SustainableAlternatives

Innovative Environmental and Social Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Who We Are Mission & Vision Values Impact What Makes Us Unique Certifications

WHO WE ARE

A Leading Environmental Consulting Firm in Jordan

Established in 2016, Sustainable Alternatives (SA) is a leading environmental consulting firm based in Jordan, dedicated to supporting sustainable development across the region. SA provides expert services in environmental, health and safety, and engineering consulting, with a focus on hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, water and wastewater, energy, oil and gas, industrial, and mining sectors.

Founded by a group of seasoned experts with extensive local, regional, and international experience, SA brings a multidisciplinary approach to every project. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality, impactful, and context-sensitive solutions tailored to the socio-economic realities of developing countries.

SA is accredited as a Grade "1" Environmental Consulting Firm by the General Tenders Directorate (GTD) and is authorized to conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and Environmental Audits in accordance with both national and international standards.

MISSION & VISION

Why We Exist

Our Mission

We develop sustainable environmental and social solutions tailored to a project's specific physical and socio-economic conditions, fostering long-term resilience and progress.

Our Vision

Provide tailored consultancy services, sustainable solutions, and capacity-building services that drive resilience.

OUR VALUES

What We Stand For

Integrity

Upholding transparency and ethical practices

Innovation

Implementing forward-thinking environmental solutions for sustainable outcomes

Impact

Prioritizing long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits in every project

Excellence

Delivering top-tier services that exceed industry standards

OUR IMPACT

Integrating Sustainability Across Sectors

SA has contributed to projects across sectors, helping clients integrate sustainability into infrastructure, urban planning, and policy development. Our work has focused on ensuring the transition to more sustainable practices for our clients across multiple regions.

Infrastructure

Embedding environmental and social safeguards into major infrastructure from planning through operations.

Urban Planning

Supporting sustainable, resilient development that balances growth with environmental protection.

Policy Development

Advising ministries and agencies on frameworks that align national practice with international standards.

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE

Technical Depth, Local Insight

Expertise & Engagement

SA combines technical expertise, innovative solutions, and a deep commitment to community engagement.

25+ Years Senior Tenure

With an average senior team tenure of over 25 years, SA offers unparalleled insights into local, regional, and international environmental challenges.

Collaborative Approach

SA's collaborative approach emphasizes working closely with stakeholders, ensuring projects are not only compliant with environmental considerations but also deliver sustainable socio-economic benefits.

Lender-Ready Standards

SA tailors its environmental and social management services to meet the specific requirements of international lenders, ensuring compliance with International Financial Institutions and other funding agencies' standards.

CERTIFICATIONS

Independently Certified

DNV ISO 14001 Environmental System Certification

DNV ISO 9001 Quality System Certification

Certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) by DNV.

OUR TEAM

The People Behind SA

SA was founded by a group of experts with extensive local, regional, and international experience in environmental and water resources management.

Khaled Murad

Director of the Board, Partner

Khaled holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from An-Najah University and brings over 30 years of experience in business development, as well as major infrastructure and environmental projects. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading international institutions including the IFC, World Bank, KfW, and other prominent agencies across the MENA region.

Mutasem ElFadel

Senior Advisor

Dr. Mutasem holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and brings over 30 years of experience in environmental systems modeling and climate change. He has led and contributed to key projects in the MENA region, Europe, and the United States, working with organizations such as the IFC, World Bank, EBRD, SIDA, and KfW.

Ibrahim Alameddine

Senior Advisor

Dr. Ibrahim holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Duke University and has over 20 years of experience in environmental management, desalination, and water systems. He has worked on a wide range of projects across the MENA region, Canada, and the United States in collaboration with organizations such as the IFC, SIDA, World Bank, and EBRD.

Rola Qubaa

Senior Consultant, Partner

Dr. Rola holds a PhD in Environment and Water Resources Management from the American University of Beirut and has over 20 years of expertise in environmental and water resources management, including transboundary water issues. She has worked with the IFC, World Bank, EBRD, KfW, and other international agencies on projects across the MENA region and Asia.

Ashraf Ma'ani

Senior Engineer, Partner

Ashraf holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental and Water Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology and has over 20 years of experience in environmental, health, safety, and social assessments. He has worked with the IFC, World Bank, EBRD, KfW, and other organizations on projects across the MENA region, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

Rania Maroun

Senior Consultant, Partner

Rania holds a PhD in Environment and Water Resources Management from the American University of Beirut, with over 20 years of experience in environmental management, water quality, health economics, and solid waste management. She has worked with leading international organizations, including the IFC, World Bank, KfW, EIB, the European Union, and various UN agencies, delivering projects across the MENA region and Africa.

