Tel-Aviv University?s Porter School of Environmental Studies

Countries in the Middle East are joining the green building revolution.

In 2015, United Arab Emirates ranked eighth in the world for 3.13 million GSM of LEED-certified space, a 72 percent increase from 2014. Other Middle Eastern countries, too, are seeking to increase water and energy efficiency, and committing to achieve the highest green standards.

Here are three inspiring LEED-certified projects in the Middle East. We’re looking forward to seeing more in 2016.

  • DEWA’s Sustainable Building in Dubai was certified LEED Platinum in 2013 and became the world’s largest government building to achieve the certification. Building highlights include reducing water consumption by 48 percent and energy by 66 percent, and using recycled content for 36 percent of the building’s construction material.
  • Tel-Aviv University’s Porter School of Environmental Studies was certified LEED Platinum in 2014. This building is an outstanding example of both breath-taking form and green-minded function. It’s energy and water efficient, has a green roof and is close to public transportation.
  • In 2015, Saudi Arabia built the Middle East region’s first single-family home to earn LEED Platinum. The home generates as much electricity as it consumes by incorporating energy-efficient lighting, a rooftop solar array, superior insulation, and sensors and controls to maximize efficiencies. “This facility will help promote more sustainable home building around the region,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al-Aboudi, operations manager, Home of Innovation. “We hope it inspires and leads the construction industry to incorporate these innovative yet proven technologies, materials, products and systems toward improving building performance.”