Reed Smith March 2010
Alert 10-059 Mobile and Print-friendly version

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Estidama: It's Arabic For Sustainability

 

Estidama is first and foremost a philosophy of sustainability, based on four pillars: environmental, economic, social, and cultural. Developed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, it is the first program of its kind tailored to the Middle East region.


Ultimately, Estidama is envisioned to underpin multiple facets of daily life. However, its more immediate application is in seeking to positively influence each and every project that is under design, development or construction within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in order to achieve sustainable growth, to enhance the quality of life of residents and to protect environmental resources.


With the evolution of Estidama, a Pearl Design System has been created. It aims to assist designers to design in a more sustainable manner. Estidama and the Pearl Design System create an integrated design process focusing on five key areas:

  1. natural systems;
  2. livable city, livable buildings;
  3. precious water;
  4. resourceful energy; and
  5. stewarding materials.

A voluntary Pearl Rating System has been established and will be available to developers seeking to engage in 'greener' building and development in Abu Dhabi. The Pearl Rating System is in the process of being further developed, and it is intended that Estidama principles will be gradually incorporated into development codes and regulations, thereby allowing projects in Abu Dhabi to achieve a higher level of sustainability simply by complying with the relevant codes and regulations.


The following three Pearl Rating Systems are expected to be released shortly to coincide with Cityscape Abu Dhabi on 18 April 2010:

  1. Pearl Building Rating System;
  2. Pearl Community Rating System; and
  3. Pearl Villa Rating System.

For companies involved in the construction industry, embracing Estidama will be the key to success in Abu Dhabi.


Arash Amai
Partner, Abu Dhabi

aamai@reedsmith.com 



 
 
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This Client Alert was compiled up to and including March 2010.

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