Saudi Green Building Forum signs strategic agreement with US Saudi Arabian Business Council

The strategic agreement was signed by Mr. Faisal S. Alfadl, Secretary General of Saudi Green Building Forum, and Edward Burton, President and Managing Director, USSABC.

The conference which kick started yesterday, witnessed a high number of industry professionals who came together to attend the opening ceremony at the Kingdom Tower Four Seasons Hotel in the late evening and also, united today to celebrate the signing of strategic agreement between the SGB FORUM and USSABC.

The aim of this alliance is to foster the bilateral business associations by initiating and improving trade and investment by boosting a better understanding level among U.S. and Saudi companies specialize in energy, water and building material. This alliance will also upturn the business opportunities between both the countries by leveraging a two-way flow of know-how and technology in the field of green building.

SGB FORUM aims to promote an all-inclusive set of standards and systems for green buildings in the Kingdom and increase cultural awareness of Green Building and sustainability initiatives by concentrating on 3Ps of business sustainability which are People, Planet and Profit.

Edward Burton, President and Managing Director, USSABC, maintained, "USSABC is the premier portal for doing business in KSA and serve as a primary platform between Saudi and American entrepreneurs. We have around 400 members and we seek to act as a safe link between Saudi and American members who come from various sectors. USSABC has a credible way of registering members and we go above and beyond to ensure that either side knows well about the other. USSABC has already facilitated business worth hundreds and millions of investment in Saudi Arabia and intends to act as a catalyst in development of even more business in future."

He also added, "To be here is a great pleasure and through this strategic agreement we intend to facilitate actual business and sales of green technologies across KSA."

Dr. Ahmed Al-Hazmi, General Manager, Environmental Affairs, SABIC, opined, "This conference is a great junction where industry experts have come together to share their experiences. I think it is a great means of enhancing the awareness of green building and green building technologies. It is good that green challenges are mentioned here and everyone is discussing about them. We need to make a joint effort and we need team spirit to combat these challenges. The case studies that were presented addressed the green issues and were very enlightening. This historic agreement is a major step towards achieving success in bringing the green era in KSA."

Mr. Alfadl stated, "This protocol is very important for both the countries socio-economic environment as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a vast market and is open to business opportunities coming from US. In fact KSA boasts of having one of the fastest emerging markets for construction in the Middle East region which itself promises a plethora of business prospects for private sector and global companies. Saudi government, with multibillion dollar expenditure, has plans to focus on sustainability and green building development in the region as it recognizes the significance and reliance on non-renewable energy resources. This is clear indication and invitation for companies that can offer innovative green design concepts, energy efficient technologies, competent management systems and ground-breaking architectural and engineering consultancy."

He added, "I am highly pleased and overwhelmed by the way USSABC operates and we had a long, meticulous and fruitful discussion on the way forward. We are geared up and have phenomenal entrepreneurial plans."

Loay S. Alfi, Head of Business Development, KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP)- Economic Development, said, "KSA has the largest market in the Middle East and its potential can be utilized only if there is a connection among the academia, government and private sector. KAUST wants to aid in research, development and innovation and KICP intends to act as a catalyst for it. My presentation is going to be about an annual study on green building in GCC."

Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman of MEED, said, "This conference is very crucial and it is promoting something that will in future become a standard, the green building standard. The Kingdom's government is more open to companies that can offer a sustainable green building project opportunity in KSA and in future, those who do not adhere to green standards or allow sustainable development might be penalized."