EstidamaA comprehensive guide of procedures for implementing Estidama in the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City

Introduction

Estidama, which means sustainability in Arabic, is an initiative developed to achieve the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyans dream of creating a more sustainable future for theEmirate of Abu Dhabi. It is an integral part of Abu Dhabis Vision 2030.

Economic Cultural SocialEnvironment

The Estidama Pearl Rating System is

a framework for sustainable design,

construction and operation across the

Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi

Executive Council has mandated that all

new communities, buildings and villas

be required to achieve the minimum

1 Pearl rating. Government-owned

and operated buildings are required to

achieve at least a 2 Pearl rating.

Estidama Pearl Rating System

Buildings that apply Estidama

guidelines will:

Save natural resources Reduce impact on the environment Increase quality of life of residents Conserve energy and water Enhance reputation and marketability

For villas, the additional benefits

of Estidama include:

Lower villa operations and maintenance costs

Greener, more livable villas Improved integration of villa within wider community

Better lifestyle for residents

Benef its of Estidama

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1 Pearl (Mandatory) from

15th Nov, 2010

10 Villas and above Building > 75,000m2 GFA

2 Pearls and above

Mosque Hotels All other projectsFor projects that are currently exempted fromEstidama, details will be provided soon.

1 Pearl (Mandatory) from

15th Nov, 2010

Less than 10 Villas Buildings < 75,000m2 GFA

UPCs Role & Responsibilities

ADMs Role & Responsibilities

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ESTIDAMAVILLA STRATEGIES

MINIMIZE SOLAR GAINBy increasing depth of recess to windows or add louvers/mushrabiya

NW

SE

WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPEUse indigenous planting that creates shade and minimizes

water usage

OUTDOOR SHADINGProvide comfortable

outdoor areas

WEST FAADEMinimizes opening

& glazingUSE COOL ROOFExternal surfaces that reflect solar gain back to atmosphere

REDUCE ENERGYBy using efficient systems and insulating materials

ORIENTATIONMaximize daylight, minimize solar gain

NATURAL LIGHTINGBy using light pipes to lit up

deep interior spaces

LOW IMPACT MATERIALSSpecify materials that are non-toxic, local and recycled

5Estidama Approval Process

Consultant:

Estidama 1 (Schematic Stage)

Architectural / Structural / Entrances / Parking

Estidama 2 (Detailed Stage)

Building Permit Issued

Contractor:

Estidama 3 (Pre-Construction Stage)

Process Under Development

Estidama 4 (Post-Construction)

Process Under Development

Certificate of Completion Issued

Conditional Approval

Conditional Approval

Final Approval

Estidama 3Pre-Construction Stage: Compliance with Estidama requirements at the pre-construction stage of the project

Estidama 4Post-Construction Stage: Compliance with Estidama requirements at the post-construction stage of the project, including verification and on-site inspection

Estidama 1Schematic Stage: Compliance with Estidama requirements at the schematic design stage of the project

Estidama 2Detailed Stage: Compliance with Estidama requirements at the detailed design stage of the project

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Online Application Process

Consultant Phase

Step 1Register your project online with the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City Construction Permit Directorate (CPD) application systemhttp://172.18.236.22/CDPAbuDhabiTest/CDPPublicPortal

Step 2 Download the required Estidama forms

Step 3 Fill in the forms and submit Estidama1 requirements

Step 4 Upload completed forms to the attachments tab of the CPDapplication system

Step 5All compliant submissions will receive Estidama 1 conditional approval

Step 6Proceed with architectural/structural/parking/entrances review

Step 7All compliant submissions will receive building permit conditional approval

Step 8Fill in the forms and submit Estidama 2 requirements

Step 9Upload completed forms to the attachments tab of the CPDapplication system

Step 10 All compliant submissions will receiveEstidama 2 approval

Step 11All submissions that receive Estidama 1 & 2 approvals and pass the architectural/structural/parking/entrances review will receive a building permit

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The ADM Estidama team appreciates your thoughts and feedback, which will contribute to the continuous improvement of our services, processes and training workshops.

For any technical support, comments or queries, please email us at estidama@adm.abudhabi.ae, or visit us at the ADM Estidama office.