Noora ElWer

Advisor, Social Expert

Noora holds an MS in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Sussex and brings 18 years of experience in social development, stakeholder engagement, community impact, and social surveys. She has worked on a range of development projects in Jordan, Ethiopia, Iraq, and East Jerusalem, in collaboration with the IFC, World Bank, EBRD, KfW, and various UN agencies.

Sarah Haddaden

Environmental Engineer

Sarah holds a Master's in Engineering Management and a Bachelor's degree in Water and Environmental Engineering from the German Jordanian University. She has 9 years of experience in environmental and social impact assessments and due diligence, and has worked on projects in Jordan with the IFC, World Bank, EBRD, and KfW.

Services Sectors Clients & Partners Where We Work

OUR WORK

Delivering Across the Middle East & North Africa

SA's team of experts and associates have led numerous projects, studies, and training workshops across the Middle East and North Africa, supporting both public and private sector clients.

2016Established

12Countries

7Sectors Served

6Service Lines

25+Years Senior Tenure

SERVICES

Specialties and Services

SA provides a wide range of environmental and social consultancy and training services, each tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients. Each service aligns with global best practice, integrating regulatory requirements, the latest environmental standards and social commitments.

Environmental Management & ESHS Safeguarding

Specialized in ESIA, SESA, air quality, waste management, ESMS, HSEIA, and oil spill contingency planning.

Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Strategic Environmental & Social Assessment (SESA)
Air Quality Assessment & Modeling
Solid Waste Management (Municipal, Medical & Hazardous)
Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS)
Sector-specific HSEIA guidelines for onshore & offshore oil & gas
Oil Spill Contingency Planning

Sustainability Services

Focused on creating SSCPs, auditing sustainability performance, and conducting lifecycle assessments.

Sustainability Supply Chain Plan (SSCP)
Sustainability Performance & Compliance
Sustainability Auditing & Reporting
Lifecycle Assessment

ESHS Construction, Supervision & Monitoring

Experienced in CESMP development, onsite ESHS training, monitoring, and compliance.

Development of Construction Environmental and Social Management Plan (CESMP)
Onsite ESHS Induction Training
Onsite ESHS Monitoring & Compliance

GHG Emission & Climate Risk Assessment

Developing GHG reduction strategies, conducting climate risk assessments, and designing adaptation frameworks.

GHG Calculations & Reduction Strategies
Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Social Assessment & External Evaluation

Experienced in M&E, social research, labor management, DAC evaluations, and NGO program development.

Monitoring & Evaluation
Formative Research (Social Surveys)
Public Consultations
Strategic Plans Development
Policy Development for Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI)
Labor Management Plans
Proposal/Program Development services for NGOs
Evaluation & Monitoring based on DAC criteria

Training & Capacity Building

Delivering customized workshops and training programs for stakeholders across the Middle East and North Africa.

Workshops on environmental, social, health & safety related issues
Programmes for private & government employees

SECTORS

Sectors of Experience

Water & Wastewater

Solid Waste

Education

Healthcare

Oil & Gas

Renewable Energy

Transportation

CLIENTS & PARTNERS

Who We Work With

SA has partnered with a diverse range of clients, including ministries, councils, municipalities, NGOs, international firms and FFIs. SA has contributed to projects funded by renowned global, regional, and local agencies.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

WHERE WE WORK

Regional & Global Experience

SA has regional and global experience covering the following countries:

Jordan

Lebanon

Palestine

Syria

Iraq

Yemen

Saudi Arabia

Moldova

Pakistan

Tajikistan

India

Nepal

PROJECTS

Selected Project Experience

A selection of projects showcasing SA's experience across sectors and regions. Filter by sector, country, or year.

Sector

Country

Year

Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Phase II

Jordan · 2025 · Education · Client: GOPA Tech GmbH / CAVT · Funder: KfW

Engaged by GOPA Tech and the College of Advanced Vocational Training, SA supports Phase II of Jordan's KfW-financed TVET programme, a national initiative modernising vocational training institutes, improving training quality and relevance, and widening access for women, youth and disadvantaged groups. The programme works through rehabilitated workshops and laboratories, upgraded utilities and building envelopes, digital infrastructure, and improved health, safety and accessibility. SA assessed the expected environmental and social impacts, developed a management plan for each institute for inclusion in tender documents, prepared the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Grievance Redress Mechanism, and supervises construction against those plans.

