Achieving a Mostadam Gold rating for a building represents a significant commitment to sustainability, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. Mostadam, a green building certification system tailored to the Kingdom’s unique environmental conditions, assesses buildings on various criteria, ensuring they contribute positively to the local environment while offering long-term operational benefits. Here’s how a building can achieve a Mostadam Gold rating:
Understand the Rating System and Targeted Points
A Mostadam Gold rating requires the building to score at least 65 points under the relevant category (e.g., Design + Construction or Operation + Existing). The certification system comprises mandatory Keystone Credits and optional credits spread across several sustainability categories, such as energy, water, site sustainability, health and comfort, and policies and management. Understanding these categories and their point allocations is crucial to strategizing for a Gold rating.
Achieve Keystone Credits
Keystone Credits are mandatory and ensure that a minimum sustainability baseline is met. These credits cover essential areas such as annual energy performance, water metering, waste management, and sustainable procurement practices. For example, a building must monitor energy and water consumption over a specified period and demonstrate improvements through metering systems. Fulfilling these requirements is a prerequisite for achieving a Gold rating, as they lay the foundation for further sustainability measures.
Focus on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Energy efficiency is a major component of the Mostadam rating system. To attain a Gold rating, buildings need to adopt strategies that significantly reduce energy consumption. This may include optimizing HVAC systems, improving insulation, and incorporating energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Additionally, installing renewable energy systems like solar panels contributes to additional points under energy credits, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable energy practices.
Implement Sustainable Water Management
Water scarcity is a critical issue in Saudi Arabia, making water efficiency a priority in the Mostadam rating system. Buildings aiming for a Gold rating must demonstrate effective water management, such as using water-efficient fixtures, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and utilizing greywater recycling. Monitoring water use through accurate metering and reporting is also essential for achieving higher points in this category.
Enhance Health, Comfort, and Well-being
Mostadam emphasizes indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and access to natural light, all of which contribute to occupant well-being. To earn points in this area, buildings can adopt advanced ventilation systems, use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials, and ensure adequate daylight in occupied spaces. This not only enhances the living or working environment but also supports the holistic sustainability goals of Mostadam.
Site Sustainability and Community Integration
Site sustainability focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of the building site, including reducing urban heat islands, managing stormwater, and preserving local biodiversity. A building that integrates well with its surroundings—providing green spaces and promoting sustainable transport options—can earn additional points towards a Gold rating.
By strategically targeting key areas across the Mostadam framework and maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement, buildings can achieve a Mostadam Gold rating, ensuring that they contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.