Mostadam Certification

Mostadam Certification is a Saudi Green Building System developed by Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.

The Mostadam certification system, introduced in Saudi Arabia, is a comprehensive sustainability rating system tailored to the unique needs and goals of the Kingdom, especially in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030. This certification, aimed at fostering long-term sustainability in residential buildings, provides a structured framework for developers and property owners to achieve environmentally responsible and sustainable construction practices.

What is the Mostadam Certification Background?

Mostadam, derived from the Arabic word for “sustainable”. The system integrates global best practices while focusing on the specific environmental, cultural, and economic needs of Saudi Arabia. The Mostadam certification process addresses multiple aspects of sustainability, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and the promotion of a healthy and comfortable living environment.

Mostadam’s development is closely linked to Saudi Vision 2030, which outlines the long-term goals of the Kingdom, emphasizing a diversified economy, sustainable development, and high quality of life. Vision 2030 has three main pillars: a Vibrant Society, a Thriving Economy, and an Ambitious Nation. The sustainability measures in the Mostadam certification system directly align with these pillars, particularly by promoting environmentally sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for Saudi citizens.

Mostadam  Certification Key Objectives

Mostadam aims to promote sustainable development in the construction. Some of the key objectives include:

• Minimizing environmental impact: Mostadam certification emphasizes reducing the ecological footprint of buildings, both during construction and operation.
• Energy efficiency: Encouraging the use of energy-efficient systems and renewable energy to reduce the overall energy consumption of buildings.
• Water conservation: Promoting efficient water management systems, both in terms of water use and wastewater treatment.
• Health and comfort: Enhancing the well-being of residents by improving indoor air quality, providing access to natural light, and reducing noise pollution.
• Waste management: Advocating for the proper management of construction waste and the use of materials with low environmental impact.

Mostadam Certification Applicability and Scope

The Mostadam certification eligibility system is for all type of buildings and is divided into two primary components:

1. Design + Construction (D+C): This component applies to the design and construction of new buildings. It provides guidelines for integrating sustainability from the early design stages through the completion of the construction process.
2. Operation + Existing (O+E): This component is aimed at both new and existing buildings, focusing on sustainability during the operation phase. Existing buildings undergoing minor renovations may also qualify for this certification. However, if the renovations are more extensive (e.g., replacement of key building services), the project should be certified under the D+C category.

Mostadam Certification Credit Categories and Rating Levels

Mostadam certification levels are based on a credit system organized into nine major categories:

1. Site Sustainability: Emphasizes the importance of sustainable land use, including flood and rainwater management, ecological assessments, and environmental management during construction.
2. Transportation and Connectivity: Encourages sustainable transportation options, such as access to public transport and provisions for electric vehicles.
3. Region and Culture: Addresses the integration of cultural and regional priorities, such as heritage preservation and the development of vibrant local economies.
4. Energy: Focuses on reducing energy consumption through performance standards, renewable energy use, and efficient systems for energy monitoring and commissioning.
5. Water: Encourages efficient water use both indoors and outdoors, alongside alternative water solutions and water metering.
6. Health and Comfort: Focuses on improving the indoor and outdoor living conditions for residents, covering aspects like thermal comfort, air quality, daylight access, and noise control.
7. Materials and Waste: Promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials and encourages responsible waste management during the construction process.
8. Education and Innovation: Rewards projects that demonstrate innovation in sustainability and provide educational resources to occupants regarding sustainable living.
9. Policies, Management, and Maintenance: Emphasizes the importance of ongoing sustainability practices, such as sustainable procurement and building performance monitoring

Each project earns points based on the credits achieved within these categories. Depending on the total points accumulated, a project can earn one of five rating levels: Green, Bronze, Silver, Mostadam Gold, or Diamond.

Mostadam Keystone Credits

To ensure that every certified project meets essential sustainability standards, Mostadam includes a set of mandatory credits known as Keystone Credits. These credits cover critical sustainability areas, such as flood and rainwater management, energy performance, water use, and indoor air quality. Projects must achieve a baseline of Keystone Credits to be certified at any level, ensuring a foundational commitment to sustainability.

For instance, a project targeting the Silver level must not only meet the general point requirement for Silver but also achieve all Keystone Credits required for both Green and Silver certification levels.

Mostadam Submission and Approval Process

The Mostadam certification process is divided into several key stages, from the initial submission of project designs to the final review after construction. These stages include:

• Submission 1: Occurs after the detailed design phase is completed. The project team submits documentation outlining how the design meets Mostadam’s sustainability criteria.
• Submission 2: Takes place after construction is complete. The project team provides evidence demonstrating that the sustainability measures outlined in the design phase have been implemented.
• Submission 3: Applies to existing buildings or buildings that have been occupied for at least one year with a minimum occupancy rate of 75%. This stage verifies the building’s operational sustainability

Mostadam Roles and Responsibilities

The certification process involves several key stakeholders, each with defined roles:

• Mostadam Accredited Professional (AP): The AP is responsible for guiding the project team through the certification process, ensuring that the project’s design and construction meet Mostadam’s requirements.
• Mostadam Assessor: Appointed by Sustainable Building, the Mostadam Assessor reviews the project submissions and conducts site audits to verify compliance with the certification criteria.
• Project Team: Responsible for incorporating Mostadam’s sustainability requirements into the design and construction phases and preparing the necessary documentation for submission

Mostadam Certification Levels

The Mostadam certification system offers five sustainability rating levels for residential buildings: Green, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Each level corresponds to a certain number of points earned by achieving credits in areas such as energy, water, and site sustainability. Projects earn points by meeting specific criteria, with Green being the entry level requiring at least 20 points, and Diamond being the highest, awarded for achieving 80 or more points. To ensure basic sustainability, certain Keystone Credits are mandatory for all levels, with additional credits required for higher levels like Silver and above

Mostadam certification represents a significant step towards sustainable urban development in Saudi Arabia. By adhering to the principles of this certification, developers can not only reduce the environmental impact of their buildings but also create healthier, more comfortable living environments for residents. Through its alignment with Vision 2030, Mostadam plays a crucial role in fostering a sustainable, diversified economy and enhancing the quality of life in the Kingdom.