As Samra WWTP Extra Capacity and Interim Solutions

Jordan · 2025 · Water & Wastewater · Client: CDM Smith / BWI · Funder: USAID

Engaged by CDM Smith under the Building Water Infrastructure activity, SA prepared the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan for interim capacity works at As Samra, Jordan's largest wastewater treatment plant, which serves the Amman and Zarqa catchments and received average flows of 371,000 m³ per day in 2024 against a design capacity of 364,800. The works add zeeDENSE treatment, two standby belt filter press units, utility enhancements, a dedicated polymer service water skid and two existing ponds reconnected as emergency standby. SA delivered the plan to USAID requirements following field visits and stakeholder meetings.

School Construction Programme III-IV (SCP III-IV)

Jordan · 2024 · Education · Client: GOPA Infra · Funder: KfW

Engaged by GOPA Infra, SA supports the School Construction Programme III-IV, a Jordanian-German cooperation initiative financed by KfW that builds new schools and upgrades existing facilities to absorb the influx of Syrian refugees, improve education quality, and strengthen the Ministry of Education's capacity as implementing agency. SA carried out site selection for up to 15 preselected locations, re-verified and compiled documentation for four pre-screened sites from earlier phases, produced a ranking of eligible school sites against the selection criteria, and provides multidisciplinary consulting for construction supervision and permitting compliance.

Water Resources Management Programme VI: Expansion Sewer Network, South-East Amman

Jordan · 2024 · Water & Wastewater · Client: GOPA Infra / NIRAS A/S · Funder: KfW

Engaged by GOPA Infra and NIRAS, SA is preparing the environmental and social impact assessment for the extension of the sewer system across South-East Amman, a KfW-financed Water Authority of Jordan scheme connecting twelve districts to the main collectors and trunk sewers. The project covers around 16 km² with 179 km of sewer pipes, 6,511 house connections serving a projected 138,972 people by 2050, two trunk lines and a new lifting station at Abu Sayyah. SA prepared the scoping statement and terms of reference, documented baseline conditions, analysed alternatives, assessed impacts, and delivered the climate risk assessment, land acquisition plan and management plans, alongside a survey of 1,326 households examining financial capacity and willingness to connect to the new network.

New Disi-Aqaba Transmission Pipeline

Jordan · 2024 · Water & Wastewater · Client: CDM Smith / BWI · Funder: USAID / EIB

Engaged by CDM Smith under the Building Water Infrastructure activity, SA prepared the environmental and social impact assessment for a new 64 km transmission pipeline from Disi to Aqaba, conveying an additional 12 million cubic metres a year to meet demand projected for 2030. SA reviewed national and international requirements to identify gaps against ASEZA Regulation 21, the EIB Environmental and Social Standards and USAID's 22 CFR 216, prepared the Resettlement Action Plan, assessed impacts and mitigation, delivered the climate vulnerability assessment and greenhouse gas estimation, and produced the study and management plans in Arabic and English.

Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), HTUPlus

Jordan · 2023 · Education · Client: GOPA Infra · Funder: KfW

Engaged by GOPA Infra, SA assesses environmental and social risk across the HTUPlus programme, a German-Jordanian initiative creating a flagship technical and vocational education institution in Jordan to raise training quality to international standards and improve the sector's appeal. The programme covers construction and equipping of a new TVET campus in Amman and the upgrading of two vocational training institutes in Irbid. SA carried out the preliminary impact assessment, developed the Environmental and Social Management Plan for inclusion in tender documents, prepared the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, and supervises construction against those measures.

New Hydropower Plant at King Talal Dam / Tlal Al Dahab Weir

Jordan · 2026 · Renewable Energy · Client: Studio Pietrangeli · Funder: KfW

Engaged by Studio Pietrangeli, SA is preparing the environmental and social impact assessment for a new hydropower scheme on the lower Zarqa River between King Talal Dam and the Tlal Al Dahab Weir, part of Jordanian-German cooperation on renewable energy in the water sector. The scheme refurbishes the existing plant and adds a new weir, a 7.7 km penstock, a powerhouse and a 33 kV transmission line, raising installed capacity to 18.1 MW and annual output to about 76 GWh. Classified Category 1 by the Ministry of Environment, SA's study covers baseline conditions, alternatives, impacts, climate risk and management planning.

