ESTIDAMA, which means “sustainability” in Arabic, is a sustainability initiative and building rating system developed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (now known as the Department of Municipalities and Transport) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The goal of ESTIDAMA is to promote sustainable development practices in the built environment and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi.
The key component of the ESTIDAMA initiative is the Pearl Rating System. This system assesses the sustainability and environmental performance of buildings, communities, and villas in Abu Dhabi. Similar to other international green building rating systems, such as LEED and BREEAM, the Pearl Rating System evaluates various aspects of a project’s design, construction, and operation.
The Pearl Rating System considers several categories, including:
Urban Planning: Assessing how well the project integrates with the surrounding urban fabric and infrastructure.
Architecture: Evaluating the building’s design, orientation, and use of sustainable materials.
Energy: Focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and reduction of energy consumption.
Water: Evaluating water efficiency, reuse, and conservation measures.
Materials: Assessing the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials.
Waste: Considering waste management practices and strategies to minimise construction and operational waste.
Innovation: Recognising innovative practices and technologies that contribute to sustainability.
Projects are awarded a Pearl Rating based on their performance in these categories. Ratings range from one to five pearls, with a higher number of pearls indicating a higher level of sustainability.
ESTIDAMA and the Pearl Rating System reflect the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. It is tailored to the unique climate and context of Abu Dhabi, taking into account factors such as hot weather conditions and the need for efficient energy and water use. The program encourages developers, architects, and construction companies to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the emirate.
