A high-performance demonstration home built to serve Saudi Basic Industries Corporation’s (SABIC) Home of Innovation growth initiative has earned platinum certification from the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.

It is the first single-family home in the Middle East region to earn LEED-platinum, the highest possible rating under the USGBC’s LEED for Homes International Pilot program.

The 800 sqm home also is designed and built to generate as much electricity as it consumes (a so-called net-zero energy balance) in a 12-month period.

“This is a good achievement for SABIC and Saudi Arabia,” said Awadh Al-Maker, SABIC EVP, technology and innovation. “It is a significant, tangible proof point of the collaboration we will facilitate and enable through our Home of Innovation initiative.”

The Demonstration Home is part of a three-building, 7,900 sqm complex that also includes a two-building Collaboration Center that recently earned LEED-gold certification from the USGBC’s LEED for new construction rating system.

Like the Demonstration Home, the center buildings feature an engaging and informative visitor experience, but also include office and meeting spaces for Home of Innovation staff and guests. Seven of SABIC’s facilities have now achieved LEED certification since 2012.

“This facility will help promote more sustainable home building around the region,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al-Aboudi, operations manager, Home of Innovation. “We hope it inspires and leads the construction industry to incorporate these innovative yet proven technologies, materials, products and systems toward improving building performance.”