Consultant Guide PDF

1 Pearl Villa
Guide for consultants

Version 1 September 2010
Introduction to Estidama
Four pillars of estidama
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estidama
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The Pearl Rating System for Estidama is one of the

key tools for driving and determining of sustainable
development. The completion of the Pearl Rating System
for Communities, Buildings and Villas marks a critical step
in the progression of Estidama by providing a suite of
tools that will be the basis for sustainable development
from master plan to plot.
eco
mic
no
The aspirations of Estidama are incorporated into Plan

2030 and other Urban Planning Council (UPC) policies
such as the Development Code. Estidama began two years
ago and is the first program of its kind that is tailored to
the Middle East region. In the immediate term, Estidama
is focused on the rapidly changing built environment. It
is in this area that the UPC is making significant strides
to influence projects under design, development or
construction within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
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l
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Estidama, which means sustainability in

Arabic, is the initiative which will transform
Abu Dhabi into a model of sustainable
urbanization. Its aim is to create more
sustainable communities, cities and global
enterprises and to balance the four pillars of
Estidama: environmental, economic, cultural
and social.
Introduction to Estidama
the pearl rating system for estidama
estidama for villas
The Pearl Rating System for Estidama aims to address

the sustainability of a given development throughout its
lifecycle from design through construction to operation.
The System provides detailed requirements for rating a
villas potential performance in relation to the four pillars of
Estidama.
As of September, 2010, all new villas in Abu Dhabi will

have to achieve a minimum 1 Pearl Rating. This means
that design teams will have to demonstrate that each of
the required credits of the Pearl Villa Rating System will be
achieved. These required credits are as follows:
The Pearl Rating System is organized into seven categories

that are fundamental to more sustainable development.
Integrated Development Process: Encouraging
cross-disciplinary teamwork to deliver
environmental and quality management.

Natural Systems: Conserving, preserving and
restoring critical natural environments and
habitats.
Livable Villas: Ensuring quality of outdoor and
indoor spaces.
Precious Water: Reducing water demand and
encouraging alternative water sources.

Resourceful Energy: Targeting energy
conservation through passive design measures,
energy efficiency and renewable sources.
Stewarding Materials: Ensuring consideration of
the whole-of-life cycle when specifying and
disposing of materials.
IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy

IDP-R2: Systems & Envelope Performance Verification
NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment & Protection
LV-R2: Outdoor Thermal Comfort
LV-R3: Minimum Ventilation
PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction
PW-R2: Water Monitoring
RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance
RE-R2: Energy Monitoring
RE-R3: Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants
SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination
SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management
SM-R3: Storage & Collection of Waste & Recyclables
Villa development teams can also seek a higher rating, up
to Five Pearls, by pursuing voluntary credits. The detailed
requirements of both the required and optional credits are
available from the Pearl Villa Rating System, available for
download at www.estidama.org.
The Pearl Villa Rating System applies to villas and multi
residential buildings of three or less stories above grade
For most villas, the Abu Dhabi Municipalities will review
documentation of the mandatory 1 Pearl credits. Those
developing sites with more than 10 villa dwelling units will
be reviewed by the UPC.
Innovating Practice: Encouraging innovation

and cultural expression in building design and
construction to facilitate market and industry
transformation.
How to use this guide

ENGINEER
This 1 Pearl Villa Guide is intended to complement the

Pearl Villa Rating System, which is the primary reference
document for Estidama compliance. This document
provides guidance to a design team for achieving the
required credits. Key features of the document organization
are highlighted below.
hold regular
design
workshops for
collaboration
and continuity
Systems Thinking
Enabling true Collaboration and Continuity within the design

and development team. By discussing project goals early
on and meeting face-to-face as a single group, the project
team will be able to coordinate work smoothly and make
decisions more rapidly.
develop an
implementation
strategy for
continuity
modelling
1
2
The IDP process should be coordinated by a member of

the design team who has been certified as a Pearl Villa
Rating System Professional. It is not necessary that
this person be a dedicated sustainability consultant.
They could be any member of the design team who
has received the villa certification. More information
about this certification is available about this at www.
estidama.org.
E - Engineer
C - Contractor
A - Architect
O - Owner
ecology
targets
budget
suppliers
cost
constructability
operations
Role
example 1.1 Team Structure

