Saudi Arabia has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize the construction industry with the launch of the NovusCrete consortium. Spearheaded by the Kingdom's Oil Sustainability Program, the consortium aims to develop and promote sustainable saltwater concrete solutions, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The memorandum of understanding to establish the consortium was signed during a ceremony in Riyadh on Sunday, attended by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Other notable attendees included Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF); Saad Al-Qasabi, governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization; and Khalid Al-Salem, president of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.
The NovusCrete consortium brings together leading Saudi organizations such as the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Investment Recycling Company, NEOM’s Design and Construction Sector, Sika and ClimateCrete. It also features international collaborators like the American Concrete Institute.
The consortium's primary objectives include developing sustainable concrete technologies by utilizing seawater, extending the lifespan of infrastructure, and minimizing the environmental impact of the construction sector. By incorporating local materials and recycling waste, the initiative seeks to enhance material efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint associated with concrete production.
“The focus is on creating global standards for seawater-based concrete, promoting sustainability in construction, and paving the way for innovative solutions that align with the Kingdom’s commitment to balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility,” the participating organizations stated.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a strategic plan aimed at achieving economic diversification and sustainability. The development of seawater concrete technologies supports the Kingdom's environmental goals and strengthens its construction sector by introducing cost-effective, durable solutions tailored to local conditions.
The launch of NovusCrete is expected to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable construction practices, fostering international collaboration to address climate challenges and advance material science.