Oman Advances Sustainable Building Standards: Key Implications for Investors and Business Owners
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is intensifying its focus on building design, materials, and sustainability as part of a phased initiative to decarbonize the built environment. Industry experts discussed this shift during the Green Build Oman Summit, detailing how new minimum standards will work in tandem with targeted research and financial incentives to promote retrofits, material innovation, and improved project execution across both public and private sectors.
Dr. Asma al Maqbali, Energy Efficiency Project Manager at the OmanNet Zero Centre, emphasized that with over 80% of the country’s built environment already in place, optimizing existing structures is essential for achieving a credible net-zero target. She outlined a roadmap for addressing regulatory gaps, highlighting that energy-efficiency codes for new buildings are now fundamental, but the immediate focus will be on retrofitting existing government structures. “We aim to achieve a 26% reduction in energy consumption for these buildings," she stated, as she presented a phased government retrofit program designed to showcase savings and facilitate broader implementation.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is planning a cautious two-year voluntary trial of these code provisions, concentrating on ministry-linked projects to assess their feasibility and market viability before full enforcement. Eng. Sara al Hinai, Urban Project Engineer at the Ministry, explained that the codes will set minimum standards for fire safety, structural integrity, and energy performance, rather than the highest possible requirements. This strategic approach aims to mitigate sudden cost increases for developers, with officials anticipating that energy-efficiency investments will yield a return within a few years across various building types.
Material selection and construction practices were identified as key themes in the discussion. Eng. Fadi al Shihabi, Partner and Sustainability Solutions Lead at KPMG Middle East, pointed out the importance of longevity in building materials and the financial benefits of green certification. “Choosing the right materials is crucial, as they can last 400 years or more. Financial institutions are increasingly prioritizing certified sustainable projects, often offering more favorable financing terms,” he noted. Panelists underlined that green certification not only reduces lifecycle emissions but can enhance project profitability and lower financing costs.
Specific examples of emissions reduction opportunities included innovations in concrete, soil, and backfill materials. Eng. Eid al Hashmi, Civil Discipline Head at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), discussed the research and development efforts that have led to revised standards easing backfill requirements in difficult areas, thereby reducing transportation distances and fuel consumption. He also revealed that local tests showed eliminating a thin concrete coating in specific applications could significantly lower annual costs.
In addition to regulatory measures and material choices, the speakers highlighted the need for stringent appliance standards, increased behavioral awareness, and electrification efforts. Given that residential units are a significant portion of energy demand, plans are underway to introduce tougher efficiency standards for HVAC systems, lighting, and domestic appliances, alongside incentives for transitioning to electric cooking to optimize gas usage and reduce household expenses.
The summit underscored Oman’s multidimensional strategy: combining minimum codes, phased trials, targeted research and development, financial incentives, and public awareness campaigns to accelerate decarbonization without compromising affordability. As pilot outcomes are anticipated during the voluntary trial period, policymakers and developers will closely monitor whether these measures achieve the anticipated cost savings and emissions reductions, and if the appetite for green finance aligns with the nation’s sustainability goals.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s commitment to sustainability through new building codes and retrofitting initiatives presents significant opportunities for businesses in the construction and materials sectors. However, firms must be aware of the potential financial implications of evolving standards and the need to invest in green certifications to secure better financing terms. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on innovative building solutions that align with these regulatory shifts, positioning themselves ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing market landscape.