Owner
Architect
Building Design
Landscape Design
Contractor
Engineer
Structural Engineering
Skills
MEP Engineering
X
Maintenance
The members of the

design team responsible
for requirements
discussed on the page
are highlighted on the left.
layout
Submission
Every member of the project team should contribute

to the design. In order to develop more integrative
ideas, team members should consider themselves
collaborators in the design, even before the Architect
even puts pen to paper. Although the Contractor is
typically involved later in the process, they should be
involved as early as possible.
Passive designs
location
vision
Promoting System Thinking when developing strategies and

solutions. By considering the interconnections between
each discipline, the project team can deliver a high
performing building more creatively, and without expensive
technological add ons.
building systems
The project team should consider several points as it

organizes its work:
Each member of the team should become familiar with
Estidama and the One-Pearl requirements under the
Villa Rating System. This is available on the Estidama
website (www.estidama.org).
CONTRACTOR
(project PQP) vision
efficient designs
A villa project team in its simplest form will be comprised

of an Owner, an Architect, an Engineer and a Contractor.
Typically the Contractor will be responsible for all
subcontractors. Specialists may also be brought onboard to
undertake specialized work in areas such as sustainability,
landscape architecture, interior design, ecology or energy
modelling.
Context
Defining a Sustainability Framework with clear vision and

objectives and specific indicators and targets to monitor
ongoing performance. By establishing goals early and
holding themselves accountable to these, the project team
can meet ambitious goals more efficiently and avoid any
incidental slippage in project performance.
assemble
integrated
development
team
examples:
AR
CH
IT
EC
T
12 3 4
assemble
integrated
development
team
The Integrated Development Process (IDP) aims

to foster creativity and coordination in the project
design and development. Thefore, an IDP should
involve all members of project team, especially
the client/owner or financial decision maker.
Organise
An IDP can be the foundation of a successful design and

development team, bringing out the best input of each
member. In particular, once the design team has been
assembled, it facilitates the design process by:
As the project team organizes its schedule, an IDP framework should be incorporated into the
development process. This framework can be broken down into four steps, which are detailed on the
following pages.
1.1 Assemble integrated development team
OR
CT
RA
NT
CO
Approach
Related Credits: IDP-R1: Integrated Development Process
Process
ER
NE
GI
EN
Before beginning the design and development

process, the team should be organized in a way
that integrates the contribution of different
trades and specialities. This coordination, called
an Integrated Development Process (IDP) in the
Pearl Rating System, is simply a framework to
support the development of holistic, creative,
and efficient design solutions. The Pearls Rating
System requires an IDP to extend throughout
the project life cycle from inception to design,
construction and commissioning.
OW
NE
R
1.0 Organise team + work
Tabs on the right organize

the Guide by stages of the
project process, and key times
for submitting documentation
to the relevant municipality
(e.g. ADM).
ORG - Organize Team and Work
CON - Understand Site Context
OUT - Design Outdoor Spaces
IND - Design Indoor Spaces
SYS - Design Building Systems
SUB - Estidama Submission for

Building Permit Application
BUIL - Build Villa
VER - Verify Performance
SUB - Estidama Submission for
Completion Permit Application
ARCHITECT
OWNER
The Manual
1.0 Organise team + work

Before beginning the design and development
process, the team should be organized in a way
that integrates the contribution of different
trades and specialities. This coordination, called
an Integrated Development Process (IDP) in the
Pearl Rating System, is simply a framework to
support the development of holistic, creative,
and efficient design solutions. The Pearls Rating
System requires an IDP to extend throughout
the project life cycle from inception to design,
construction and commissioning.
Approach
An IDP can be the foundation of a successful design and
development team, bringing out the best input of each
member. In particular, once the design team has been
assembled, it facilitates the design process by:
Related Credits: IDP-R1: Integrated Development Process
Process
As the project team organizes its schedule, an IDP framework should be incorporated into the
development process. This framework can be broken down into four steps, which are detailed on the
following pages.
12 3 4
Defining a Sustainability Framework with clear vision and

objectives and specific indicators and targets to monitor
ongoing performance. By establishing goals early and
holding themselves accountable to these, the project team
can meet ambitious goals more efficiently and avoid any
incidental slippage in project performance.
assemble
integrated
development
team
establish
initial
vision and
targets
hold regular
design
workshops for
collaboration
and continuity
Systems Thinking
Enabling true Collaboration and Continuity within the design

and development team. By discussing project goals early
on and meeting face-to-face as a single group, the project
team will be able to coordinate work smoothly and make
decisions more rapidly.
Promoting System Thinking when developing strategies and
solutions. By considering the interconnections between
each discipline, the project team can deliver a high
performing building more creatively, and without expensive
technological add ons.

