Abu Dhabi UPC finalise sustainability policy plan

RELATED ARTICLES: The start of something big | Qatar green council boss defends multiple ratings | Aecom to manage Capital District infrastructure

Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council has completed its sustainability Policy and Framework Plan for the redevelopment of the Emirate’s Capital District.

The Plan will ensure that all new builds on the site – the first area to undergo intensive investment and construction in line with the government’s 2030 Economic Vision – will conform to the highest level of economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The Urban Planning Council also recently organized an industry outreach programme for those who will participate in construction of the Capital District. It is the latest initiative towards green building for the city’s construction renaissance, announced in April at the Cityscape conference. The Urban Planning Council is in charge of overall development.

The Capital District Sustainability Policy and Framework Plan will be issued to the UPC’s key partners in developing the Capital District for their review, endorsement and implementation. These partners include the DMA, ADM, ADWEA, ADWEC, ADDC, ADSSC, Transco, RSB, and EAD. The Plan defines Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which provide the stakeholders, consultants and contractors with the opportunity to participate in the delivery of the most sustainable infrastructure possible for project.

“The Capital District is aimed at increasing Abu Dhabi’s global reputation,” said H.E Falah Al Ahbabi, general manager of the UPC. “Its master plan is based on creating a culturally rich, architecturally attractive and sustainable urban environment. The policies and frameworks defined for this ambitious project are asserting core project outcomes and values that are guiding all decision making.”

James Reed, development manager for the Capital District, told CW at Cityscape that the overall plan would target both “environmental and cultural sustainability”.

Abu Dhabi is the originator of the Estidama system that assesses the sustainability credentials of a building. Based around a Pearl rating, it is considered some to be superior to systems such as the LEED rating, which was adopted from the US and some say is insufficient for the climate of the Middle East.