ADM Technical Support

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1 Estidama e-forms (coming soon)

2 Estidama PDF forms

3 Directions for completing Estidama forms

4 Completed Estidama submission

5 Model of a villa project that is compliant with Estidama

http://172.18.236.22/CDPAbuDhabiTest/CDPPublicPortal

EstidamaResources

The Estidama awareness workshops are specially designed for:

Consultants Contractors Suppliers Owners Developers

ADMs Estidama Awareness Workshops

Applying the Pearl Villa Rating System (PVRS): A programme for architects, engineers, consultants to understand and apply the Pearl Villa Rating System to new villa projects

Applying the Pearl Building Rating System (PBRS): A programme for architects, engineers and consultants to understand and apply the Pearl Building Rating System to new building projects

Information on these programmes, including programme content, dates and venues, is available online at www.estidama.upc.gov.ae/cms/courses.php

UPCs Estidama Training Programmes

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What are the new Estidama requirements?The requirements to achieve the minimum necessary 1 Pearl rating are as follows:

Villas (11 conditions):

1 Integrated development process: An integrated project team consisting of complementary experts must be formed to plan and hold regular workshops, and put in place the project implementation strategy.

2 Efficiency of building systems & outer surface: Tests must be carried out to assess the buildings systems, as outlined by the consultant in the technical specifications and then implemented by the contractor.

3 Assessment & protection of natural systems: The relationship of the building site to the surrounding natural systems must be considered, including identifying the existence of animal or plant species and studying soil condition, as well as assessing the sites topography, waste, pollution, and climate.

4 Provision of natural ventilation: Natural ventilation of buildings must be made available, either naturally or mechanically.

5 Reduction of water consumption: Domestic fresh water consumption must be minimised using proven techniques, such as the installation of highly efficient water-flow reduction equipment and domestic appliances.

6 Control of water consumption: Water consumption must be controlled by installing metres to monitor outdoor

water usage, such as the amount used to water the garden.

7 Minimization of energy consumption: Energy efficient air conditioning and lighting systems, renewable energy system for heating water, and energy efficient domestic appliances must be installed. In addition, effective use of natural lighting, strategic design, and insulating materials must be applied to improving natural lighting, wind cooling and energy absorption and, in turn, reduce energy consumption for cooling and lighting.

8 Reducing the impact of cooling gases: Air pollution must be minimised through the adoption of air-conditioning systems that use ozone-friendly refrigerants.

9 Avoidance of hazardous substances:Hazardous substances, including asbestos and chromated copper arsenate, must not be used as construction materials or as components of any construction materials.

10 Management of construction waste: There must be a plan to manage construction and demolition waste through a combination of waste reduction, reuse and recycling.

11 Storage & recycling of domestic waste: An internal area must be assigned for the sorting of various types of domestic waste (i.e. paper, plastic, glass, etc.). In addition, an external area must be assigned for the storage of sorted domestic waste, so that it can later be collected and recycled.

Estidama at ADM

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The PRS 20 Mandatory Requirements:

1 Integrated Development Strategy To ensure new development adopts the Integrated Development Process (IDP) as a way of attaining greater synergy between project systems, resulting in high performance buildings.

2 Tenant Fit-Out Design & Construction Guide To ensure that the design and construction of interior space fit-out will contribute to the overall projects sustainability objectives and targets.

3 Basic Commissioning To ensure that the building performs as designed to protect occupant health and provide comfort and ongoing building efficiency.

4 Natural Systems Assessment To ensure that at the commencement of the design process, the environmental baseline conditions surrounding, connected to and on the site are considered and assessed.

5 Natural Systems Protection To protect significant and valuable Natural Systems assets identified in NS-R1 Natural Systems Assessment.

6 Natural Systems Design & Management Strategy To minimize demand for resources, promote soil protection and enhancement and ensure the long term survival and management of landscaped/habitat areas.

7 Plan 2030 To ensure that all new development supports the vision for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as defined by the applicable Plan 2030, and/or Development Code, and/ or Area Plan.

8 Urban Systems Assessment To ensure that, before the design process begins, a thorough understanding of the project site is developed within its urban context to better inform project programming, connectivity and built form.

9 Outdoor Thermal Comfort To increase outdoor thermal comfort during transition months and reduce thermal discomfort during summer months in public spaces and walkways.

10 Healthy Ventilation Delivery To protect the quality of air drawn into buildings for ventilation and to ensure minimum delivery of outdoor fresh air.