8
develop an
implementation
strategy for
continuity
1.1 Assemble integrated development team

examples:
vision
The project team should consider several points as it

organizes its work:
1
2
The IDP process should be coordinated by a member of

the design team who has been certified as a Pearl Villa
Rating System Professional. It is not necessary that
this person be a dedicated sustainability consultant.
They could be any member of the design team who
has received the villa certification. More information
about this certification is available about this at www.
estidama.org.
Every member of the project team should contribute

to the design. In order to develop more integrative
ideas, team members should consider themselves
collaborators in the design, even before the Architect
even puts pen to paper. Although the Contractor is
typically involved later in the process, they should be
involved as early as possible.
Passive designs
layout
ecology
location
vision
Each member of the team should become familiar with

Estidama and the One-Pearl requirements under the
Villa Rating System. This is available on the Estidama
website (www.estidama.org).
OR
CT
RA
NT
CO
modelling
ER
NE
GI
EN
building systems
AR
CH
IT
EC
T
efficient designs
A villa project team in its simplest form will be comprised

of an Owner, an Architect, an Engineer and a Contractor.
Typically the Contractor will be responsible for all
subcontractors. Specialists may also be brought onboard to
undertake specialized work in areas such as sustainability,
landscape architecture, interior design, ecology or energy
modelling.
OW
NE
R
The Integrated Development Process (IDP) aims

to foster creativity and coordination in the project
design and development. Thefore, an IDP should
involve all members of project team, especially
the client/owner or financial decision maker.
targets
budget
suppliers
cost
constructability
operations
Role
example 1.1 Team Structure
Skills
Owner
Architect
Building Design
Landscape Design
Engineer
Structural Engineering
MEP Engineering
X
X
Construction
Operations &
Maintenance
Contractor
1.2 Establish initial vision + targets

The most important aspect of an IDP is a shared vision and
targets established to achieve it. These should be developed
early in the design process and be aligned with the
minimum 1 Pearl requirements.
1
2
3
4
Develop a vision for the villa project. This should be a

general, aspirational target that will give coherence to
the design process.
Establish objectives for achieving the vision. These
should be more specific goals.
Establish specific and measurable targets for achieving
the objectives and vision. These will form a framework
for the design process.
Develop solutions for reaching the targets. Identifying
practical, cost effective, integrated solutions will be the
outcome of the design and development process.
Example 1.2, Narrative summarizing vision, objectives, targets (partial)
Vision
The Villa will be a modern high-tech home that will

avoid wastful resource use
Objectives
Provide sensors and controls to reduce unnecessary

lighting
Targets (credits)
Reduce lighting loads per square meter 20%

below a typical villa
(RE-R1 Minimum Energy Performance)
Solutions
Architect: Strategic window placement and shading

Engineer: Automatic daylight-dimming of lights
occupancy sensors and automatic shut-off when
rooms are unoccupied.
10
1.3 Plan & hold regular design workshops

After a kick-off workshop and the establishment
of vision, objectives, and targets, it is important to
continue holding multidisciplinary design workshops
to foster creativity and collaboration and to ensure
everyone is aware of important decisions throughout
the development process.
Schedule regular multidisciplinary workshops at the
outset of project planning. These should include the
following topics, at minimum:
site and ecology
orientation and climatic response
energy, water
waste management
indoor comfort
sustainable materials specifications.
Additional workshops can also be scheduled on an asneeded basis.
Establish a protocol for documenting the occurrence of
meetings. This could take the form of photographs or
signatures of design members present at workshops.
Preplanning
Design
Construction
Submittal to Municipality
workshop documentation
Month 1
Organise team and work
Understand site context
Plan site layout
Design outdoor space
Design indoor space
Design building systems
Design Submittal
Build villa
Verify performance
Construction Submittal
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Month 6
Month 7
Month 8
W
W
W
Workshops are marked with a "W"
Example 1.3: Process chart
11
1.4 Develop an implementation strategy

A strategy for implementing the sustainability goals of a villa
should be developed to ensure that sustainability targets
established during design are met during construction and
occupancy. This can be facilitated as the team is organized.
Engage all members of the development team early in the
process, including the contractor and commissioning agent
(who will verify the performance of building systems). If
possible, these members should be involved in the whole
IDP process.
Ensure that the Specification documents contain the
sustainability targets and solutions established during
the IDP workshops. There should be language ensuring
compliance with all the mandatory Estidama credits.
Make sure that the villa occupants will receive a Villa
Occupancy Guide. This will provide instructions on efficient
operation and proper maintenance of building systems, as
well as behaviors that reduce the waste of resources. (See
further details in section 7.2 occupancy guide of this
guide.)
implementation
between project stages:
Specifications
Commissioning
Villa Occupancy Guide
12
Design
Construction
Occupancy
2.0 Understand site context

