insights How the Saudi Green Initiative is helping Saudi Arabia reach its net-zero goals

We are witnessing the beginning of a civilisational revolution in Saudi Arabia’s fight against climate change. The Kingdom is committed to net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2060 with some of the most unique and innovative sustainable projects. As KSA works toward protecting its unparalleled natural beauty, the potential for job creation is phenomenal.  

So what exactly does this mean for the industry?  

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud announced that

The first wave of investment, currently at SAR 700 billion, is an incredible contribution to growing the “green economy” and a significant commitment to reducing Saudi Arabia’s carbon emissions by 278 mtpa by 2030. 

What are the impacts of the Saudi Green Initiative and how are they working towards sustainability? 

Sustainability in KSA is a matter of immediacy. Using clean energy, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting the environment are the three main objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.

The initiative is boosting environmental awareness and advocating for nationals to “reduce, reuse, recycle and remove”. By doing this, Saudi Arabia will be able to reduce its geographic vulnerabilities; extreme heat waves, air pollution and desertification, all of which pose a threat to the nation. 

With technologies like clean hydrogen tech and carbon capture to extract CO2  from the air, the ultimate goal is to promote a better quality of life for the Kingdom and the region. 

Greenspace as a priority

Saudi’s capital, Riyadh, plans to become one of the world’s biggest city economies. The city intends to establish the world’s largest park which in turn will serve as the capital’s ‘green lung’. The King Salman Park (KSP) is one of the megaprojects that are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and will greatly enhance the city’s biodiversity. As it stands, the Kingdom has the highest per-capita emissions among G-20 countries. This is set to change as the Saudi Green Initiative works to increase the green space per capita from 1.7 to 28m² which is equivalent to 16 times the current level. When achieved, KSP will drastically improve the sustainability of the nation as well as reduce the ambient air temperature and the quality of air. 

Why work in Saudi Arabia? 

We believe our expertise in sustainable development can be a valuable asset to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a result, Atkins, a member of the AtkinsRéalis Group, is fully immersed in some of Saudi Arabia's biggest infrastructure projects, including the Riyadh Metro and At-Turaif District in Diriyah.

The Saudi economy will be the fastest growing in 2022, as the Kingdom’s implementation of more sustainable practices will contribute to economic prosperity beyond oil. Therefore, a reshaping of Saudi’s economy will certainly be the driving force of the nation’s efforts toward sustainability.

Commit to net-zero with AtkinsRéalis in Saudi Arabia

Creating solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges is something we are dedicated to and recognised for. We’re proud to have been ranked number one in the region’s Top 30 engineering, procurement and construction companies. 

With AtkinsRéalis ’s growing presence in the Middle East, we look forward to being at the forefront of Saudi’s ambitious projects that drive sustainability. We are also keen to help the Kingdom usher in a new era as it welcomes the notion of diversifying its workforce. 

If you’re looking to integrate your vision of sustainability with your career aspirations, why not browse our available jobs in the Middle East now? Whatever stage you are at in your career, there’s never been a better time to join us in Saudi Arabia. Sign up for job alerts and join the talent community so we can work together in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.