Resource Efficiency in Action: How ROSHN is Shaping Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia

Sustainability in construction is rapidly becoming the industry standard rather than an optional extra, and few developers are as central to this shift in the Middle East as ROSHN. As a Public Investment Fund (PIF) giga-project, ROSHN is setting ambitious benchmarks for resource-efficient and environmentally conscious communities, leading the way for future developments across Saudi Arabia.

Project Overview

• Developer: ROSHN Group, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund

• Primary Focus: Large-scale residential and mixed-use communities

• Active Projects: SEDRA (Riyadh), ALAROUS (Jeddah), WAREFA (Riyadh), and future expansions

• Total Residential Units Planned: Over 400,000 homes across multiple regions

• Green Space: Over 20 million square metres of public parks and greenways planned

• Sustainability Targets: Net-zero operational carbon for all communities by 2050

ROSHN isn’t just building homes; the company is building integrated neighbourhoods, community spaces, retail hubs, mosques, healthcare facilities, and schools, all planned to international sustainability standards.

Resource Efficiency Strategies

• Water Conservation:

  
  

  • Advanced irrigation systems using weather-based sensors

  • Recycled water for landscape irrigation

  • Low-flow fixtures and leak detection technology in all homes

  
  

• Energy Efficiency:

  
  

  • Smart meters in every home to monitor and optimise usage

  • LED street lighting and solar-powered community amenities

  • Building envelopes designed for thermal efficiency to reduce cooling demands

  
  

• Materials & Waste Management:

  
  

  • Local sourcing of building materials to minimise transport emissions

  • Recycling of construction and demolition waste

  • Concrete batching plants onsite to optimise resource use and reduce waste

  
  

• Sustainable Mobility:

  
  

  • Community layouts prioritising walking and cycling

  • Electric vehicle charging stations throughout

  • Integrated public transport access points

Economic and Social Impact

ROSHN’s focus on resource efficiency is not just about environmental responsibility—it’s also delivering clear economic and social value:

• Lower operational costs for residents and the company alike

• Enhanced quality of life through healthier, greener spaces

• Greater resilience to water and energy price volatility

• Job creation in green construction, facility management, and tech-driven services

As the largest real estate developer in Saudi Arabia, ROSHN is also stimulating the wider market by insisting that supply chain partners and contractors meet the same sustainability requirements.

Key Delivery Partners

• Dar Al-Handasah (Lead masterplanner and infrastructure consultant)

• AECOM (Project management and sustainability advisory)

• Katerra (Prefabrication technology partner)

• Siemens (Smart energy and metering systems)

• Saudi Readymix (Low-carbon concrete supply)

• Numerous local contractors, green tech suppliers, and logistics providers

Benchmarking and Data-Driven Progress

ROSHN employs digital twin technology to model energy, water, and materials flows across its developments. Regular audits and data collection allow the company to fine-tune operations, verify savings, and transparently report progress towards its targets. As of early 2025, ROSHN reports a reduction of up to 25% in energy consumption and 30% in water usage compared to conventional Saudi housing developments.

Conclusion

ROSHN’s model is already setting the standard for future projects—not just in Saudi Arabia but across the wider Middle East. The company’s holistic, data-driven approach demonstrates that large-scale, sustainable urban development is not only achievable but also commercially viable. For construction professionals, this offers a blueprint for integrating efficiency, technology, and community-building into the core of every project.

Sources:

• ROSHN Group Official Website & 2024 Sustainability Report

• Public Investment Fund (PIF) – ROSHN Project Updates

• AECOM Middle East Sustainability Practice

• Dar Al-Handasah – Project Portfolio

• Press releases from Siemens, Saudi Readymix, and Katerra

• Construction Week Middle East coverage on ROSHN resource efficiency