At the start of the design process, the design team should
seek ways to understand and optimize the relationship
between the villa plot and its surroundings.
A thorough understanding of the sites natural and urban
context will help inform an optimal site layout and villa
design. This will support many design objectives, including:
improved outdoor thermal comfort, energy use reduction,
water conservation and ecological enhancement.
There are many resources that can support an analysis
of both natural and urban systems, including the master
planning documents for a villas neighborhood, if available.
Others are listed in Useful Resources.
Natural systems, such as existing habitat and topography,
and urban systems, such as nearby community facilities,
could be examined in separate assessments or one merged
analysis. But ultimately all site information should be
integrated in order to identify opportunities and constraints
associated with building on a particular site. The design
team will then be able to move on to the next step in the
process: planning the site layout.
Assess Natural Systems

+
Assess Urban Systems
Related Credits: NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment & Protection
Useful resources:

UPC Plant Information Database

(www.upc.gov.ae)
Wild Flowering Plants of UAE, Environmental Research and Wildlife

Development Agency, 2002
Geographical information database for UAE

(http://geoportal.abudhabi.ae)
Birds of Abu Dhabi - Checklist , Environmental Research and

Wildlife Development Agency, July 2001
Google Map/Earth
EnergyPlus Weather Data
(http:// apps1.eere.energy.gov)
Vascular Plants of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Gary Brown and Sabitha

Sakkir, August 2004
Interpretation Manual of Major Terrestrial Natural and Seminatural habitat types of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Gary Brown and Benno
Boer, Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency,
September 2004.
Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB)

(www.rsb.gov.ae)
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA)

(www.adwea.com/en/index.html)
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (ADWEC)

(www.adwec.ae)
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC)

(www.addc.ae)
Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC)

(www.aadc.ae)
Terrestrial Environment of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Environment Agency

Abu Dhabi, 2008
(www.ead.ae)
Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey a technique for

environmental audit, JNCC, 2007
(www.jncc.gov.uk)
Environment Agency
(http://www.ead.ae)
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)

(www.taqa.ae/en/uae.html)
Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN,

(www.iucn.org)
Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (TRANSCO)

(www.transco.ae)
Identify
Opportunities
& Constraints
13
Step 3.
Design Outdoor
Spaces
2.1 assess natural systems

At the beginning of the design process and
before site work, the natural systems of the villa
plot should be assessed. If general information
prepared as part of a wider masterplan is
available, this should be used as part of the
submission.
Flora & fauna

Most villa plots in Abu Dhabi will contain limited habitat,
but this means that even small areas of vegetation are
particularly important. The following items should be
included in the natural system assessment:
Pictures (with a date and location stamp) and details
of existing flora and fauna assets in the plot. Particular
attention should be paid to valuable assets such as
healthy native trees, shrubs and grasses. See the Plant
Information Database on the UPC website for species
identification information.
Map based on the previous information identifying areas
to be protected, enhanced, allocated for habitat creation/
restoration or connected to adjoining properties.
Soil conditions and topography

Soil conditions and topography are important for
understanding how building foundations should be
constructed, how well different areas will accommodate
landscaping and how the site will drain both rainwater and
irrigation.
Waste & contamination (where applicable)
Related Credit: NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment & Protection
Microclimate
Local site microclimate, including winds and shaded areas,
should be evaluated to identify synergies with the villa
design. Abu Dhabis characteristic sun angles, diurnal
temperature swings, and relative humidity should also
be fundamental to a villas design. An east-west building
orientation generally maximizes the opportunity for shading
controls. Leaving a building or courtyard open to nocturnal
winds facilitates natural ventilation and cooling.
Example 2.1a: Narrative (partial)

Although sparsely vegetated, the plot includes two
notable ecological assets, depicted in photos: a spinytailed lizard burrow and several ghaf trees.
The existing ghaf trees, as a native species, are
valuable for both habitat and landscaping. They are preestablished, non-invasive and, as a drought-resistant,
salt-tolerant species, will require less irrigation than
other species.
The soil of most of the plot has been found to be sandy
up to a depth of 35 cm with a more rocky substrate
underneath. In the northwestern portion of the parcel,
soil contains more sandy load, in part in relation to the
presence of the trees.
The neighborhood masterplan included an inspection
of the site for potential contamination. As a previously
unutilized location, no contamination has been
identified or suspected on this villa site.
Any contamination on site by petrol, refuse, or any other

chemical or materials that could be harmful to human
health or the environment should be identified to determine
the need for remediation. If previously unreported
contamination is found or suspected, villa developers should
contact the relevant environmental agency to determine
further testing and remediation requirements.
14
The microclimate generally corresponds to Abu Dhabi

averages with some particularities, as follows:
High midday sun with marginal overshadowing
from adjacent developments to the south.
High levels of solar radiation year-round
Exposed on north and south sides,
Warmer southern winds prevailing during day
Cooler NW winds in mornings & E winds at night
Site allows for optimized building orientation
Existing trees on site provide shaded zones
Adjacent properties can break-up wind regime and
introduce turbulence
Example 2.1b: Time-stamped site photographs
Ghaf tree (dated picture)
Example 2.1c: Site plan showing protected features
Spiny-tailed lizard burrow (dated)
Ghaff tree
and
burrow
UPC Plant Information Database
15
2.2 Identify opportunities + constraints
Related Credits:NS-R1: Natural Systems

