Karim Elnabawy Balbaa is a recognized sustainability, ESG, and climate-change leader driving the transformation toward circular and low-carbon development across Saudi Arabia. As sustainability expert in many development companies in Saudi Arabia, he led the integration of sustainability and ESG strategies across the Kingdom’s most ambitious urban regeneration projects, embedding innovation in Carbon management, recycling, energy efficiency, sustainable design and certification. 

With over a decade of experience, Karim has delivered sustainability frameworks, decarbonization strategies, and certification programs for many of Saudi Arabia’s flagship giga-projects, achieving multiple LEED Platinum and Gold certifications. His work advances the Kingdom’s environmental goals through initiatives on circular economy, material recovery, water stewardship, and carbon reduction.

Internationally recognized as a speaker and USGBC faculty, Karim has trained more than 12,000 professionals in sustainability practices and received numerous accolades, including Engineer of the Year 2024, Outstanding Individual Sustainability Contributions 2025 (Gold Winner), and Mentor of the Year 2025.

Karim’s efforts continue to inspire sustainable change, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in responsible development and environmental innovation.