Al Azraq Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wastewater Reuse

Jordan · 2026 · Water & Wastewater · Client: GIZ · Funder: EU / BMZ

Engaged by GIZ, SA is preparing the environmental and social impact assessment for a new wastewater treatment plant and reuse scheme serving Al Azraq refugee camp and Al Azraq town in Zarqa Governorate, replacing tanker-based sewage handling that currently discharges to an illegal dumpsite and threatens the groundwater aquifer. The plant will be built between 2026 and 2028 on government land at Al-Mukhayzin Al Janoubi to a 2035 design horizon. SA documented baseline conditions, ran stakeholder consultation, analysed site alternatives, assessed construction and operation impacts, delivered the climate risk assessment and greenhouse gas estimation, and prepared the management plan.

Improving Health Care Delivery in the Aral Sea Region

Uzbekistan · 2026 · Healthcare · Funder: KfW / BMZ

SA is preparing the Environmental and Social Management Plan for a KfW-financed programme improving cardiovascular care in Uzbekistan's Aral Sea region, covering Karakalpakstan and Khorezm. The programme upgrades hospital infrastructure and equipment including two cardiac catheterization laboratories, stroke units across hub and spoke facilities and a clinical skills simulation centre, alongside integrated care models with mobile medical teams, portable diagnostics and telemedicine. SA identified the risks arising from rehabilitation works, equipment installation and service delivery, developed healthcare waste provisions, prepared occupational and community health and safety measures, and produced the stakeholder engagement plan and grievance mechanism.

Mother-Childcare and Emergency Care VI TNRI

Tajikistan · 2022 · Healthcare · Client: GOPA Worldwide · Funder: KfW

Engaged by GOPA Worldwide, SA supported the Mother-Childcare and Emergency Care VI project in Tajikistan, which widens access to sustainable healthcare of international quality, particularly in rural areas, through an annex building housing a labour delivery department, neonatal and intensive care units and operating theatres. SA assessed the environmental, social, health and safety impacts and risks, prepared a Waste Management Plan for construction and operation, tailored the ESHS requirements to the works contracts, reviewed the contractor's management plan, and supervised its implementation with semi-annual compliance reporting.

National Water Conveyor Readiness Infrastructure, Bulks 1–4

Jordan · 2026 · Water & Wastewater · Client: CDM Smith / BWI

Engaged by CDM Smith under the Building Water Infrastructure activity, SA is preparing the environmental and social impact assessments for four bulk conveyance lines forming Jordan's National Water Conveyor readiness infrastructure, together expected to deliver over 100 MCM a year of additional water supply to Amman, Zarqa, and the northern governorates. Across all four bulks, classified as Category 1 by the Ministry of Environment, SA's scope covers the scoping statements and terms of reference, baseline surveys and stakeholder consultation, impact assessment, climate risk and greenhouse gas assessment, land acquisition planning (including Land Acquisition and Livelihood Restoration Plans), and management plans, delivered in English and Arabic.

Bulk 1 (Abu Alanda to Tareq and Juraiba): Funded by the U.S. DOS, this 31.4 km gravity-fed line runs from the existing Abu Alanda II Terminal Reservoir to the proposed Tareq and Juraiba Terminal Reservoirs, adding 57 MCM/year to the Amman and Zarqa systems by 2030.
Bulk 2 (Muntazah to Dabouq): Funded by the U.S. DOS, this 21.5 km pumped line carries desalinated water from the proposed Muntazah Terminal Reservoir to the existing Dabouq Reservoir via a new pumping station, adding 52 MCM/year to Amman's distribution zones by 2030.
Bulk 3 (Abu Alanda to Khaw): Funded by AFD, this 59.6 km gravity-fed line runs from the Abu Alanda II Terminal Reservoir to Thagrat Al-Jub in Mafraq Governorate with emergency backup connections to the Khaw and Zaatari reservoirs, forming with Bulk 4 a single 109 km system delivering 57 MCM/year to the northern governorates.
Bulk 4 (Khaw to Hofa Reservoir): Funded by the EIB, this 50.5 km gravity-fed line runs from the Khaw intersection to the new Hofa Terminal Reservoir, a distribution hub for Irbid Governorate with operational storage delivered in two phases.

