GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS IN THE GULF

Abstract

Standards will play a large role in generating sustainability in the future. They will serve not only pave the way for international environmental regulations, but also to establish designs and specifications for building systems that reduce energy. Given the importance of sustainability to areas in extreme temperatures, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, engagement in the standards-setting processes is key. This thesis explores the likelihood of the GCC's six member states to collectively adopt one set of green building standards.