Estidama Pearl Building Rating System of Abu Dhabi and Al Sa’fat of Dubai: Comparison and Analysis

Abstract

In the built environment industry, sustainable building assessment systems provide a framework and tool to follow in order to embed sustainable development measures. While green building assessment systems are mostly focused on the environmental design and systems performance. To help developers, designers and construction stakeholders in defining the projects’ sustainability objectives and design indicators, two UAE-based sustainability regulations have been objectively assessed and major differences have been identified. A comparative analysis of (1) Estidama Pearl Building Rating System (PBRS) of Abu Dhabi and (2) Al Sa’fat of Dubai has been conducted. The analysis has been structured in accordance to an international standard; ISO/AWI 21929 Sustainability Indicators, and to another similar system; SBAT of South Africa. As construction is constantly increasing in the UAE and other developing countries, climate change impacts of buildings and adaptability measures need to be considered more frequently through such systems. In addition, the social aspect of sustainable development could be further supported by new building techniques suitable to the region. The local green building assessment systems should look at the life cycle analysis and operational phase assessment as they directly support the economic aspect of the stainability along with their environmental-social positive impact. It is expected that the results presented in this research can contribute to a better understanding in the field of sustainability regulations and environmental designs.