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Property developer gets pearl
rating for three schemes

ABU DHABI - Aldar has become the first developer to receive Estidama (sustainability) Pearl Design Rating approval from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) for three major schemes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the UPC said in a statement on Monday.

The three projects are Al Bateen (Mixed Use Development), Yas Island Water Park (Entertainment Development) and Yas Mall (Retail Development). Yas Mall has received a two pearl Estidama rating while Al Bateen and Yas Water Park have each been awarded a one pearl Estidama Rating for their design, demonstrating Aldar’s determination to design developments to the highest sustainable standards in line with the long term ambitions of Vision 2030.

The Estidama Pearl Ratings System was originally established by the UPC in 2009 to assess the sustainability performance of buildings, communities and villas and is a symbol of an inspired vision for governance and community development in a sustainable framework. Al Bateen Park is a mixed use project in Downtown Abu Dhabi incorporating villas, buildings and a small number of retail outlets. Aldar was able to blend these categories to achieve an Estidama certification as a single project rather than individual certifications for the three individual elements — sustainable community, sustainable buildings and sustainable villas. It is emblematic of the success of Al Bateen Park that the development as a whole has successfully achieved recognition.

Given the scarcity of water in the region, it is extremely challenging in a water park project, to promote the key elements of the Estidama criteria for its pillar of Precious Water: reduced demand, efficient distribution and alternative resources. Therefore it is an exceptional achievement for Aldar and the consultants behind the Yas Water Park project to have originated a sustainable water park.

Yas Mall has put in particular effort to create a rigorous set of tenant guidelines designed to protect visitors and to provide sustainable levels of comfort and building efficiency on an ongoing basis. This is the only shopping destination throughout the region to achieve this level of sustainable design. Falah Mohamed Al Ahbabi, General Manager of UPC said, “Creating developments in a sustainable way is fundamental to Vision 2030. Day after day, Estidama is gaining momentum with more developers committing to its interdisciplinary approach and sustainability guidelines. It is encouraging to see the progress being made and these three developments show the importance of bringing a sustainable approach to bear at the early design phase as the basis of a sound approach. I would like to congratulate Aldar for demonstrating such a commitment to sustainable development that asserts its strategic position as an active proponent of
our initiative and a true partner in progress.”

Sami Asad, Chief Executive of Aldar Properties said “We are proud of this recognition. It shows how important design is to creating the right environment that works to the long term ambitions of Vision 2030. Under UPC guidance and support, Aldar is progressing the principles and imperatives for sustainable development and we look forward to pursuing the same direction for all of our upcoming projects.”

anwar@khaleejtimes.com