Assessment & Protection
Every villa will benefit from some characteristics of its

context. It will also be limited by other characteristics. A
synthesis of these opportunities and constraints can be
derived from information obtained in the Natural Systems
Assessment and other urban systems analysis. An example
study is shown below, illustrating how opportunities and
constraints can be used to inform the design of a villa.
Consistently sandy and at parcel
Minimal shading from

adjacent villas
Existing trees identied for protection

(Limited adjacent habitat)
Set-back requirement from
adjacent villas and road
Utility Connections
Access to nearby
mosque, retail,
and community center
16
3.0 Design outdoor spaces

The impact of a building can be reduced most significantly
by decisions made early in the design process. The relative
location of buildings, windows, and outdoor areas has a
significant impact on the amount of energy and materials
required to keep a villa comfortable.
The villas orientation and massing can be planned to reduce
heat gains, harness daylight, provide external shading, and
shield areas from prevailing winds. Courtyards and terraces
should be comfortably shaded. Landscaping should be
designed to protect and link natural habitat.
Useful resources:
Abu Dhabi weather data from EnergyPlus
(http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus)
17
Related Credits: NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment & Protection, LV-R2: Outdoor Thermal Comfort, RE-R1: Minimum
Energy Performance, SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination, SM-R3: Storage & Collection of Waste & Recyclables
3.1 Building layout

The layout of the buildings on the plot has many
ramifications later in the design process, especially with
regard to energy performance and external shading. The
development team should therefore be careful to consider
the following:
Optimize natural light but minimise solar

gains
1
2
3
Position villa toward South and West of the site; this

will generate shaded areas on the North and East sides
Use the shadow cast by surrounding buildings to
provide shade and reduce solar gains
Place windows in shaded areas, recessed into the wall,
or facing North to provide light to indoor spaces
Align with cool winds but shelter from

hot winds
Cool breezes can reduce heat build up in external areas
as well as freshen the air in courtyards and externally
accessible areas. Hot winds cause unpleasant and
uncomfortable conditions; building up heat in external areas
and increasing the heat load on the villa itself.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Use cool night and early morning breezes, generally

arriving from southern and eastern directions.
Shield the villa from hot winds during the middle and
later part of the day particularly from northwestern
directions.
Position and shape the villa to catch and direct the
wind flow into courtyards and open areas; whilst also
sheltering from the hotter winds.
Stagger roof heights to capture and scoop winds to key
areas.
Consider the position of surrounding buildings,
particularly taller buildings, that can substantially
modify local wind conditions and potentially require a
different villa position and orientation.
In order to generate renewable energy on-site, allocate
space at roof level for future installation of renewable
energy equipment. This area should be equivalent to
at least 15% of the total roof area, excluding the space
taken up for solar collection and mechanical plant.
18
Example 3.1: Outdoor shading plan
Building and courtyard orientation minimize solar

exposure on the East and West.
Principle windows for daylight

are on Northern side of buiding,
inside courtyard for privacy.
Building and courtyard are open
to evening winds from the East.
Outdoor area in courtyard

is shaded by building.
19
Front entrance walkway

is shaded by garage.
3.2 Outdoor thermal comfort

The Estidama outdoor shading requirement is to achieve
50% coverage of key areas. It is based on shade cast on the
ground on March 21st (spring equinox, when day and night
are about the same length of time) and June 21st (summer
solstice, the longest day of the year) at 13:00.
For Abu Dhabi, designers should use the following sun
altitude and azimuth: Summer Solstice (alt = 81.4, azi =
-94.6), Spring Equinox (alt = 64.2, azi = -161.6). The
architect may use any 3D CAD software and project these
angles to demonstrate compliance. In the diagram below,
h is the altitude, and A is the azimuth.
Step 1
Step 2
Identify whether the following key outdoor areas will exist

within the villa plot boundary:
Lay out the outdoor areas within the villa plot to provide
efficiently shaded outdoor areas. See diagrams at right for
design alternatives.
Walkways and passageways linking separate buildings

