Thuwal: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) have signed two strategic agreements to develop solutions informed by rigorous scientific assessments, strengthen national sustainability capabilities, and improve the effectiveness of initiatives related to hydrocarbon use across vital sectors.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the first agreement covers comprehensive sustainability evaluations using life-cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle cost (LCC) modeling for seawater concrete technology under the NovusCrete Consortium. The innovative approach utilizes saline water to improve resource efficiency in infrastructure development. Through this agreement, KAUST and OSP will assess the environmental and economic performance of seawater concrete against conventional materials, analyze alternative design approaches, and deliver scientific data to support decision-makers working on sustainable construction projects.
The second agreement aims to deepen sustainability integration within OSP by developing broader methodologies to evaluate environmental, economic, and social impact; improving data quality; and standardizing assessment frameworks. It will enhance readiness for future initiatives and align related efforts with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
Coinciding with the signing, KAUST hosted an international workshop that convened global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance the adoption of LCA as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. The sessions highlighted the role of LCAs and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as essential tools for improving global competitiveness, increasing supply chain transparency, and enabling evidence-based decision-making in industry and policy.
The release highlighted that the workshop represents a significant step in national capacity building and harmonizing sustainability practices, enabling Saudi organizations to meet rising global expectations in sustainability and environmental reporting. The event further underscores KAUST's role as a key national partner in advancing environmental data and establishing decision-making systems based on life-cycle methodologies, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 objectives and the transition toward a low-emission circular economy.