Overview of Mostadam certification Process
Mostadam has been developed by Sustainable Building as a comprehensive sustainability rating and certification system to address the long-term sustainability of communities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The Ministry is the governmental authority responsible for developing and overseeing the Mostadam rating system. The core principles of the Mostadam rating system are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and sustainability priorities. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision serve as the strategic framework guiding Mostadam’s development. Mostadam aims to promote sustainability, environmental responsibility, and alignment with national goals like Saudi Vision 2030. Mostadam addresses a wide range of sustainability issues important to KSA and supports the aspirations of Vision 2030.
Applicability of Mostadam for Communities
Mostadam for Communities is applicable to the following community types:
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Residential communities: residential uses comprise more than 50% of the total GFA.
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Mixed-use communities: non-residential uses, e.g. office, retail, leisure etc., comprise more than 50% of the total GFA. A minimum of 25% of the GFA is residential.
The Mostadam system organizes projects into categories such as residential, commercial, and community developments, each with tailored criteria. Infrastructure is a key component evaluated in the Mostadam certification process to support sustainable community development.
Role of Residential Communities
When considering residential communities, housing projects play a significant role in advancing sustainability standards within the Mostadam framework.
Elements of Mostadam for Communities
Mostadam for Communities comprises two elements:
Design + Construction (D+C): Applicable to the design and construction of new communities, focusing on sustainable planning and building practices.
Operation + Existing (O+E): Applies to new communities that have achieved D+C certification and existing or older communities, emphasizing ongoing building management and sustainability performance.
Importance of Site Sustainability
Site sustainability is a crucial component in achieving Mostadam certification and aligning with national benchmarks. It ensures that developments minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
Mostadam Certification Process
The Mostadam certification process begins with project registration, which requires submission of documentation and the appointment of a certified professional. A Mostadam Accredited Professional, who must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, is responsible for supporting the certification process, including project registration, documentation review, site audits, and ongoing recertification. The Mostadam Assessor reviews documentation, evaluates project compliance, and conducts site audits to ensure standards are met. Assembling a dedicated project team is essential to manage compliance and coordinate certification activities.
Services Provided by Mostadam Program
The comprehensive services offered by the Mostadam program include project review, compliance verification, consulting, accreditation, and administrative support to guide projects through the certification process. Points achieved across different categories determine the certification level. Quality is a key factor in evaluating the standard and excellence of projects, particularly regarding quality of life and operational efficiency.
Key Steps in the Certification Process
Project registration and documentation submission
Appointment of a Mostadam Accredited Professional
Detailed review and evaluation by Mostadam Assessors
Site audits to verify compliance
Ongoing recertification to maintain standards
Glossary of Key Terms
Aggregate: Grained material used as reinforcement in composite mixes such as concrete. Examples include sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, and recycled concrete.
As-built drawing: Drawing which represents the final constructed building, usually prepared by the contractor.
Bathymetry survey: A surveying method used to analyze the beds of water sources such as lakes, rivers, and oceans to identify biological features and natural habitats.
Blackwater: Wastewater that includes water from toilets.
Building envelope: The barrier/shell that separates a building’s conditioned space from unconditioned space, usually comprising the exterior façade, roof, and ground floor.
Central Management System (CMS): An automated central system used to control the operation of electrical, water, and other electronic signals for central monitoring and control.
Commissioning Agent: A certified professional responsible for delivering the commissioning process.
Compost: Organic material decomposed through a composter and used as fertilizer.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Computer modeling of fluid flow (e.g., air) to predict parameters such as velocity, pressure, density, and temperature.
Contaminated land: Land unsafe for development due to hazardous substances or pollutants.
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): The color appearance of a lamp compared to a reference material heated to that temperature; lower temperatures appear warm yellow, higher temperatures appear cool white or blue.
Dashboard: A digital display communicating the performance of a building to occupants, including energy and water use.
District cooling: A system delivering chilled water from a central plant to buildings via insulated underground pipes.
Electric vehicle: A vehicle powered by rechargeable batteries.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE): Electrical charging equipment for electric vehicles.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Standardized method quantifying a product’s environmental impact through its lifecycle.
Flood hazard area: Legally designated area with a 1% or greater chance of flooding annually.
FSC certified: Certification indicating wood sourced through responsible forest management.
Glare: Uncomfortable excessive daylight penetration through glazing or reflections.
Greenhouse gas: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Hazardous waste: Waste harmful to health and environment if improperly managed.
