BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification is increasingly utilized across Saudi Arabia as project owners and developers seek internationally recognized sustainability frameworks that emphasize environmental performance, asset governance, and long-term operational efficiency. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 driving unprecedented investment in urban development, healthcare, education, infrastructure, industry, and mixed-use real estate, BREEAM has become a preferred certification system for projects that must align with global ESG benchmarks and international financing or tenancy requirements.
Developed in the United Kingdom, BREEAM is one of the world’s most mature and widely applied green building assessment systems. It evaluates projects across multiple categories, including management, energy, water, materials, waste, transport, pollution, land use, and health and wellbeing. Successfully delivering BREEAM-certified projects in Saudi Arabia requires consultants with in-depth technical knowledge of BREEAM International schemes, experience working across diverse climatic regions, and the ability to manage certification requirements across complex, multi-disciplinary project teams. This article provides a ranked overview of leading BREEAM consultants operating nationwide in Saudi Arabia, assessed based on technical capability, project experience, and geographic delivery capacity.
BREEAM Certification in Saudi Arabia’s Development Context
Saudi Arabia’s construction market is among the largest and most diverse in the Middle East. Major asset types include government and civic buildings, airports, hospitals, universities, corporate offices, residential developments, logistics facilities, industrial plants, and large-scale mixed-use masterplans. As sustainability reporting and environmental accountability become standard requirements for international investors and occupiers, certification systems such as BREEAM are increasingly specified in project briefs.
BREEAM certification is commonly selected in Saudi Arabia for developments that require transparent sustainability governance and internationally comparable performance documentation. It is frequently applied to public-sector projects, institutional facilities, and premium commercial assets, particularly where projects are financed or occupied by international entities. In many cases, BREEAM is pursued in parallel with other standards such as LEED or WELL, increasing the importance of consultants who can coordinate overlapping certification frameworks efficiently.
Typical Scope of BREEAM Consultancy Services
BREEAM consultants in Saudi Arabia typically provide services covering the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and concept design through to post-construction certification. Their scope of work generally includes BREEAM pre-assessments, credit feasibility and gap analysis, target rating definition, sustainability strategy development, technical reviews of architectural and engineering documentation, coordination of evidence collection, construction-stage compliance monitoring, and liaison with licensed BREEAM assessors.
Projects across the Kingdom must address region-specific challenges such as extreme heat, high cooling demand, water scarcity, dust exposure, air quality considerations, and access to compliant construction materials. Because BREEAM certification relies heavily on documented evidence, early integration of requirements into design and procurement processes is essential to achieving target ratings without cost or schedule impacts.
Key Criteria for Selecting a BREEAM Consultant in Saudi Arabia
When appointing a BREEAM consultant in Saudi Arabia, project teams typically assess experience with BREEAM International New Construction and In-Use schemes, familiarity with local building regulations, and the consultant’s ability to manage certification workflows across all project stages.
Additional selection criteria often include experience with large-scale and complex developments, coordination capability with multidisciplinary design and construction teams, understanding of local environmental approval processes, and a proven record of delivering targeted BREEAM ratings within defined budgets and timelines. For nationwide development programs, the ability to deliver services consistently across multiple regions is also a critical factor.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is a sustainability consultancy established in 2007, operating through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London, with extensive project delivery across Saudi Arabia. ERKE provides comprehensive BREEAM consultancy services nationwide, supporting developments across government, commercial, healthcare, education, residential, industrial, and mixed-use sectors.
ERKE’s BREEAM services include pre-assessment studies, credit targeting and gap analysis, sustainability roadmap development, technical design reviews, construction-stage compliance support, documentation management, and coordination with licensed BREEAM assessors. The firm’s multidisciplinary team includes BREEAM Assessors, LEED APs, WELL APs, EDGE Experts, and product sustainability specialists, enabling integrated certification delivery where multiple sustainability standards are pursued.
With more than 200 certified green building projects completed across 15 countries, ERKE has delivered BREEAM-certified airports, hospitals, government buildings, corporate headquarters, and large mixed-use developments throughout Saudi Arabia. Its experience adapting BREEAM requirements to both arid inland and humid coastal environments supports effective nationwide project delivery.
Contact: info@erkeconsultancy.com
2. ARUP
ARUP is a global engineering and consulting firm providing sustainability, environmental design, and building performance services. In Saudi Arabia, ARUP supports BREEAM objectives through integrated environmental strategies, advanced modeling, and performance-led design, particularly for large and technically complex developments.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global operates extensively across Saudi Arabia, delivering sustainability consultancy, environmental assessments, and building performance services. BREEAM-related support is typically integrated into broader sustainability or ESG advisory scopes rather than delivered as a standalone certification service.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll provides environmental and sustainability consultancy services with experience in international green building certification systems. Ramboll supports BREEAM objectives through performance analysis, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable design integration across a wide range of asset types.
5. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald delivers sustainability advisory, environmental consultancy, and engineering services throughout Saudi Arabia. BREEAM support is generally provided as part of broader engineering or sustainability engagements, particularly for infrastructure-linked and large-scale projects.
6. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis has a strong presence across Saudi Arabia, especially on government programs, infrastructure developments, and major mixed-use schemes. BREEAM-related services are typically embedded within wider environmental and sustainability advisory scopes.
7. Khatib & Alami
Khatib & Alami is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy with long-standing regional experience. Its sustainability services include green building consultancy and environmental studies, with BREEAM activities delivered as part of integrated engineering and planning solutions.
8. Linesight
Linesight specializes in cost management, project controls, and program advisory services. Its sustainability-related involvement focuses on ESG integration and sustainability governance, with BREEAM coordination sometimes included within broader development advisory roles.
Summary
This article examined BREEAM consultants operating across Saudi Arabia, covering both specialized sustainability consultancies and large multidisciplinary engineering firms. ERKE Consultancy represents a consultancy with dedicated BREEAM expertise and extensive international project experience, while ARUP, WSP Global, Ramboll, Mott MacDonald, and AtkinsRéalis typically integrate BREEAM services within broader engineering and sustainability scopes. Consultant selection depends on project typology, target rating, geographic coverage, and delivery complexity. The most appropriate consultancy ultimately varies based on consultancy needs, project requirements, team size, and budget considerations.
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