In conversation with Yasmeen AlKandari

SEEDS Co. is a homegrown Kuwaiti company with a bold vision: to transform the conventional built environment into spaces that coexist with nature and support the well-being of our communities. 

Our motto, ‘Growing a Greener Future,’ reflects this mission, inspiring us to create tangible solutions for a sustainable Kuwait. In a country where environmental challenges are increasingly urgent — such as high energy and water consumption — SEEDS is working to pioneer change. 

Our three pillars of service — green building solutions, sustainability solutions, and events — are designed to address these challenges head-on. 

We help shape projects that meet global sustainability standards like LEED and GSAS, while also guiding businesses towards carbon neutrality and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) leadership.

But what makes SEEDS unique is our connection to the community. Through carefully curated events, we aim to engrave sustainability into the Kuwaiti culture. 

These events go beyond awareness — they foster a sense of responsibility and inspire individuals to integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives.

SEEDS is part of a larger movement for Kuwait’s future, one aligned with Vision 2035 and its goals for sustainable development. While our roots are firmly planted in Kuwait, our vision extends across the MENA region. 

By expanding our expertise and services to neighboring countries, we aim to address shared environmental challenges and inspire a regional shift towards sustainability. 

As SEEDS grows, we remain committed to driving tangible change at home in Kuwait, setting a benchmark for the region and beyond.

Kuwait‘s infrastructure sector is seeing a growing awareness of green solutions, driven by global environmental trends and local challenges, including resource scarcity and climate vulnerability.

Projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia and renewable energy developments in the region have set benchmarks for integrating sustainability into infrastructure.

However, green solutions in Kuwait remain in their infancy. Accelerating their adoption requires addressing key barriers: education, policy, and cost perception. 

Awareness campaigns can help dispel misconceptions about the affordability and feasibility of green solutions. Policies and incentives, such as green procurement mandates or tax benefits, could make sustainable practices more attractive.

Furthermore, integrating sustainability into academic curricula and professional training can equip stakeholders with the knowledge to champion green initiatives.

Equitable green growth has the potential to address many of Kuwait’s infrastructure challenges, including urban sprawl, resource inefficiencies, and socio-economic disparities. 

By evenly distributing green infrastructure — such as community gardens, efficient public transport, and renewable energy projects —across regions, Kuwait can enhance accessibility, improve quality of life, and support the economy. 

Investments in green infrastructure foster resilience, reducing dependency on centralized utilities and mitigating risks like energy and water shortages. Beyond environmental benefits, these projects stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in emerging industries, such as renewable energy, sustainable construction, and environmental technology. 

This, in turn, strengthens local economies and diversifies Kuwait’s job market.

Green growth also aligns with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 goals for sustainable development, promoting both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. 

However, achieving equity requires careful urban planning and policy-making to ensure underserved communities benefit equally from green investments.

With the right strategies, equitable green growth can be a transformative force, fostering sustainability while driving economic opportunities for all.

Large corporations play a pivotal role in advancing environmental compliance and reducing carbon emissions. 

By adopting renewable energy, enhancing operational efficiency, and transitioning to low-carbon materials, they can meet regulatory requirements while driving cost savings and operational efficiencies.

In Kuwait, energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors are well-positioned to lead this shift. 

These actions not only mitigate environmental impact but also improve return on investment (ROI). Energy-efficient practices lower utility costs, while ESG initiatives attract investors seeking to invest in sustainable businesses. 

Transparent ESG reporting builds trust and enhances market competitiveness, further boosting long-term profitability while assessing the opportunities and risks that a business may have.

By embedding sustainability into their core strategies, corporations reduce risks, enhance their reputation, and align with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, achieving both environmental and economic gains.

Skepticism around green technologies often stems from misconceptions about cost, reliability, and practicality. In Kuwait, where conventional ‘grey’ infrastructure has long been the norm, this skepticism can slow adoption. 

However, as global success stories emerge and the long-term benefits of green technologies become apparent, attitudes are gradually shifting. 

To overcome skepticism, the sector needs demonstrable case studies and pilot projects that highlight the carbon reduction, operational, and strategic benefits of sustainable technologies.

Although green technologies‘ financial return of investment studies are giving long-duration results in Kuwait, green technologies are enhancing asset depreciation value, improving ESG performance, and attracting international investors and stakeholders who prioritize sustainability.

Collaborative forums where stakeholders can share experiences and learn from regional successes can further accelerate adoption. 

Clear communication about returns on investment as carbon reduction and alignment with national sustainability goals, such as Kuwait Vision 2035, is vital.

Over the next three years, infrastructure stakeholders in Kuwait can prioritize several measures to achieve ESG and sustainability goals:

• Policy alignment: Adopting and exceeding local environmental standards while incorporating global best practices into projects.
• Energy and water efficiency: Implementing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, and water-saving technologies in development.
• Material selection for construction and manufacturing: Using low-carbon, locally sourced, and recyclable materials minimizes emissions, reduces waste, and supports local economies, directly contributing to sustainability goals like carbon neutrality and resource efficiency.
• Data-driven decisions: Leveraging technology to monitor energy consumption, emissions, and waste, ensuring compliance and progress tracking.
• Stakeholder engagement: Assessing, educating, and involving clients, contractors, and the public in sustainability initiatives to create a collective sense of ownership. 

These actions will not only help meet ESG targets but also position infrastructure stakeholders as leaders in a rapidly evolving industry.