Rethinking of sustainability

• UAE was five times more unsustainable than any other country in the world (according to World Wildlife Fund)

• UAE was responsible for the world’s largest ecological footprint (according to Living planet report, 2006)

Gaining certification

• Green building rating system ,LEED, has been introduced in 1998 by US GBC.

• A system used during the planning stage helps to classify how sustainable a building is.

• Upon completion, a building is awarded bronze, silver, gold or platinum.

• The UAE programme has been broken down into six main categories.

1.Sustainable sites

• This category deals primarily with the issues of site selection, access and design.

• The prerequisite concerns erosion and sedimentation control on site.

• There are eight credits available, offering a maximum of fourteen points.

2.Water efficiency

• Comprising no prerequisites and only three credits cover landscaping, water use reduction and wastewater treatment.

• Items such as waterless urinals, composting toilets and grey water/storm water recycling can be rewarded with points in this category.

3.Energy and atmosphere

• Includes three prerequisites: fundamental building systems commissioning, minimum energy performance and the reduction of the cfcs in hvac equipment.

• Followed by six credits for energy optimisation, renewable energy, advanced building commissioning, measurement and verification, ozone depletion and green power.

4.Materials and resources

• This section has only one prerequisite; the storage and collection of recyclables.

• Seven credits focus on building reuse, construction waste management, reused, recycled or local/regional materials, certified wood and rapidly renewable materials

5.Indoor environmental quality

• This category places a high emphasise on occupant comfort and well-being.

• It has two prerequisites followed by eight credits that generate a maximum of fifteen points.

6.Innovation and design process

• This category allow up to four design innovation points to be gained, plus an additional point for the use of a LEED accredited professional in the design process.

• The points may be awarded for tasks such as lifecycle analysis, community development or education of occupants.

Towards sustainable edevelopment

• 1st platinum rated green building in the middle east and 16th in the world.

• From January, 2008 all buildings in Dubai will have to be constructed according to strict green standards.