Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf, Founder, Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA)
In the heart of the desert, where the sun embraces the sand and the skyline towers above, Riyadh stands as a beacon of modern ambition. Yet, beneath its contemporary facade, the city faces a pressing challenge: the dire need for greenery and sustainable infrastructure. As global temperatures rise and resources dwindle, sustainable living and green building construction in Riyadh have become essential.
Green buildings can significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint, conserve energy, and utilise natural resources effectively, transforming the urban landscape into a sanctuary of eco-friendly innovation. This vision is passionately pursued by a dedicated group of visionaries, including architects, urban planners, environmentalists, and officials, all driven by the belief that sustainability not only protects the environment for future generations but also enhances our lives today. By weaving nature into the urban fabric, they aspire to create a resilient, harmonious city, showcasing the indomitable human spirit.
Meet Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf, the visionary founder of Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA). His journey into sustainable building was not straightforward. Initially, sustainability was a concept lingering in the back of his mind, an aspiration with limited knowledge. A deep passion for the environment and mentorship from Professor Ashraf Salama at KFUPM ignited his commitment. Salama introduced him to sustainability through an elective course, sparking a lifelong dedication. Early in his career, green construction was a misunderstood concept, making implementation challenging. Despite this, Dr. Al-Surf persevered, motivated by the belief that sustainable practices are crucial for creating healthier, more energy-efficient buildings.
Through SPSA, he transformed his vision into reality, promoting environmentally-friendly construction that benefits future generations. His story is a testament to the power of passion, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Dr. Al-Surf’s journey inspires the prioritisation of sustainability in all aspects of life.
Uniting the Green Pioneers
With headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA) was born out of Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf’s desire to unite a community dedicated to promoting sustainability in the region. Driven by a passion for fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, Dr. Al-Surf envisioned SPSA as a hub for networking, education, and advocacy. He saw the growing importance of sustainability in Saudi Arabia and aimed to create a platform to drive positive change.
The journey was far from smooth. Securing an NGO licence from the Saudi National Center for NGOs proved to be a herculean task, with rejections on four occasions before success on the fifth. Attracting members and establishing credibility posed significant challenges, overcome by utilising social media, hosting networking events, and collaborating with industry leaders. With relentless dedication, Dr. Al-Surf transformed SPSA into a beacon of sustainability, inspiring a collective movement towards a greener future in Saudi Arabia.
Leading the Green Charge
Awarded among the Top 100 sustainability voices in the Middle East, Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf exemplifies leadership that is collaborative, empowering, and inclusive. His style creates a nurturing environment where team members feel valued and motivated to bring their unique skills to the table. By emphasising empowerment, he encourages ownership of work and maintains open lines of communication, ensuring transparency within the team. Over the years, his approach has evolved, blending experience with adaptability to inspire and motivate effectively. His refined communication and conflict resolution skills foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Dr. Al-Surf’s journey underscores the importance of visionary thinking, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. At SPSA, building and maintaining a cohesive team involves open communication, empowerment, celebrating successes, and strengthening relationships through team-building activities. Each member understands their role and its contribution to the greater mission. As Dr. Al-Surf eloquently states, “A leader’s job is to look into the future and see the organisation not as it is, but as it can become.” His leadership turns challenges into opportunities, ensuring the team stays aligned with SPSA’s mission and vision. Through relentless dedication, Dr. Al-Surf inspires a collective movement towards a greener, more sustainable future, seamlessly blending human touch with strategic brilliance.
The Art of Multifaceted Leadership with Mohammad Al-Surf
Navigating the myriad responsibilities as the founder of SPSA and director at Tilad Group demands a delicate balance comparable to taming a wild horse. While wearing multiple hats may seem like a seamless juggle, it’s not without its toll. Failure to strike the right equilibrium risks exhaustion or losing sight of Mohammad Al-Surf’s passion. Efficiently managing these roles necessitates adept time management, astute prioritisation, and skillful delegation. Tasks are meticulously organised, just as one tends to a garden where each plant receives careful attention based on its urgency, significance, and impact. Clear objectives act as guiding stars, ensuring focus and progress towards milestones. Delegation is similar to entrusting the reins to capable hands, freeing up space for higher-level strategizing.
Establishing firm boundaries between roles prevents overlap and ensures Mohammad Al-Surf’s undivided attention to each task, like drawing lines in the sand to demarcate distinct territories. Organisation is paramount, with tools like calendars and task lists acting as navigational aids through the maze of commitments. Amidst the hustle, nurturing physical and mental well-being remains crucial for him, like feeding the fire to keep it burning bright. By adhering to these principles, he effectively manages diverse responsibilities while steering initiatives forward in a sustainable and impactful manner.
Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability
In envisioning a sustainable future for Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, Mohammed Al-Surf sets his sights on a horizon where eco-consciousness thrives and environmental stewardship reigns supreme. His goal isn’t merely planting seeds; it’s cultivating a landscape where sustainable practices flourish like a well-tended garden, each initiative bearing fruit in its own time. Through SPSA and allied endeavours, he walks the walk, advocating for policy shifts that sow the seeds of change in the bureaucratic soil. But his approach is holistic, recognizing that true transformation requires nurturing minds as much as it does influencing laws. Thus, he plants the seeds of education, cultivating a culture where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a way of life.
Al-Surf knows he can’t go it alone. A conductor leading an orchestra, he harmonises efforts, fostering collaborations that create symphonies of impact across sectors. Together, they build sustainable projects—not just monuments to progress but living testaments to the power of collective action. But in this grand orchestration, community engagement is the melody that resonates most profoundly. Al-Surf reaches out as a distant leader and a fellow traveller on the path to sustainability, inviting others to join him in a journey toward a greener horizon. Monitoring and evaluation become his compass, ensuring that progress is measured in miles travelled, in lives touched, and in futures secured. As Al-Surf is fond of saying, “Sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about securing a legacy of prosperity for generations to come.”
Blueprint for Future Innovators
Aspiring sustainability professionals and entrepreneurs, heed the wisdom of Mohammed Al-Surf: “Sustainability is a destination and a journey fueled by passion and driven by purpose.” Begin this journey by finding what truly ignites the spirit, allowing that passion to guide efforts. Mohammed Al-Surf emphasises arming oneself with a deep understanding of sustainability principles and remaining curious, constantly seeking knowledge through various educational avenues.
Start small, but dream big. Small, consistent steps can lead to significant, systemic changes over time. Building partnerships is crucial; collaboration with like-minded individuals and organisations can amplify impact and drive collective action. According to him, adaptability and innovation are essential, as the landscape of sustainability is ever-evolving. Embrace new ideas and technologies, and be prepared to adjust strategies to meet emerging challenges.
Engage actively with the sustainability community. Networking and participation in professional organisations can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Measure and communicate the impact of initiatives to demonstrate their value and inspire others. Embracing resilience and perseverance is key, as the path to sustainability can be fraught with challenges and setbacks. Learn from failures and use them as stepping stones to success. Mohammed Al-Surf’s advice underscores the importance of tenacity, commitment, and continuous learning. With passion and dedication, the vision of a more sustainable future becomes an attainable reality.