The document discusses whether lifestyles in Saudi Arabia reflect sustainable development. It argues that they do not for several reasons: water is more expensive than gasoline, public transportation accounts for only 3% of transportation, renewable energy is seen as infeasible, and community awareness of sustainability is low. Saudi Arabia generates a large amount of waste annually and air conditioning consumption increases by 8% yearly. Most energy is used outside industry. On average Saudis consume more water than international averages. To improve, the document suggests a national strategy focused on six pillars: incentivizing reduced consumption, developing efficient public transportation, raising building standards, encouraging renewable investments, replacing split air conditioning units with central systems, and adding sustainability education components.

1. Do you think that the lifestyle of the
inhabitants of your town or city reflects
behavior that is in line with the concept
of sustainable development?

2. If you live in Saudi Arabia, like I
do, then the answer is definitely
NO

3. Why??
• Because a gallon of water is more expensive than a
gallon of gasoline
• Because public transportation is only 3% of the total
transportation industry in the Kingdom
• Because all sources of renewable energy are perceived
infeasible investments
• Because community awareness about sustainable
development is almost null

4. Why??
• Because Saudi Arabia is the biggest generator of waste
in the Arab World, with more than 22million ton of
waste annually
• Because Air Conditioning consumption increases
annually by 8%
• Because only 20% of energy produced in Saudi is used
by industrial sector, versus 80% in the developed
countries
• Because the average Saudi consumes 380 liters of water
annually, while the international average is 180 liters

5. In your opinion, what should be
improved??
A LOT...

6. A national strategy based on the following
six pillars
• Build an incentive system to reduce consumption of
sources of energy (water, electricity, and gasoline)
• Develop an efficient and affordable transportation
system and encourage shifting to public transportation
• Foster regulations that raise standards of new buildings
to meet sustainable environment practices

7. A national strategy based on the following
six pillars
• Encourage investments in renewable energy and bring
best international know-how to the region
• Build and implement a comprehensive plan to replace
all split AC units to centralized AC’s
• Add several components to the educational system that
focus on concepts of sustainable development, clean
energy, and environment awareness

8. Thank You