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- What is Estidama?
The Estidama Program is the official sustainable buildings and communities guidelines of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
- Who is the responsible entity for Estidama?
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council in association with the Environmental Agency and Abu Dhabi Municipality.
- What does Estidama mean?
Estidama means "Sustainability" in Arabic.
- When was Estidama Developed?
Estidama was launched on 28th May 2008 as a joint collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, The Environmental Agency, Abu Dhabi Municipality, and Masdar.
- How was Estidama Developed?
The Estidama sustainable buildings and communities guidelines were developed through rigorous environmental, social and economic research within Abu Dhabi.
- Are the Estidama Guidelines mandatory?
No, they are voluntary within 2008.
- Will there be any Estidama regulations?
The Urban Planning Council encourages developers to start abiding by the guidelines as by early 2009 some prerequisite regulations will be created.
- Are their incentives for developers and investors who are Estidama rated?
Yes, the Urban Planning Council is currently finalizing the incentives.
- Is there any Estidama training for assessment?
Currently, there is no Estidama training for assessment.
- Can my development be rated today?
The Urban Planning Council is selecting projects to be pilot tested to assist with the development of the Estidama program. These pilot projects will be the first Estidama rated developments in Abu Dhabi.
- If a development is LEED/BREEAM certified, does it automatically direct to an Estidama certification?
No, Estidama has a different assessment tool and rating system, the development will have to be assessed and accredited separately as Estidama. There is no solid equivalence to any other rating system since Estidama is tailored for the main factors of the region.
- When the regulations start in 2009, is there a minimum number of pearls to be scored?
After the regulations are announced in 2009, all New Buildings should achieve a minimum of one pearl (no incentives are given to one pearls).
- When will the Existing Building Guidelines and Assessment tool be ready?
The maintenance and operations guidelines for existing buildings are expected in April 2009.
- What other guidelines are being prepared?
New Building Guidelines for:
Single Family Housing (villas, townhomes, etc)
Civic, Institutional and Educational Buildings (Schools, Universities, etc)
Tourism Facilities (Resorts, Hotels, etc) - Could other Emirates or Counties use the guidelines?
The guidelines are adapted to serve Abu Dhabi's needs, however the rest of the UAE and other GCC countries are also encouraged to use these guidelines as they are more relevant to our environment and culture then other worldwide rating systems.
