SOHAR Port and Freezone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals through the Oman Net Zero Centre, has launched the Energy Efficiency Guideline for SOHAR Industrial Buildings, providing a structured framework to help industrial tenants improve energy performance, reduce operating costs and strengthen operational resilience across the port and freezone ecosystem.
The guideline offers a methodology for assessing building energy performance, identifying inefficiencies and implementing targeted improvement measures at the facility level.
It incorporates key performance indicators covering cooling setpoints, energy use intensity, water heating energy intensity and the performance of lighting, air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems, supporting more informed operational and investment decision-making.
The framework draws on internationally recognised standards including ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE 105, IPMVP and ISO 6946, while aligning with Oman’s Building Code and occupational health and safety regulations under Ministerial Decree 286/2008.
The initiative supports the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in relation to industrial productivity, economic diversification and resilient infrastructure, and contributes to Oman’s broader decarbonisation agenda.
Eng. Mohsen Al Jabri, Director General of the Oman Net Zero Centre, noted that the guideline enables energy savings of 15 to 20% with relatively short payback periods, characterising it as a practical and scalable model for industrial facilities.
Dr Abdullah Al Abri, Vice President of Sustainability and Acting HSSE Director at SOHAR Port and Freezone, highlighted that buildings including offices, warehouses and workshops represent a significant and often overlooked source of energy consumption within industrial ecosystems, and described the guideline as a shared roadmap for translating technical potential into measurable operational gains.
The launch was held under the patronage of H.E. Mohsen bin Hamad Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of Energy and Minerals, who emphasised the value of structured, scalable approaches in supporting Oman’s energy transition and long-term economic resilience.
