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Big 5 Talks, part of Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026
I am pleased to participate as a panelist at Big 5 Talks, part of Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026, in the moderator-guided panel discussion, “Meeting sustainability requirements during construction.” Drawing on my experience delivering sustainability and green-building requirements across major projects in Saudi Arabia, I will discuss a recurring challenge during project delivery: converting design requirements into clear construction activities, effective site controls, and verifiable compliance. The discussion will address contractor responsibilities, sustainable materials, waste segregation, installation quality, common non-conformities, and coordination between contractors, consultants, supervision teams, and facilities management.
Big 5 Talks, part of Big 5 Construct Saudi 2026
31 August 2026 | Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center
I joined the panel discussion, “Meeting sustainability requirements during construction,” at Big 5 Talks in Riyadh. Drawing on my work with project teams across Saudi Arabia, I discussed how sustainability requirements are carried from the approved design into procurement, site activities and handover.
A point I emphasised was the need to establish responsibilities before procurement begins. Contractors need to know what each requirement means for their materials, subcontractors and site teams, including the evidence they will need to provide. Addressing these questions early helps prevent gaps that become difficult to resolve once materials have been purchased or installed.
We also discussed material verification and the problems caused by substitutions and late documentation. A “green” certificate alone does not establish compliance. It needs to cover the specified product, meet the relevant project requirement and be supported by records of what was actually supplied and installed. Substitutions need the same scrutiny before they are approved.
Throughout the discussion, I stressed the importance of coordination between contractors, consultants, supervision teams and those responsible for operating the building. Regular reviews and evidence collected as work progresses help keep requirements visible through construction. Involving commissioning and facility-management teams before handover also gives them time to address operating requirements, training and outstanding documentation.
The organiser’s post-event recap highlighted my contribution on collaboration from design through procurement and delivery. The session was also covered by Gulf Construction Online and Amlak.
*Event coverage*
- [Big 5 Construct Saudi | Official post-event recap]
- [Gulf Construction Online | Sustainability discussion coverage]
- [Amlak Newspaper | Arabic event coverage]
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