UPC celebrates World Environment Day 2012 by focusing on water conservation

Under the theme Sustainable Urban Development, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council UPC will be organizing a series of awareness activities and lecture that will focus Estidama’s four sustainability pillars: environment, economy, society and culture.

Commemorating the World Environment Day 2012, UPC held the inaugural lecture on 5 June 2012 at Al Ma’moura Building, which includes UPC headquarters. The lecture witnessed strong participation and was attended by over 130industry professionals as well as UPC and Estidama senior planners.

The first lecture titled Precious Water: Driving Water Efficiency in Abu Dhabi addressed exemplar water conservation, efficiency and optimization in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Estidama planners shared with the participants how Abu Dhabi and through Estidama’s Pearl Rating System PRS for Buildings/Villas/Communities is designed to reduce water consumption in buildings, and water demand in private gardens and the public real.

“Water is a very valuable and in demand resource for Abu Dhabi. Through Estidama, and its dedicated Pearl Rating System PRS, the first sustainability benchmark in the Arab region, we aim to reduce the rate of water consumption by introducing design methods and practical solutions as the Emirate has one of the highest per capita water,” said Eng. Amer Al Hammadi, Director of Planning and Infrastructure at Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council UPC.

The lecture also addressed Estidama’s role and efforts that complement the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi EAD strategic plan for the management of the Emirate's water resources. The plan calls for the adoption of stringent eco-friendly measures to increase water production in Abu Dhabi and urges government implementation of water policies to reduce wastage to combat the threat of severe shortages in future.

Estidama planners explained to the participants how the Estidama Pearl Rating System incorporates efficient water usage measures among buildings by introducing low-flow fixtures and appliances and low-water cooling equipment. The attendees were also updated on how the program tackles water demand reductions through efficient irrigation system by defining clear irrigation targets for Public Parks, Streetscapes and other landscape and also by using native and adaptive plant species. Examples on how UPC and Estidama are addressing water efficiency was also illustrated referencing the Public Realm Design Manual PRDM.

The series of lectures are being organized by Estidama, Abu Dhabi’s sustainability program developed and managed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council UPC, and the Higher Colleges of Technology HCT, part of the Council’s long term initiative titled ‘UniverCity Outreach Program’ that aims to engage the UAE’s university student community with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030.

“Engagement and discussion is the most effective mode of addressing the importance of water and its conservation with the youth and I am confident that our ‘UniverCity outreach program’ will enhance their understanding and approach towards the overall clear and progressive sustainable initiatives implemented to support Abu Dhabi Vision 2030,” added Al Hammadi.

Estidama and HCT will over the course of the year organize another five lectures each crafted to discuss key sustainability matters. The lectures will highlight Energy Modeling, Natural Systems, Waste Management, Independent Commissioning Agent and Building Envelope Verification.