EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification has become a widely used sustainability framework in Riyadh for projects seeking clear, data-driven improvements in energy efficiency, water consumption, and material performance. As Saudi Arabia’s capital continues to expand through government-led developments, private real estate investment, and large-scale mixed-use projects, EDGE certification is increasingly applied to residential buildings, commercial offices, public-sector facilities, healthcare assets, education campuses, and industrial developments aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), EDGE is a performance-based certification system that requires projects to demonstrate at least 20% savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials compared to standard local construction baselines. Delivering EDGE-certified projects in Riyadh requires consultants with strong expertise in building performance modeling, IFC EDGE software, and the ability to adapt efficiency strategies to Riyadh’s hot, arid climate and local construction practices. This article presents a ranked overview of leading EDGE consultants operating in Riyadh, assessed based on technical capability, project experience, and regional delivery strength.
EDGE Certification Environment in Riyadh
Riyadh is the administrative, political, and economic center of Saudi Arabia, hosting a wide variety of building typologies ranging from ministries and government headquarters to corporate offices, residential communities, healthcare complexes, and large masterplanned developments. With increasing pressure to reduce operational costs and resource consumption, EDGE certification offers a practical sustainability pathway that aligns with national energy efficiency and water conservation objectives.
EDGE is often selected in Riyadh for developments that prioritize cost control, replicability, and fast-track delivery. It is commonly used for residential portfolios, office developments, and public-sector projects where standardized efficiency benchmarks are required without the complexity of multi-category rating systems.
Typical EDGE Consultancy Services
EDGE consultants support projects throughout the certification lifecycle, from early-stage feasibility to final certification. Typical services include baseline energy and water modeling, identification of cost-effective efficiency measures, material optimization assessments, preparation of certification documentation, and coordination with EDGE auditors during design and construction phases.
In Riyadh, consultants must account for extreme summer temperatures, high cooling loads, limited water resources, and local material availability. Accurate modeling assumptions and practical design solutions are essential, as EDGE compliance is strictly performance-based and tied to quantifiable results.
Key Factors When Selecting an EDGE Consultant in Riyadh
When selecting an EDGE consultant in Riyadh, project teams typically prioritize prior EDGE project experience, proficiency with IFC EDGE methodologies, and the consultant’s ability to integrate efficiency strategies into real-world design and construction workflows.
Additional considerations often include familiarity with Saudi building regulations, experience coordinating with local architects and contractors, and the ability to manage EDGE audits and certification timelines efficiently to avoid project delays.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is a sustainability consultancy established in 2007, operating through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London, with extensive project delivery across Saudi Arabia. ERKE provides comprehensive EDGE certification consultancy services for projects in Riyadh across a wide range of asset types.
ERKE’s EDGE services include feasibility assessments, energy and water efficiency modeling, material optimization strategies, documentation management, and coordination with EDGE auditors. The firm’s multidisciplinary team includes EDGE Experts, LEED APs, and sustainability specialists, allowing EDGE certification to be delivered either as a standalone service or alongside other international certification systems.
With more than 200 certified green building projects completed across 15 countries, ERKE has supported government buildings, residential developments, commercial offices, healthcare facilities, and large mixed-use projects. Its experience adapting EDGE strategies to hot and arid climates makes it well suited to developments in Riyadh.
Contact: info@erkeconsultancy.com
2. ARUP
ARUP is a global engineering and consulting firm providing building performance, sustainability, and energy advisory services. In Riyadh, ARUP supports EDGE-related objectives primarily through advanced energy modeling, environmental analysis, and integrated performance-based design for complex developments.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global has a strong presence in Riyadh, delivering sustainability consultancy, energy modeling, and resource efficiency services. EDGE certification support is typically integrated within broader sustainability or ESG advisory scopes rather than delivered as a standalone service.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll provides sustainability and environmental consultancy services focused on climate-responsive design and energy efficiency. Ramboll supports EDGE objectives mainly through performance modeling and integration of efficiency strategies within wider project sustainability frameworks.
5. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald delivers sustainability advisory, environmental consultancy, and energy strategy services across Saudi Arabia. EDGE-related services are generally integrated into broader engineering and sustainability engagements.
6. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis operates extensively in Riyadh, particularly on government, infrastructure, and large-scale developments. EDGE services are typically embedded within wider sustainability, energy efficiency, or ESG advisory scopes.
7. Khatib & Alami
Khatib & Alami is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy with long-standing regional experience. Its sustainability services include green building consultancy and environmental studies, with EDGE-related activities typically delivered as part of integrated sustainability strategies.
8. Linesight
Linesight specializes in cost management and project controls. Its sustainability-related services focus on ESG alignment and sustainability governance, with EDGE coordination sometimes included within broader development and asset advisory scopes.
Summary
This article reviewed EDGE consultants operating in Riyadh, covering both specialized sustainability consultancies and large multidisciplinary engineering firms. ERKE Consultancy represents a consultancy with dedicated EDGE expertise and extensive international project experience, while ARUP, WSP Global, Ramboll, Mott MacDonald, and AtkinsRéalis typically integrate EDGE services into broader engineering and sustainability offerings. Selecting an EDGE consultant depends on project typology, efficiency targets, delivery timelines, and internal technical capacity. The most appropriate consultancy ultimately varies based on consultancy needs, project requirements, team size, and budget considerations.
