Evaluating Sustainability in the Gulf Region: A Dual Criterion Approach Using LEED Certification Projects Numbers and Total Certified Area

The study introduces a new approach to evaluate sustainability in the Gulf Region through a twofold strategy, focusing on the count of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects and the total certified area. Addressing the rapid urban development in nations like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, the research emphasizes the significance of LEED certification as a green building benchmark. The study focuses on the region’s urgent need for sustainable development, followed by a literature review establishing LEED certification as a critical sustainability pointer. The main objective of the research is to find the most sustainable country in the Gulf Region. The methodology involves an analysis of the quantity and total area of LEED-certified projects in the Gulf Region, offering a comprehensive understanding of its sustainability efforts. The findings show a growing number of LEED projects but reveal significant variations in the total certified area across different countries, signifying various levels of sustainable practice implementation. The study concludes by emphasizing the value of this dual criterion approach in gaining a nuanced perspective of urban sustainability. It outlines policy implications and future research directions, stressing the importance of enhancing the number of sustainable projects and their environmental effects. This research is vital for Sustainability, Urban Development, Green Building, and Environmental Impact in the Gulf Region.