Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu wins ESGBusiness Awards 2024 for smart technology application
Its adoption of smart technologies in built-up infrastructure has resulted in lower consumption of energy, materials, and other resources, whilst its irrigation system exemplifies a sustainable approach to urban development.
Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu brought home accolades at the coveted ESGBusiness Awards 2024 under the Sustainable Infrastructure Award - Saudi Arabia and Sustainable Water Management Award - Saudi Arabia categories for its successful application of smart technologies in developing sustainable infrastructure for community and industrial areas, as well as its innovative approach to water conservation and sustainable urban development.
Smart technology for sustainable urban development
Amongst the projects it has implemented is the Smart Ring Main Unit, which aims to provide the infrastructures with real-time monitoring of CB status, current, power and energy; remote control, and; fault passage indicators.
The next project is the Integrated Smart Poles, which provides intelligent lighting systems, video surveillance, public addressing, environmental sensor, and emergency call, amongst others. These poles are currently installed at various locations in Yanbu Industrial City.
In recent times, the energy-consuming and high voltage sodium lamps that could not be remotely controlled have also been replaced with new LED lighting modules, which feature low energy consumption. It can be automatically turned on and off, and can have brightness adjusted according to the environmental conditions. The use of such modules reduces the energy consumption by 70%. There are currently 160 smart lightings already installed at Al-Andalus Street and Al Hamra Street.
Meanwhile, the agency has implemented Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) for ongoing design projects. One of the completed projects whereby BIM and VR has been developed in detail is the construction of Primary School in Haii Al-Jaar 2. The primary school is expected to have a building footprint area of approximately 8000 square metres, including the enclosed courtyard.
With intelligent and smart cities creating more effective urban systems capable of addressing contemporary challenges and urban problems through the integrated use of digital technologies, The Royal Commission’s Smart City initiative is set to provide the platform for the “city of the future.”
A circular approach to water management
Yanbu Industrial City has implemented a groundbreaking irrigation system that relies exclusively on reclaimed wastewater from the sanitary sewer treatment plant. This circular approach has been instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity in the arid Arabian Peninsula.
To maximise the utilisation of reclaimed water, the Royal Commission developed a sophisticated hydraulic model. This model simulates water flow throughout the irrigation network, identifying areas with over- or under-watering. By optimising water distribution, the model ensures that every drop of treated wastewater is used efficiently.
Spanning over 600 kilometers of pipes and controlled by 9,000 intelligent solenoid valves, the irrigation network nourishes over 110,000 trees and 4,000 million square meters of green space. The hydraulic model plays a crucial role in managing this extensive system, ensuring its optimal performance.
The use of reclaimed water for irrigation has resulted in significant environmental and economic benefits. By conserving freshwater resources, Yanbu Industrial City has reduced its reliance on external water sources. Additionally, the optimised water distribution has led to energy savings at pumping stations, contributing to lower operational costs.
The hydraulic model also serves as a valuable tool for future planning. By simulating various scenarios, the Royal Commission can assess the potential impact of expanding landscaped areas or increasing the number of trees. This enables the city to make informed decisions regarding infrastructure upgrades and operational costs.
Yanbu Industrial City's irrigation system exemplifies a sustainable approach to urban development. By prioritising water conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship, the city has created a thriving and resilient community. The award-winning recognition further solidifies Yanbu's position as a leader in sustainable water management.
The ESGBusiness Awards celebrates companies that are leading the way in building a sustainable future. It also highlights businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social, and governance practices.
The ESGBusiness Awards is presented by ESGBusiness. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].