Heat island effect: Urban areas being warmer than surrounding suburbs due to human activities.
Illuminance: Measurement of lighting level incident on a surface, in lux.
Light Emitting Diode (LED): Energy-efficient, long-lasting semiconductor light source.
Landfill: Site for disposal and burial of large quantities of waste.
Life Cycle Assessment: Evaluation of environmental impact of a product from extraction to disposal.
Mashrabiya: Arabian architectural shading element with lattice design.
Noise pollution: Harmful or disturbing noise impacting health or well-being.
Open space: Publicly accessible areas suitable for exercise, congregation, or transit.
Pervious surface: Porous surfaces allowing water absorption.
Previously developed land: Land previously occupied by structures or hardscape.
Public realm: Areas with free public access like streets, squares, parks.
Regenerative drive: Motor storing and reusing energy to reduce net power use.
Renewable energy: Energy from sources that replenish naturally, like solar, wind, geothermal.
Safe walking distance: Pedestrian routes at least 1.8m wide with safe crossings.
Seasonable Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): Air conditioning efficiency measure based on seasonal weather.
Smart meter: Device recording consumption data for monitoring or billing.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): Measure of a material’s solar heat reflectance and emissivity.
Surface water run-off: Water flow exceeding ground absorption capacity.
Thermal comfort: Occupants’ perception of satisfaction with thermal environment.
U-value: Rate of heat transfer through a material.
Uplight: Upward-directed light causing outdoor light pollution.
Variable frequency drive (VFD): Motor with adjustable frequency control.
Variable speed drive (VSD): Motor with adjustable speed control.
Wastewater treatment: Process treating wastewater for reuse.
Introduction to Green Building
Green building is a forward-thinking approach to the design, construction, and operation of buildings that prioritizes minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this movement is guided by the Saudi Green Building Code (SgBC), which sets out clear standards for sustainable building practices. Central to these efforts is the Mostadam certification process, a comprehensive rating system developed to encourage energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental sustainability across the built environment.
The Mostadam Certification Framework
The Mostadam certification process is designed to rigorously assess a building or community’s sustainability performance throughout its lifecycle. This involves a detailed review of the project’s design, construction, and operational phases, ensuring that each stage meets high standards for resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. Mostadam Accredited Professionals play a crucial role in this process, supporting project teams as they navigate the certification system and strive to achieve the required sustainability benchmarks.
Points-Based Rating System
At the heart of the Mostadam rating systems is a flexible, points-based framework that rewards projects for achieving specific sustainability goals. These include reducing energy consumption, implementing effective waste management strategies, and integrating renewable energy solutions. The system is structured to address the unique needs of different building types, with three rating systems tailored for residential communities, commercial buildings, and mixed-use communities. Each rating system is further divided into two elements: Design + Construction (D+C), which evaluates the sustainability of new projects during their planning and building phases, and Operation + Existing (O+E), which focuses on the ongoing performance and environmental impact of both new and existing developments.
Critical Mandatory (Keystone) Credits for KSA Communities:
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SS-01: Sewage, Flood, and Rainwater Management
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E-01: Energy Performance (Alignment with SBC 601)
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W-01: Indoor & Outdoor Water Performance
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MO-01: Mandatory Annual Reporting (For O+E certification)
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
By promoting sustainable development and encouraging innovation in the construction industry, the Mostadam certification process supports Saudi Arabia’s vision for a greener, more resilient future. The system not only helps reduce the environmental impact of buildings but also delivers tangible economic benefits, such as lower energy costs and enhanced property values. For developers and building owners, achieving Mostadam certification is a clear demonstration of their commitment to sustainability and responsible community development.
Accessibility and Adaptability of Mostadam
The Mostadam rating system is designed to be accessible and adaptable, providing resources and guidance to help project teams achieve their sustainability goals. This comprehensive approach ensures that sustainable building practices are integrated into every stage of a project, from initial design to long-term operation and maintenance. As a result, Mostadam contributes to the creation of healthier, more sustainable communities that support the well-being of current and future generations.
Conclusion
In summary, the Mostadam certification process is a vital tool for advancing sustainability certifications in Saudi Arabia’s built environment. By aligning with the Saudi Green Building Code and supporting the country’s ambitious Vision 2030, Mostadam helps drive the transformation of the construction industry towards greater energy efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced environmental sustainability. As the demand for sustainable communities continues to grow, the Mostadam rating system will remain at the forefront of efforts to promote sustainability and protect the environment for generations to come.
