Environmental Efficiency has recently undertaken a LEED v4.1 Indoor Air Quality Assessment at a newly constructed premises in Riyadh for a major US software company.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid urban development. This is underpinned by the kingdom’s commitment to UN sustainable development goals through its Vision 2030 paper and its “Future Saudi Cities” programme.

To meet the Vision 2030 paper and the “Future Saudi Cities” programme developers are turning to certification of the sustainability for their building developments. There are a number of certification standards for sustainable buildings including BREEAM and WELL, but in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, LEED v4.1 is the most widely used.

In all the major sustainability standards, indoor environmental quality is considered one of the most essential categories in any sustainable building rating system. Therefore, many international and local rating systems worldwide have turned increased attention to the definition of the IEQ category and the associated credit points. This category exists under different titles—e.g., “health and wellbeing” in BREEAM; indoor environment quality in LEED, CASBEE, and SBTool; and “Health and Comfort” in the Saudi Mostadam rating system. Generally, most international rating systems, such as LEED, BREEAM and more recently WELL, have been used to assess the IEQ of sustainable buildings in different countries.

For the Riyadh LEED IAQ project, there were many unknowns regarding building practices, material off-gassing potential and local environmental conditions.

• Particulate matter (PM2.5 & PM10) was measured using a 6-channel particle counter calibrated to ISO 21501-4.
• Ozone and Carbon monoxide were measured using direct-read instrumentation, ISO 13964 and GSE, respectively.
• Aldehydes were sampled onto a sorbent tube and analysed in accordance with ISO 16000-3.
• Volatile organic compounds were measured by sampling on a dual-bed thermal desorption tube and analysed in accordance with ISO 16000-6.
• Monitoring of locations was undertaken over a representative sampling period, and the concentration of substances found was determined. The concentrations were then compared to the USGBC Manual LEED BD+C: New Construction limits.

This successful LEED v4.1 Indoor Air Quality Assessment in Riyadh demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of conducting rigorous sustainability evaluations in the region. By achieving compliance with LEED IAQ requirements, the project sets a strong precedent for future developments seeking international certification. As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious urban expansion under Vision 2030, similar assessments can help ensure healthier indoor environments, improve occupant well-being, and enhance the overall sustainability of buildings. Environmental Efficiency stands ready to support developers across the Middle East in meeting these high standards and achieving their sustainability goals.