Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) launched its Home of Innovation this week at the Saudi Green Building Forum held on 16-19 November in Riyadh.

The facility is designed to showcase how Sabic’s plastics and products produced by partners can improve sustainability around the home.

The facility comprises a collaboration centre and a demonstration home. The collaboration centre has been designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) gold certification, while the demonstration home will aim for Leed platinum. The facility will be completed late next year and will open in early 2016. Sabic wants to see tangible results from the development by 2017.

A broad spectrum of stakeholders is expected to be involved in the initiative, including companies working in the downstream sector, government departments and educational institutions. To date, Sabic is working with 52 partners on the scheme, and all products showcased must be commercially available to the market. 

Abdullah al-Refaie, programme director of the Home of Innovation, told delegates at the Saudi Green Building Forum that the facility is being designed to inspire the region and facilitate innovation, through collaboration and partnerships with major local and international companies. It will provide a platform that showcases local companies, he added.