Building energy efficient campuses is a key element of Saudi Arabia’s new higher education plans, said Abdulrahman al-Motrif, director of Smart Campuses and Buildings, Higher Education Ministry, speaking at MEED’s Arabian World Construction Summit (AWCS).

‘’Building energy efficiency buildings is extremely important. Over the past two decades Saudi Arabia hasn’t thought about it,’’ said Al-Motrif.

‘’Green technology make have a short-term cost, but will save money in the long term.’’

The Higher Education Ministry was recently awarded a Silver Certification from the US-based Smart Buildings Institute for its headquarters building in Riyadh. The ministry is aiming to achieve similar accreditation for the universities currently under construction and future higher education projects.

‘’It is important to set up a standard for the new projects to ensure that energy is consumed responsibly,’’ said Al-Motrif.

There are currently 10 new university campuses and eight new complexes under construction in the kingdom.