MADINAH: Saudi academics at the 25th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Research, presented innovative ideas in the form of research projects and studies in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The forum was aimed at improving the experience of pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.

Researcher Dr. Abdulaziz bin Awad Al-Majnouni told SPA that his participation in the forum was an opportunity to present his research project, which discusses the concept of “Sustainability of Hotel Buildings in the Central Area of Makkah,” by analyzing sustainability performance in hotels in terms of alternative transportation, energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Al-Majnouni said that the study, conducted under the supervision of Umm Al-Qura University, revealed that integrating renewable energy faces financial and technical obstacles when implemented in hotels. 

He noted that hotels are gradually adopting sustainability practices, waste management, and indoor air quality improvement. 

He also highlighted the importance of enhancing energy efficiency through advanced monitoring systems, renewable energy initiatives, improved water management using sub-meters, recycling, awareness campaigns, and establishing more comprehensive waste management systems while improving air quality. He further praised the progress achieved by hotels in Makkah’s central area in the fields of energy and water services.