this challenge demands a fundamental transformation in how buildings are designed, sourced, constructed, and operated.

Material selection is therefore crucial, and maintaining traceability throughout the supply chain is a top priority. While low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and bio-based alternatives are increasingly accessible, independently verified data is essential to ensure that these choices achieve the intended outcomes.

The International Code Council (ICC) supports the creation of compliance ecosystems grounded in science, transparency, verifiability, and enforceability. The International Codes® (I-Codes) assist jurisdictions in adopting actionable sustainability frameworks that provide enforceable standards, clear guidance, and measurable results. The ICC’s solutions ranging from training and certification to product testing, accreditation services, and digital compliance tools offer a comprehensive pathway to help stakeholders implement sustainability objectives effectively. A robust compliance ecosystem ensures that materials, systems, and processes meet regulatory requirements while remaining safe, high-performing, and sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

Conformity assessment organisations, including the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), play a key role by providing independent verification of product performance, structural integrity, fire ratings, and sustainability claims. ICC-ES enhances transparency and verifiability through Evaluation Reports (ESR), Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), and Verification of Attributes Reports (VAR).

An opportunity for the GCC to demonstrate regional leadership

The GCC is uniquely positioned to lead in transparent sustainability. Rapid urbanisation, iconic megaprojects, and growing international influence mean that today’s construction decisions will shape the region’s environmental legacy for generations.

The UAE has established energy efficiency standards for buildings, while Saudi Arabia invests in net-zero cities such as NEOM. Oman, collaborating with ICC, is developing national building codes aligned with global best practices and adapted to local requirements.

The I-Codes remain central, providing rigorous frameworks for material performance, energy conservation, water efficiency, and more. This integrated approach fosters a cohesive system that encourages the highest standards of safety, quality, and innovation across the construction industry.

As Mohamed Amer said, “The buildings we construct today will stand for decades. It is important that transparent sustainability is embedded in the entire regulatory ecosystem that governs construction.” Achieving this requires up-to-date building codes, certified product evaluations, inspections, training, and continuous professional development to ensure lasting impact.