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With $640m of alternative energy projects currently ongoing in the country, it is, without a doubt, big business.

A number of regional and international experts will be putting forward their thoughts and experience on LEED and related topics during The Big 5 Saudi, taking place from 9-12 March 2013 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events.

"Sustainable construction is a topic that dominates most industry discussion across the region," says Andy White, group event director, The Big 5. "Together with the growing requirement for alternative energy projects in the region, green building is an area with big opportunities in Saudi. We have brought together a range of educational platforms that will provide participants with access to industry experts, latest trends and applications, as well as showcasing the most up-to-date products and technologies from around the world."

The LEED workshops hosted at The Big 5 Saudi have proven to be popular, providing participants with the access to information about key components of the LEED Rating System and the overall LEED Certification process. They will also look to combine theory with practical application, showing participants ways in which they can incorporate LEED strategies into their own business. Mario Seneviratne, a LEED fellow and director of Green Technologies FZCO, will be the workshop facilitator, bringing with him over 34 years of sustainable engineering experience.

"An insight into the number of LEED Professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reveals that over 140 Professionals across the country are LEED Accredited," says Seneviratne. "With regards to LEED Projects, there are currently over 50 LEED registered Projects in KSA, and two LEED projects have already received certification."

In addition to LEED, there will be also be a workshop focusing on Concrete Repair and the ways in which experts can detect maintenance requirements and prevention techniques to ensure the sustainability of developments. Led by Concrete Repair Ltd's director, John Drewett, the workshop will host a number of industry experts who will provide expert knowledge on topics including corrosion, survey techniques and cathodic protection.