within the plot (separate means buildings on the
plot that are not linked in any way through an indoor
environment and that the only means of travel between is
through the outdoors).
Walkways between villa entrance(s) to plot access points
(plot access points would be located in a plot boundary
wall via, for example, a gate intended for pedestrian
passage, but would not include car park driveways leading
to gates intended solely for vehicular passage)
Front Entrances to Villas
All amenity areas such as patios, family areas and
courtyards
Balconies and accessible roof spaces (accessible roof
spaces would only include those designed and intended
for roof level amenity use and would exclude any
areas housing HVAC services equipment and renewable
technologies.
Water features (this is any water feature within the plot
boundary but excludes swimming pools)
20
Step 3
Use 3D CAD software or free 3D tools to project shade
(e.g. Google Sketchup)
After positioning key outdoor areas requiring shade, use
3D CAD software or 3D tools such as google sketchup to
determine shade patches and to demonstrate compliance.
Simply drawing and copying sun path lines for summer and
equinox scenario will enable quick and easy determination
of shade areas.
Example 3.2: Outdoor shading plan

Outdoor areas adjacent to a Northfacing wall
The area immediately adjacent to a North-facing wall is
the ideal location for amenity spaces as these spaces may
benefit from free equinox shade so that the only additional
shade required would be for the summer solstice.
Outdoor areas adjacent to a East-facing

wall
The area immediately adjacent to an East-facing wall is also
useful to provide some building self shade. Care should be
taken to identify the shade that is coincident at both the
equinox and solstice.
Outdoor areas adjacent to a South or

West facing wall and
The area in front of a South facing wall is the most difficult
to provide shade for since the lower altitude equinox sun
would require extended shades. Eliminate or minimise
areas requiring shade in front of south facades. Similar to
the South facing wall, spaces on adjacent to a West facing
wall are difficult to shade. Alternatively, use a combination
of vertical trellis in conjunction with horizontal shade or,
where amenity areas are rectangular, orient them with the
long side north to south to provide the easiest shade.
When vertical shading must be provided, this will more
efficiently shade an area when it is closer to the ground (i.e.
less than about 2 m high).
Roof area
(next to minimal
East-facing wall)
East-facing Wall
Outdoor area and

shading structure
runs more along
North-South axis.
North-facing Wall
Free shade from

building at Equinox
Equinox shading at 1 PM
Free shade from

building at Solstice
also permits a
smaller additional
shading structure
for Solstice.
(Alternative is to
provide vertical
shading on southern
side (e.g. tree.))
Equinox shading at 1 PM
Qualifying areas
shaded on both
Equinox and Solstice
Solstice shading at 1 PM
Solstice shading at 1 PM
21
3.3 Landscaping
Related Credits:NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment & Protection
By considering the landscaping approach early, the design

team can more efficiently protect natural assets and provide
external comfort. The development should consider the
following:
1
2
3
Build around existing natural assets identified during

the Natural Systems Assessment.
Plan landscaped areas that will complement adjacent
natural assets or habitat areas. If possible, extend
habitat corridors.
Although not required for a 1 Pearl Villa, consider
landscaping that does not require extensive irrigation.
This could be accomplished with the use of rock
sculpture, non-vegetative shading structures, and
native shrubs or trees.
Build villa around existing vegetation where possible.
22
3.4 Location of external waste storage

A waste storage area should be located to faciliate recycling
as well as efficient and clean waste management.
examples:
Space should be allocated as the villa dimensions are being

established. The Abu Dhabi Center of Waste Management
suggests allowing space for three 240 liter wheelie
(wheeled) bins, or four if organic waste is collected.
Suggested internal dimensions are 1m by 2.1m for three
wheelie bins (1m by 2.8m for four), with a height of around
2.2m.
The location of the waste storage space within the villa plot
should be selected considering the following aspects:
1
2
3
Make sure the storage area is easily accessible both

from the inside by residents and from the outside by
waste collection crews and vehicles.
Make sure the storage area minimizes nuisance. For
example, ventilation openings for the waste area
should not be near windows or air intakes for other
rooms. Doors should also shield unpleasant views of
waste storage from other rooms.
No obstacles, e.g. kerbs, or steep slopes should be
in the path between the waste storage room and
the point where the refuse collection vehicle will
potentially stop for collection. Additionally, the path
should have a hard and smooth surface and be around
1m wide, i.e. enough for a 240 liter wheelie bin to be
moved along it.
Conveniently located waste storage area, easily accessible from the street.
Some potential locations include garages or perimeter walls

adjacent to a road where refuse trucks can circulate.
23
3.5 External building materials