National Water Carrier Project: Resettlement Action Plan

Jordan · 2026 · Water & Wastewater · Client: NCPC · Funder: IFC / EBRD

Engaged by the National Water Carrier Project Company, SA is preparing and supporting implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan for the conveyance pipeline of Jordan's National Water Carrier, a public-private partnership that will supply up to 300 MCM of desalinated water a year to Amman and Aqaba through roughly 438 km of pipeline. Working to IFC Performance Standard 5 and EBRD Performance Requirement 5, SA developed the census, survey, asset inventory and valuation methodology, conducted the socio-economic survey, prepared the entitlement matrix and livelihood restoration measures, and built the affected persons database, grievance arrangements and disclosure materials.

Wadi Arab II Water Supply System Project

Jordan · 2024 · Water & Wastewater · Client: CDM Smith

Engaged by CDM Smith, SA conducted an ESIA and prepared an updated ESMP for the Wadi Arab II Project, which will supply 30 MCM/year of water to over 2 million residents in northern Jordan.

Al Ghabawi Septic Tank Facility Project

Jordan · 2018 · Water & Wastewater · Client: EBRD

Engaged by the EBRD, SA provided a feasibility study and technical tender support for relocating the Ain Ghazal Treatment Plant to a new facility in Al Ghabawi, serving Amman, Zarqa, and the surrounding areas.

Water Network Rehabilitation Under AWANE Project

Jordan · 2018 · Water & Wastewater · Client: OXFAM

Engaged by OXFAM under the AWANE project, SA conducted a Baseline Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Assessment and Impact Study for water network rehabilitation in Naqab, Teacher Housing, and Russaifeh City in Al Zarqa Governorate.

Enhancing Livelihoods Through Participatory and Integrated Watershed Management

Jordan · 2020 · Water & Wastewater · Client: ACF

Engaged by ACF, SA provided E&S advisory services for a project in Madaba Governorate aimed at improving livelihoods for Jordanians and Syrian refugees by reducing sediment in the Wala Dam through Cash for Work (CFW) initiatives, involving local cooperatives and CBOs.

Preliminary EIA — Pilot Organic Fertilizer Production Facility, Al-Husayniyat Landfill

Jordan · 2023 · Solid Waste · Client: OXFAM

Engaged by OXFAM, SA conducted an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessment for a Material Recovery Facility near Al-Husayniyat landfill in Mafraq Governorate, aiming to identify risks, enhance workplace safety, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards for the facility staff.

Jordan Schools PPP Project

Jordan · 2022 · Education · Client: Meridiam SAS / Edgo

SA was engaged by Meridiam SAS and Edgo Investment Holdings LTD to assess environmental and social risks for 15 new public schools in Amman, Madaba, and Zarqa.

Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Jordan · 2021 · Education · Client: GOPA Infra · Funder: KfW

Funded by KfW and engaged by GOPA Infra, SA assessed environmental and social risks for German-Jordanian TVET institutions, including a new campus in Amman and upgrades to two institutes in Irbid.

Self-Employment of Women in the Private Health Sector

Pakistan · 2021 · Healthcare · Client: GOPA Worldwide · Funder: KfW

Funded by KfW and engaged by GOPA Worldwide, SA developed and implemented an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for small health clinics and mobile container clinics in underserved areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project focused on empowering unemployed women through employment in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services while ensuring compliance with World Bank standards, national regulations, and effective waste management and grievance mechanisms.

Standard Operating Procedures for Oil Spill Response

Lebanon · 2019 · Oil & Gas · Client: Ministry of Environment · Funder: EU

Engaged by the Ministry of Environment with EU funding, SA developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Ministry's role in Lebanon's National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP). The project included process mapping, gap analysis, and training to enhance the Ministry's preparedness and response capabilities.

Temporary Interim Terminal Phase 2 — NEOM Bay Airport (NUM) Expansion

Saudi Arabia · 2023 · Transportation · Client: NEOM

Engaged by NEOM, SA managed the environmental and social aspects of Phase 2 and its associated facilities, including cargo, maintenance, and logistics areas, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and sustainable practices across planning, design, construction, and operations.

Roads and Employment Project

Lebanon · 2021 · Transportation · Client: HICON · Funder: World Bank

Engaged by HICON under World Bank funding, SA provided environmental and social advisory for the rehabilitation of eight road links in Rashaya, Hasbaya, and West Bekaa. The project included developing and monitoring CESMPs, conducting training, site inspections, and reporting to ensure compliance with World Bank safeguards.

* The projects listed above are selected samples showcasing SA's experience.