Unleashing the Power of Civil Society: Examining the Impact of the Saudi Green Building Forum in Advancing Eco-friendly Construction in Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Faisal S. Alfadl Secretary-General of Saudi Green Building Forum, Saudi Arabia
  • Medani P. Bhandari EIC – Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment, Senior VP- Prof. Akamai University, USA, Prof. Sumy State University, Ukraine, Advisor Gandaki University, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/spee1048-5236.43412

Keywords:

Green Building, the role of civil society, Saudi green building forum, Saudi Arabia, environmental stewardship, social equity, economic prosperity, three pillars, GCC countries, sustainable development, sustainable development goals (SDGs), challenges and disadvantages of green building, recommendations, construction certifications

Abstract

This paper delves into the role of civil society in propelling green building practices, one key to a sustainable future. It focuses on the Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF) “in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, since 2017” as a case study that illuminates how civil society organizations contribute to environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic prosperity in the construction sector. The concept of green building is traced from its origins through its global development, explicitly emphasizing notable examples from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Saudi Arabia. The paper reassures the audience by outlining the unique and robust alignment of SGBF’s initiatives and its support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring its commitment to global sustainability.

The study presents a descriptive analysis based on desktop research, illustrating the transformative impact of civil society in promoting sustainable construction practices through the SGBF. Key aspects covered include the historical evolution of the green building movement, successful implementations of green building standards, and the activation of civil society institutions and organizations in driving sustainability. The paper showcases SGBF’s strategies and projects as exemplary models of civil society’s contribution to greening the built environment and fostering a sustainable future in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The objective is to inspire by highlighting civil society’s far-reaching impact on the construction sector’s environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

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Author Biographies

Faisal S. Alfadl, Secretary-General of Saudi Green Building Forum, Saudi Arabia

Faisal Al-Fadl is a volunteer, architect, and community builder dedicated to empowering the planet’s future for generations.

Faisal ALFADL’s philosophy centers on creating sustainable and eco-friendly environments, advocating innovative architecture and urban planning policies. His extensive involvement in various international conferences and leadership in sustainable development initiatives reflect his commitment to a greener future. As an educator and advocate, Faisal inspires and mentors the next generation of architects, planners, and volunteers, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of architectural practice. Mr Alfadl’s work focuses on promoting green practices and advocating for environmental sustainability. Through his expertise in architecture and his passion for sustainability, Faisal strives to impact the global community positively.

Faisal ALFADL’s dedication to sustainable development and impressive career achievements make him a leading figure in the global architectural community, championing a future where architecture harmonizes with nature for the benefit of all. Faisal ALFADL, as the Secretary-General/ Chief Representative to UN ECOSOC Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF) in Consultative Status with the United Nations associated with UNDGC accredited by UNFCCC, UNEP, UNDRR, and UNCCD, is a key influencer in the field. His work centers around creating a sustainable future for our planet, and his role as the Secretary-General of the Saudi Green Building Forum is a testament to his leadership and influence in the architectural community.

Medani P. Bhandari, EIC – Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment, Senior VP- Prof. Akamai University, USA, Prof. Sumy State University, Ukraine, Advisor Gandaki University, Nepal

Medani P. Bhandari is a widely recognized humanitarian, professor, author, and editor who has significantly contributed to social and environmental sciences. With expertise in social equity, inequality, inclusion, innovation, feminism, sustainability, climate change, and social and environmental policies and management, Dr. Bhandari has dedicated his career to these important areas. In addition to his extensive scholarly work, Dr. Bhandari is a poet, essayist, and advocate for the environment and social causes. His expertise expands to global and international environmental politics and justice, climate change, sustainable development, public/social policy, the non-profit sector, renewable energy, nature, culture, and power. He has gained field experience across diverse regions, including Asia, Africa, North America, Western Europe, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East. Dr. Bhandari has authored and co-edited several books, including Green Web-II: Standards and Perspectives from the IUCN, 2nd Edition, Getting the Climate Science Facts Right: The Role of the IPCC, Reducing Inequalities Towards Sustainable Development Goals: Multilevel Approach, Educational Transformation, Economic Inequality – Trends, Traps, and Trade-offs, Social Inequality as a Global Challenge, The Unbeatable Challenges of Inequality, Perspectives on Sociological Theories, Methodological Debates, and Organizational Sociology, The Past, Present, and Future Directions of Migration/Immigration, Theories, and Practices of Global Journeys, Transforming Futures – Navigating Society, Environment, and Governance, Live and Let Others Live – In Reference to Sustainability and Environment Conservation, Navigating Sustainability: A Comparative Analysis of Micro vs. Macro Strategies in the least Developed Countries, The Nexus of Climate Change and Land-use – Global Scenario with Reference to Nepal, Women and Society etc.. Social Inequality – Past, Present, and Future (in which 15 African Countries’ case studies are included), etc. Furthermore, Dr. Bhandari’s creative writing encompasses a vast collection of poems and essays. He has published three volumes of poetry in collaboration with Prajita Bhandari. Dr. Bhandari’s multifaceted contributions to academia, humanitarianism, and creative writing have solidified his reputation as an esteemed figure in social and environmental sciences, profoundly impacting social equity, sustainability, climate change, and beyond. Professor Bhandari holds five master’s degrees in social and environmental sciences and a PhD in sociology. For 45 years, he has been actively involved in environmental conservation and humanitarian efforts through nonprofit and academic platforms. Guided by the philosophy that all living and non-living beings are interconnected (“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”) and the principle of “Live and Let Others Live,” his work reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. He serves as an International Program Director at the New York-based NGO Atlantic State Legal Foundation in Syracuse, NY; a professor at Akamai University, USA, and Sumy State University, Ukraine; and an advisor to Gandaki University, Nepal. He is also the UNEP Civil Society Regional Facilitator for North America and the Lead Author of UNEP GEO 7. https://www.amazon.com/Books-Medani-P-Bhandari/s?rh=n\%3A283155\%2Cp_27\%3AMedani+P.+Bhandari https://novapublishers.com/?s=medani+bhandari&post_type=product (books link) https://english.dcnepal.com/category/opinion/ (opinions) https://www.linkedin.com/in/medani-bhandari-ph-d-8611a018/

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Published

2024-10-30

How to Cite

Alfadl, F. S. ., & Bhandari, M. P. . (2024). Unleashing the Power of Civil Society: Examining the Impact of the Saudi Green Building Forum in Advancing Eco-friendly Construction in Saudi Arabia. Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment, 43(04), 1063–1112. https://doi.org/10.13052/spee1048-5236.43412

Issue

2024: Vol 43 Iss 4

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Articles