Proposal for Saudi green city guidelines

Abstract

Contemporary cities continue to face major environmental challenges, due to constant rapid urbanization. Furthermore, the governments of global cities are taking into consideration the green city approach and, converting their cities’ weaknesses into opportunities. As the 2030 Saudi vision continue to support the concepts of smart growth with a vision of fostering economic growth and development whilst, ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services that strengthen the country’s foundation, by reviewing the principles of green cities and measuring sustainability key performance indicators. This thesis investigates several sustainable systems in order to develop the most applicable green system for the Saudi context. The investigation analyzed various criteria with more focus on cultural, regional climate, development scale, total knowledge, indicator dimensions, and financial access. Further to this investigation, the researcher developed a comparative study between the STAR community rating system, peril community rating system of Estidama, and Indian green building council which are the three highest ranked systems to reach compatible system with the Saudi context. Furthermore, the proposed green system is validated through triangulation method that include selected experts and professionals in interviews and questionnaires. In addition, analysis for sustainable city like the context of Jeddah. The findings of this research will analyze the potential of Jeddah city to be developed into a green city through setting guidelines to achieve successful green development.