EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification has become an increasingly adopted sustainability framework in Saudi Arabia, particularly for projects seeking measurable efficiency improvements with a streamlined certification process. In Riyadh, EDGE certification is now widely applied to residential developments, commercial offices, government buildings, industrial facilities, logistics hubs, and large mixed-use projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and national energy efficiency objectives.
Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), EDGE is a performance-based green building certification that focuses on achieving a minimum of 20% savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials compared to local baseline construction. Delivering EDGE-certified projects in Riyadh requires consultants with strong technical expertise in building performance modeling, familiarity with IFC EDGE software, and experience adapting efficiency strategies to the city’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 Landscape in Riyadh
As Saudi Arabia’s capital and primary administrative center, Riyadh hosts a wide range of building typologies including government headquarters, corporate offices, healthcare facilities, education campuses, residential communities, and large-scale masterplanned developments. With rising energy demand and growing emphasis on operational efficiency, EDGE certification provides a practical sustainability pathway that aligns with national resource conservation goals.
In Riyadh, EDGE is often selected for projects where cost control, scalability, and fast-track delivery are key considerations. It is frequently used as a standalone certification for residential and commercial developments, and in some cases alongside LEED or other international standards. This dual approach increases the importance of consultants who can align EDGE requirements with broader sustainability objectives without duplicating effort.
Scope of EDGE Consultancy Services in Riyadh
EDGE consultants typically support projects from early design stages through to final certification. Their scope generally includes EDGE feasibility assessments, baseline energy and water modeling, identification of cost-effective efficiency measures, material optimization analysis, preparation of certification documentation, and coordination with EDGE auditors.
For projects in Riyadh, consultants must address specific regional challenges such as extreme summer temperatures, high cooling loads, water scarcity, and the availability of locally sourced materials that meet EDGE performance thresholds. Accurate modeling and realistic assumptions are critical, as EDGE certification outcomes are directly linked to quantified performance improvements.
Key Criteria for Selecting an EDGE Consultant in Riyadh
When selecting an EDGE consultant in Riyadh, project teams typically assess experience with EDGE-certified projects, proficiency with IFC EDGE software and methodologies, and the consultant’s ability to integrate efficiency strategies into practical design and construction workflows.
Additional selection factors often include familiarity with Saudi building regulations, experience coordinating with local design teams and contractors, and the ability to manage the EDGE audit and certification process efficiently to avoid delays during construction or project handover.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is a sustainability consultancy established in 2007, operating through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London, with active project delivery across Saudi Arabia. ERKE provides comprehensive EDGE certification consultancy services for projects in Riyadh, supporting a wide range of asset types.
ERKE’s EDGE services include feasibility studies, 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, enabling integrated delivery of EDGE alongside other international certification systems when required.
With more than 200 certified green building projects completed across 15 countries, ERKE has supported government buildings, residential developments, commercial offices, healthcare facilities, and mixed-use projects. Its experience adapting EDGE strategies to hot and arid climates makes it particularly suitable for developments in Riyadh.
Contact: info@erkeconsultancy.com
2. ARUP
ARUP provides engineering, sustainability, and building performance consultancy worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, ARUP supports EDGE-aligned 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 studies. EDGE certification support is typically incorporated within broader sustainability or ESG advisory scopes rather than delivered as a standalone service.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll offers sustainability and environmental consultancy services with a focus on climate-responsive design and energy efficiency. Ramboll supports EDGE objectives mainly through performance modeling and integration of efficiency measures within wider 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 scopes.
6. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis operates extensively in Riyadh, particularly on government, infrastructure, and large-scale mixed-use developments. EDGE services are typically embedded within wider sustainability, energy efficiency, or ESG advisory engagements.
7. Khatib & Alami
Khatib & Alami is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy with a strong regional presence. Its sustainability services include green building consultancy and environmental studies, with EDGE-related activities usually delivered as part of integrated sustainability strategies.
8. Linesight
Linesight specializes in cost management and project controls for large developments. Its sustainability-related services focus on ESG alignment and sustainability governance, with EDGE coordination sometimes included within broader development 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 focused EDGE expertise and extensive international project experience, while ARUP, WSP Global, Ramboll, Mott MacDonald, and AtkinsRéalis typically integrate EDGE services within broader engineering and sustainability offerings. Selecting an EDGE consultant depends on project typology, efficiency targets, delivery timelines, and internal technical capacity. The most suitable consultancy ultimately varies based on consultancy needs, project requirements, team size, and budget considerations.