As the building and plot areas take shape, it is important that
the appropriate materials are selected for external structures
and facade. There are several variables to consider when
specifying these materials.
U- values
The materials that comprise the structure and facade of
the villa will form its thermal envelope the main barrier
to external heat and solar energy. Keeping the occupied
space cool and comfortable is an easier task with a high
performance envelope.
The U-value is a measure of how much heat passes through
a given material (i.e. how much insulation the material
provides). Estidama credit RE-R1 has the following U-value
requirements.
Thermal mass
Place concrete elements adjacent to the occupied spaces, to
buffer thermal energy and provide a cool surface feel for the
occupant.
Vapor barrier
Provide a barrier to restrict ingress of moisture through
the villa walls, floor and roof. This is a critical protective
consideration given the high humidity in the UAE.
Surface finishes
Use light colors to reflect sunlight and reduce absorption of
solar energy; This also reduces surface temperatures and
resultant heat gain through the walls and roof.
Construction Element
U-Value (W/m2K)
Glazing design
floor
0.15
roof
0.14
wall
0.32
basement wall
0.28
Glazing design is important for overall villa energy usage,

because windows bring light, heat and solar energy into
occupied spaces. In credit RE-R1, there are Estidama
requirements for both window insulation (U-values) and
heat gain (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)). These apply
to both the window and frame as follows:
crawl space wall
0.36
The UPC has developed a U-Value Calculator to assist

in showing compliance. But, in general, to achieve the
mandated values:
Provide insulation between the earth and concrete floor
slab to reduce heat from the ground warming the rooms
Insulate above the roof slab and apply finishing in a light
color
Include a layer of insulation in the villa walls
In addition to the basic U-value heat transfer reduction the
following factors can also benefit the energy and internal
environment:
Parameter
Target
U-Value (W/m2K)
2.20
SHGC
0.40
These factors can be specified to the glazing manufacturers;

a wide range of suitable, compliant products are available
within the UAE.
In addition it is also necessary to ensure that the total glazed
area of the villa faade is less than 15% of the conditioned
floor area.
24
Villa U-value calculator

The U-Value Calculator (available for download at www.
estidama.org) is a spreadsheet that can help the design
team select appropriate materials for the villa and
demonstrate compliance with the U-value requirements.
For each construction element (Floor, Roof, Wall, and
Glazing), there is a page similar to the below:
The Fabric Performance Summary tab provides a summary of calculated U-values

and compliance with Estidama targets for each construction element.
Wall U-value Calculator

Overview
Summary
Wall U-value
Floor U-value
Roof U-value
Glazing Spec
Materials
Glossary
Fabric Performance Summary
Entering the required information will enable calculation of the wall U-value. The material in each layer can be selected and the thickness varied to match the proposed design.
Variations in material properties can be achieved via the materials section, once they have been entered below.
Internal Design Temperature

24
Surface Finish
Layer Thickness
Thermal
Conductivity, k
(W/m.K)
(m)
Light
Thermal
Resistance, R
Orientation of
Faade
Total Area of
Opaque Faade
(m .K/W)
(m )
2
0.050 m .K/W External Surface Resistance
Material
Overview
North
Rendering
0.020
1.130
0.018
Polystyrene
0.080
0.030
2.667
Cast Concrete (Medium)
0.150
0.590
0.254
Plaster (Gypsum)
0.010
0.510
0.020
to
Element
2
0.127 m .K/W Internal Surface Resistance
North-West
2
3.136 m .K/W
Target Average U-value
2
0.320 W/m .K
Element Average U-value
2
0.319 W/m .K
Enter internal design

temperature and surface
finish type
107.0
West
80.0
Total Area
369 0
369.0
0.260 m
Total Thermal Resistance
Previous
South
South-West
Construction Passes RE-R1 U-value Target
Home
Enter material
characteristics and
thickness.
Next
Calculator quantifies
the U-value and
confirms whether wall
achieves target
Floor U-value
Roof U-value
Target Value
Design Value
Enter Orientations
and Areas of Facade
25
Glazing Spec
Materials
Glossary
Compliant
Wall
0.320 W/m2.K
0.319 W/m2.K
Yes
Floor
0.150 W/m2.K
0.133 W/m2.K
Yes
Roof
0.140 W/m2.K
0.134 W/m2.K
Yes
Glazing
2.200 W/m2.K
2.200 W/m2.K
80.0
South-East
Inside
2 958
2.958
Construction Thickness
East
Wall U-value
This section provides a summary of the individual element performance and confirms compliance with the target U-value requirements
102.0
North-East
Outside
Summary
Elemental U-value Compliance
Previous
Yes
Home
All opaque fabric elements

achieve average U-value targets
All glazed elements achieve

average U-value targets
Next
3.6 Hazardous materials

As materials are selected, it is also important to ensure that
they do not contain hazardous components excluded by
the requirements of credit SM-R1. The design team should
be aware of these requirements while designing exterior
spaces.
The prohibition of hazardous materials should also be
written into the project Specification documents. (These
are documents developed during the design stage that
provide detailed instructions for the Contractor to follow
during the construction stage.)
1
2
Specify that materials, including walls, insulation, and

interior materials as well, will not contain asbestos.
Specify that wood materials exposed to the outside
and within human reach such as shading structures,
playgrounds, and decking will not be treated with
chromated copper arsenate (CCA).
Sample specification language

