DEWA unveils new set of green building guidelines

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Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) today unveiled Green Building Regulations Stage II, a new set of guidelines for construction of all new buildings in Dubai.

The guidelines, developed with Dubai Municipality, are designed to reduce the consumption of water and energy in new buildings across the emirate.

"The Authority plans to issue the green building power and water regulations in April 2010, for ensuring the efficient use of electricity, water and renewable energy in Dubai, within the green buildings framework,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA.

“In the initial stage, all new buildings will be required to comply with the codes and regulations and incorporate them in their construction designs."

"Dubai will be the first city in the Middle East that officially applies the green buildings standards on its residential and commercial buildings."

The guidelines cover such factors as site selection, energy and water usage, material selection, indoor air quality and waste management.

According to Al Tayer, energy usage will be reduced by up to 40% in each building.

The regulations only apply to new buildings.