11 Smoking Control To eliminate or minimize exposure of building occupants to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

12 Legionella Prevention To manage the risk of Legionella in water based building systems.

13 Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction To develop and implement a comprehensive water strategy during the early stages of design as a tool to minimize the projects interior potable water consumption.

14 Exterior Water Monitoring To encourage the provision of metering facilities on all exterior water uses enabling effective management of outdoor water consumption and prevention of leaks.

15 Minimum Energy Performance To create a decision-support tool to assist the project team in making

informed decisions about the options, implications and benefits of various aspects of the building design in order to achieve a minimum level of energy efficiency

16 Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants & Fire Suppression Systems To promote the selection of refrigerants and fire suppression systems that minimize impacts on the environment

17 Hazardous Materials Elimination To eliminate exposure of building occupants to asbestos and minimize toxic effects of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated timber on people and the environment.

18 Basic Construction Waste Management To reduce the long-term environmental impacts associated with construction waste collection, transport and disposal.

19 Basic Operational Waste Management To reduce the long-term environmental impacts associated with operational waste collection, transport and disposal.

20 Monitoring energy usage inside buildings to promote the use of highly efficient elements, equipment and systems

What are the requirements and correct process for obtaining building permit approvals?The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has granted the Municipality of Abu

Dhabi City the authority to review and approve the following projects types:

Villa compounds of ten villas or less

Buildings of 75,000 square metres or less

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council is responsible for the review and approval of all other projects, including government buildings and mosques.

To comply with Estidama requirements, a consultant must:

1 Book an appointment for Estidama training through the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, in order to learn about Estidama requirements and the Pearl Rating System.

2 Obtain a certificate.

3 Apply Estidama standards and requirements to all new building designs.

4 Fill in the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City application form, providing all required information to allow the municipal engineers to efficiently carry out the review process and provide their report.

The design and building review process consists of four distinct stages:

1 Estidama 1 Schematic Stage: Preliminary submissions provided by the consultant are reviewed to make sure the consultant is complying with all required design standards. Conventional architectural and structural reviews are then conducted.

2 Estidama 2 Detailed Stage: After completion of all design requirements and submission of

Estidama at ADM

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written specifications, detailed and final designs provided by the consultant are reviewed to make sure the consultant is complying with all requirements. Upon successful completion of this stage,

the building permit is issued.

3 Estidama 3 Pre-Construction Stage: Preliminary submissions provided by the contractor are reviewed to make sure the contractor is complying with all required standards at the pre-construction stage.

4 Estidama 4 Post-Construction Stage: Completed buildings are reviewed to make sure the contractor has complied with all required standards during and post-construction. This stage includes the final test results on building systems, outer surface efficiency, and waste management plan implementation, etc. Upon successful completion of this stage,

a certificate of completion is issued.

Do these requirements and conditions only apply to new building permits or will old buildings also need to comply?For the time being, the above requirements only apply to new buildings. The projects to be reviewed and approved by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City are limited to the following:

New villa compounds of ten villas or less

New buildings of 75,000 square metres or less

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council

is responsible for the review and approval of all other projects, including government buildings and mosques.

What tasks are the Estidama team responsible for? Providing rapid and accessible

technical support on all matters related to the Estidama programme.

Communicating openly and efficiently with organisations and individuals in the construction and real estate sectors to facilitate the registration and review process.

Developing an action plan to offer free workshops at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City to introduce stakeholders to the Estidama programme, its requirements, and the procedures for implementation. These workshops target a number of stakeholder groups, including consultants, contractors, suppliers, owners, real estate developers, and relevant governmental employees.

Organising free introductory workshops, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. The first such workshop, organised by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, was attended by over 500 consultants and contractors operating in the Emirate.

