With a construction industry that accounts for 68% of energy consumption, Abu Dhabi has set its sights on energy efficient construction. The government of Abu Dhabi has introduced an initiative, Estidama 2030, which will establish local and regional standards for energy efficient construction.
Estidama is the Arabic word for “sustainability” and the budding initiative, although still in the planning phase, includes the strict Estidama New Building (ENB) guidelines for construction projects, aiming at a 30% reduction in the city’s energy and water consumption.
Dar Al-Estidama is a private company providing consultation on the Estidama 2030 initiative. According to the company’s website, Dar Al-Estidama is particularly interested in “reducing CO2 emissions, construction and demolition waste and indoor air pollution.”
General Manager Kai Schlenther described Dar Al-Estidama’s task as “caring for sustainability in buildings and concentrating on environmental issues inside [buildings].” He explained that proper insulation can reduce energy use up to 20%.
Current sustainability standards in the UAE are based on the American LEED system. Yet Schlenther sees the Estidama 2030 initiative as “more formulated to the climactic conditions of the region than LEED.” For example, reducing water consumption is crucial as each person in Abu Dhabi consumes around 550 liters of water per day.
Schlenther noted slow change of national sentiment. “It has been difficult to convince people of the benefits. We have told people that it’s not just about nature but also financial savings,” he said. To a society that prioritizes wealth over the environment, Schlenther makes a point to tell his clients, “Look, you are saving millions of dollars!”
