UAE green building certification criteria revealed

Dubai: The new criteria for the certification of sustainable buildings in the UAE were revealed on Wednesday during the Arab International Sustainable Real Estate Conference at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The detailed criteria were published in a book entitled ‘Dubai Sustainable Communities Initiative’ by the Government of Dubai Land Department (LD), through its investment arm — the Real Estate Investment Management and Promotion Centre.

“The Land Department strives to introduce and implement these initiatives following in the vision and strategy of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to build a sustainable economy,” said Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, director general at the Land Department.

The Dubai Certificate for Real Estate Sustainability is given to property and construction projects in Dubai that apply sustainability standards throughout the development phase.

Receiving the certificate is dependent on a set of economic, environmental, social and cultural standards.

The economic standards, with regards to the construction of sustainable buildings, highlight the requirement for contractors to implement the standards and specifications set by Dubai Municipality and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa). Also, they are required to follow the international green building standards (LEED Neighbourhood Developments).

Additionally, on the economic and investment front, international and local investments into the green building sector should be encouraged. An investment map should be implemented to develop opportunities for green projects.

Meanwhile, the environmental standards require contractors to use construction materials that reduce negative effects on the environment, and to efficiently consume natural resources, like water.

Furthermore, the social and cultural standards require workers employed by suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors to be treated fairly.

Additionally, the project should encourage the participation of Emirati youth in the sustainable real estate sectors.

In order to measure the progress of achieving green buildings in the UAE, the LD has introduced key performance indicators. Some of these include the training of employees to develop skills, the creation of local jobs, implementing a health and safety policy, and using local materials.

A project is first submitted to the LD, who will study its social, environmental and economic impacts, and register it upon meeting the green building regulations — after which an agreement is made on the sustainability objectives and the key performance indicators.