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IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy1 Team structure, listing team members, titles and relevant skills E12 Process (Bar) chart for the Integrated Development Process(IDP), developed at E1 project inception, detailing design milestones, planned workshops, participants, goals, expected outcomes, and required actions with task assignments3 Implementation strategy for smooth transition between project stages and E1 project packages 4 Meeting minutes, action items and team member responsibilities from key E2 workshops as part of the IDP5 Description for any changes from the initial IDP process chart E2

IDP-R2: System & Performance Verification1 Description of system (and associated control) requirements for the villa E22 Description of envelope verification requirements for the villa E23 CV of competent professional undertaking the system verification E24 CV of competent professional undertaking the envelope verification E2

NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment & Protection1 Natural systems assessment for flora and fauna, microclimate, soil E1 conditions and topography, waste and contamination (where applicable)2 Time stamped photographs and referenced site location photographs of all E1 valuable assets base on the field survey3 Site plans showing protected and enhanced features, areas allocated for habitat E2 creation or restoration, or connected areas and the relationship to adjoining properties (where applicable)

LV-R1: Urban Systems AssessmentThe Urban Systems Assessment Credit (LV-R1) was previously a mandatory UPC requirement but has been revised and is now an optional credit

LV-R2: Outdoor Thermal Comfort StrategyThe Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy Credit was previously a mandatory UPC requirement but has been revised and is now an optional credit

LV-R3: Minimum VentilationNatural Ventilation1 Description of how the natural ventilation design requirements will be achieved E12 Plans, elevations and sections describing window and door positions, sizes and E2 maximum opening distances

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Estidama Submittal Credits Requirements 1 Pearl Villa rating projectsDemarcation for Estidama 1 (E1) & Estidama 2 (E2)

3 Plans and sections describing opening areas between rooms ventilated through E2 adjoining spaces4 Calculation schedule demonstrating compliance with minimum opening area E1 criteria for all spaces

Mechanical Ventilation5 Description of how the mechanical ventilation design requirements E2 will be achieved6 Spreadsheet calculations of fresh air ventilation rates, based on E2 the calculation procedure of Section 403 for all zones7 Mechanical drawings, system specifications and manufacturers details E2

PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction1 Description of all proposed water conservation strategies E22 Villa Water Calculator confirming that the villas predicted interior potable E2 water consumption will be no greater than the baseline villa interior potable water consumption, using efficiency measures only3 Specifications for all proposed fixtures and fittings, indicating flow rates and E2 flow regulation systems4 Specifications for all proposed appliances, including information on their E2 water usage

PW-R2: Water Monitoring1 Description of how water monitoring requirements will be achieved E22 Water distribution drawing and extracts from specifications, indicating E2 the type, extent and locations of sub-meters

RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance1 Description of how building envelope requirements will be achieved E12 Description of how efficient appliances and renewable energy E2 requirements will be achieved3 Energy system schematics illustrating the proposed HWS generation strategy E2 and confirming that the required level of HWS generation by renewable sources will be achieved4 Specifications, calculations, and building services layout design drawings E2 indicating the type, extent and location of the HWS generation system5 Manufacturers details of each installed appliance, light fixture, fan, A/C unit, E2 and other electrical item, detailing energy ratings/units efficiency/power ratings

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6 Description of ability for renewable energy systems to be installed in the future, E1 along with any routing from the renewable energy equipment to the main residential building7 Sections and details for each building faade element utilised in the design, E2 detailing how envelope requirements will be achieved for each element8 List of all appliances to be installed in the building, including numbers E2 and energy efficiency certifications9 Detailed specifications of appliance energy usage or proof of certification E2 by Energy Star program, EU Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme, or equivalent10 (Optional) Demonstrate that the proposed building model meets or exceeds E2 the energy performance requirements compared of the baseline building11 (Optional) Provide an energy model template, summarising the dynamic energy E2 simulation and confirming the percentage reduction that will be achieved

RE-R2: Energy Monitoring for VillasThe Energy Monitoring Credit was previously a mandatory UPC requirement but has been revised and is now an optional credit

RE-R3: Minimizing Ozone Impact of RefrigerantsUsing refrigerants, confirming ODP of each refrigerant is zero E2

SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination1 If parts of the project are reused from an existing building, provide the results E2 of a hazardous materials survey, following internationally-recognised standards, documenting the existence, if any, of ACMs in the building2 Description of asbestos removal and disposal plans E23 Confirmation that no ACMs and no CCA-treated timber will be used in the project E2

SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management1 Construction & Demolition Waste Management Plan (CDWMP) conforming E2 to requirements2 Villa Waste Calculator confirming compliance with requirements E23 Schedule of items to be recycled/salvaged from demolition and construction, E2 if any

SM-R3: Storage & Collection of Waste & RecyclablesSubmitting designs of rooms for the storage and collection of waste E1