The Remarkable Numbers Behind Saudi’s New Sustainable City

The developers behind Saudi Arabia’s New Murabba have released their ESG and decarbonisation strategy, including a host of ambitious targets.

New Murabba is being billed by its owner Public Investment Fund as “the world's largest, modern, downtown”, supporting Riyadh's ambition to become one of the world's 10 most livable cities.

It is anchored by the principle of a 15-minute city, says CEO Michael Dyke: “New Murabba has a 15-minute mindset, which means that for residents and people visiting everything is available within 15-minutes of where they live, work and play.”

Three core pillars

A press release says New Murabba’s decarbonisation strategy charts a “clear path toward a low-carbon future”, echoing the goals set out in the Saudi Commitment to Carbon Neutrality by 2060 and the Public Investment Fund’s pledge for operational net zero emissions by 2050.

It adds: “This approach aligns seamlessly with the ambitious targets of the Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, champion renewable energy adoption, optimise energy efficiency, utilise low-carbon materials and embrace circular economy principles.”

The strategy outlines objectives and actions across three core pillars:

• Environment: Minimising environmental impact through initiatives such as carbon footprint reduction and responsible resource management
• Social: Creating a positive social impact by fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, prioritising worker well-being and safety, and upholding strong ethical standards
• Governance: Strengthening corporate governance through robust risk management, transparency, accountability and responsible leadership. 

Michael said: “We’re proud to launch our ESG and Decarbonisation strategies, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward creating a sustainable urban destination.

“We are confident that these strategies will enhance our environmental performance and create long-term value for our investors and stakeholders.”

Redefining urban living with sustainable innovation

New Murabba’s mission statement is: “A place that thrives in harmony with the environment, cares for all communities we serve and applies ethical standards in everything we do.”

Its vision is to “push the boundaries of decarbonisation by consciously considering sustainability in every decision”, alongside a goal to achieve operational net zero by 2060.

It is also guided by five aims:

1 – A world powered by the sun

New Murabba will be designed to capture solar energy and use it in the most efficient way, while seamlessly integrating green technology, passive architecture and sustainable living. It includes:

• 50% of the grid’s electricity generated by renewables in 2030
• Total energy consumption to be reduced by 40% in non-Mukaab buildings by 2040.

2 – A world full of lives

A “biodiversity oasis in the heart of the desert”, New Murabba will become an urban area that blends nature into its fabric, allowing fauna and flora to thrive alongside human progress. Targets to include:

• 25% green areas
• Zero animal and plant species lost
• More than 300,000 trees planted.

3 – A nimble world, where movement is always efficient

New Murabba will become a 15-minute downtown, where sustainable transport options provide the most efficient mobility experience, with the help of:

• 35% reduction of yearly CO2e mobility emissions
• 30% internal journeys with sustainable means
• 100% of public vehicles to be electric.

4 – A water cycle that makes every drop count

Water in New Murabba will be used efficiently, aiming to create a closed water loop that ensures availability and fosters responsible consumption. Targets are:

• Reduce water consumption intensity by almost half
• Recycle 95% of waste water
• 100% of irrigation water from treated sewage effluent.

5 – A world that treats waste as a resource

The New Murabba website says: “We will become a region where resources are circularly managed, prolonging their life to maximise their lifetime value.” Key targets are:

• 90% solid waste landfill diversion from 2030
• 90% of solid waste sorted at source by 2030.

By prioritising sustainability in every facet of its design and operation, New Murabba aims to serve as a model for responsible urban development, inspiring similar initiatives across the Kingdom and beyond.

Michael added: “Our decarbonisation strategy is a testament to our dedication to supporting the Kingdom’s vision for a carbon-neutral future by 2060.

“New Murabba is committed to leading by example, demonstrating how responsible development can drive positive change for both our community and the planet.”

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