Click here to download a PowerPoint document for the details on the New Building Guidelines.

The Renovated building guidelines will be released in 2009.

New Building Guidelines

What is covered in the New Building Guidelines?

The proposed framework for new building guidelines is based on ten principles. Each principle guiding both developers and consumers to improve their thinking and improve the environment.

1. 1. Water
2. 2. Energy
3. 3. Indoor environment quality
4. 4. Ecology
5. 5. Management & operation
6. 6. Transport
7. 7. Pollution
8. 8. Material use
9. 9. Waste management
10. 10. Land uses

Water

Our objective is the reduction in building water consumption by the installation of grey water systems, condensate recovery and water efficient appliances. We aim to monitor of water usage and leaks as well the creation of water efficient landscapes

Energy Use

As with the world, our aim is to reduce CO2 emissions, monitor energy use and implement energy efficient lighting, lifts/escalators and appliances. This programme will focus on renewable energy, solar hot water systems and trhe metering and monitoring of energy.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Simply put, we aim to improve the quality indoor with views out to world, access to daylight, appropriate ventilation, thermal comfort, noise isolations easy access and fire safety.

Ecology

Our environment is precious and the protection of ecology resource is fundamental to development of protection and restoration of habitats. With a long term protection goal of ecology developments and associated habitats.

Management

As with all programmes across the world, intention is good but managing that intension is key. That is why commissioning and construction management programmes are fundamental to sustainability and working with management of construction site to measure the impact is of paramount importance. Along with whole life costing, innovation in design and the provision of operation and maintenance manuals.

Transport

Our vision for Abu Dhabi is for access to public transport networks for everyone, with amenities in convenient proximity, a developed travel plan and vehicle maneuvering spaces.

Pollution

In our country and it’s growth, pollution has to managed and Estidama’s mission is to ,minimization of air and water pollution, use of renewable energy sources, reduction in sky glow (night light pollution) and the minimization of heat island effect

Material Usage

Working with developer, architects and construction contractors, consideration will be given to the specification of building materials (origin and quantity), the use of recycled aggregates, the durability of materials and the external landscaping materials.

Waste Management

Waste Management is the focus of the reduction of waste, the provision of storage for recyclable wastes and the provision of hygienic waste disposal facilities.

Land Use

As we grow, so must our management of land use, we aim to optimize the usable space, ensure the reuse of land and the remediation of contaminated land

Community Guidelines

What is covered in the Community Guidelines?

The proposed framework covers eight key topics:

1. Development patterns – compact, mixed-used development
2. Alternative energy production and conservation
3. Mobility/ transportation
4. Water conservation
5. Natural resources, ecology, open space
6. Building design/ form
7. Balanced, livable communities
8. Integrated solid waste management

Assessment Approach

The proposed IECG assessment system is based on a point system. The points qualify towards credits to achieve a minimum score for project approval. The assessment has two tiers :

• Tier one comprises 3-5 actions that are the primary approaches to achieve sustainability in each of the eight topics defined above. These guidelines are quantifiable to an extent that provides ease of administration.
• Tier two comprises a longer list of 5-10 optional sustainability measures for each of the eight topics. A point value is assigned to each sustainability measure. All points are totaled to determine the final score achieved.

Developers are required to self-evaluate and determine compliance with the tier one guidelines. Based on the proposed development site, surrounding community and from an economic perspective, the developer will also select the most appropriate tier two measures and self-score its compliance. These self evaluation are then submitted to the UPC for final assessment.

Applicability

• All residential, commercial and institutional projects that are being reviewed by the UPC
• Renovation projects costing more than 50% of the value of existing structures
• Buildings and communities that are within the City of Abu Dhabi

Exception

• Industrial and small residential developments of less than 10 lots or units