Welcome EPD Saudi Arabia as a New Licensee

The Secretariat is pleased to announce the establishment of EPD Saudi Arabia, a new licensee of the International EPD System as of 23 November. Operated by the KAUST Research and Technology Park (KRTP), EPD Saudi Arabia will provide tailored, localised support to companies in Saudi Arabia and across the wider MENA region in developing and registering Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

This milestone follows the establishment of EPD Tunisia one month earlier, further strengthening the International EPD System’s presence across the region. The Secretariat is also delighted to introduce Sami Al-Ghamdi, who will lead EPD Saudi Arabia and facilitate the development of EPDs within the country.

Could you tell us about your background and experience with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)?

I am a Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering and Director of the Urban Lab at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). My research focuses on sustainable and resilient urban systems, with emphasis on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Over the past decade, I have led national and international projects advancing LCA methodologies, data development, and policy integration in Saudi Arabia. These experiences inspired the creation of EPD Saudi Arabia, which bridges science, policy, and industry to promote environmental transparency and global competitiveness for Saudi products.

What motivates you most about leading the establishment of EPD Saudi Arabia? 

What motivates me most is the opportunity to translate scientific knowledge into real-world impact. Establishing EPD Saudi Arabia allows us to help industries measure, verify, and communicate their environmental performance using credible international standards. Personally, I believe transparency is the foundation of sustainability. Professionally, this initiative represents a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s transition toward low-carbon, circular, and competitive markets aligned with Vision 2030 and Net Zero 2060. Seeing companies adopt EPDs and embrace data-driven sustainability is deeply rewarding and reinforces the importance of connecting academia, policy, and industry through science-based approaches. 

What is your vision for EPD Saudi Arabia over the next three years?

Over the next three years, EPD Saudi Arabia aims to become the hub for verified environmental declarations, supporting industries in construction materials, chemicals, energy, and manufacturing. We plan to assist more than 100 companies in developing verified EPDs, helping them meet both domestic sustainability goals and international reporting requirements such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and global green procurement policies.

Our vision is to create an integrated ecosystem that connects government agencies, giga-projects, and industry leaders to advance data transparency and life cycle thinking. We will collaborate closely with ministries, sustainability commissions, and major industrial players, and the building codes to establish sectoral Product Category Rules and national LCA datasets.  

Public engagement and capacity building will also be central to our mission. Through training, outreach, and partnerships with universities and industry associations, we will raise awareness about the value of EPDs in driving competitiveness and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, our goal is to make EPD Saudi Arabia a trusted, science-based partner enabling Saudi industries to compete globally through credible environmental performance disclosure.