Example 3.6: Confirmation from
specifications
In compliance with the Pearl Villa Rating System for
Estidama, required credit SM-R1 Hazardous Materials
Elimination, the following materials shall not be used in the
Work:
1. Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)
2. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated timber, where
timber is used for external structures subject to frequent
and intimate contact. These materials include, but are not
limited to, shading devices, playground equipment and
handrails
26
Summary of outdoor strategies
Courtyard shading is open to cool eastern winds,

redirects hot northwestern winds
Windows for daylighting on northern

side of building
External shading features for walkways,
courtyard, and accessible roof area
Front entrance is receded
for shade. Walkway
is shaded by garage.
Walls and roofs meet

U-value requirements
Solar Heat Gain targets
and do not contain asbestos
Vertical shading on eastern

and western windows
Water-ecient landscaping
Waste storage near road

Building footprint
accommodates existing trees
Wood in external structures does not contain
chromated copper arsenate (CCA)
27
4.0 Design indoor spaces

There are many factors to consider when planning the
rooms inside a building. These include strategies to use
daylight, to provide clean and comfortable indoor air, and
to prevent unwanted noise. As the villa is being designed,
these considerations are as important as the more personal
requirements of the future owners.
Related Credits: LV-R3: Minimum Ventilation, RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance,

useful resources:

ASHRAE Standard 55-2004. Thermal environmental conditions

for human occupancy International Mechanical Code 2009,
International Code Council,
(http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/imc/2009/index.htm)
International Building Code (IBC) 2009 section 402
Approach
The layout and position of rooms within the villa to suit
daylight and natural ventilation air movement have to
be considered at this stage as per credit RE-R1. It is also
necessary to define glazing specifications to ensure optimal
trade-off between light and solar transmission. This design
should be done bearing in mind credit LV-R3 that requires
that all spaces should be ventilated according to the
requirements of the International Mechanical Code 2009,
Chapter 4, or local code, whichever is more stringent (as
they pertain to both natural and mechanical ventilation).
As in previous steps, materials forbidden by credit SM-R1
(asbestos and chromated copper arsenate treated wood)
should not be specified for indoor spaces. All the decisions
affecting the design of the villa indoor spaces should be part
of the Integrated Development Strategy.
28
4.1 Ventilation strategy

Ventilation of indoor spaces can be achieved by natural or
mechanical ventilation. Natural ventilation of an occupied
space would be through openings to the outdoors, typically
windows that can be controlled by the villa occupants.
LV-R3 in the Pearl Villa Rating System refers to the
requirements of the International Mechanical Code (IMC),
section 402, that occupied rooms (such as living rooms,
dining rooms and bedrooms) should have a minimum
openable area of 4% of the floor area being ventilated. The
procedure undertaken by the designer for establishing and
calculating the openable area is shown below.
Step 2
Step 3
Determine the size and number of windows that are to

be provided to the space. This will usually be a result of a
balance between daylight, glare, heat gain, aesthetics and
cost.
Highlight the actual openable area of the window (illustrated

in red below). For top-hung windows that cannot open
further than 150 millimeters (mm), the openable areas are
the rectangular opening between the tip of the window to
the edge of the sill and the two triangular side openings on
the side. For windows that can open further than 150 mm,
the openable area is the full opening of each window.
2. Overall Window Dimensions
3. Identify Openable Window Area
Step 1
Once the internal layout of the villa is determined, develop
a spreadsheet listing the internal floor areas for each of the
rooms along with a description of whether or how they will
be mechanically or naturally ventilated. Often a plan view
such as that shown will be useful to convey the room and
window sizes. Internal rooms (such as dressing rooms) that
are intended to be ventilated through an adjacent space
should also be highlighted as the requirements for these
spaces will differ. The next steps will be iterative to arrive at
the best solution.
openable area if opening is 150 mm or less
1. Floor Plan & Area
window
window
openable area if opening is more than 150 mm
Example 4.1: Natural ventilation plans and window details
29
Step 4
Step 6
Establish the key dimensions associated with these

openings identified in step 3. For example, the distance
between the sill edge and the frame will be a key dimension
that will need to be obtained from window manufacturers
or suppliers.
Finally, total up all the areas for each of the openings for
each of the windows associated with a particular space and
ensure that this area is more than 4% of the internal floor
area of that space. This requirement needs to be achieved
for all relevant occupied spaces.
4. Establish Key Dimensions
Adjoining spaces
In the example, the dressing room is an internal space
(rest of floor plate not shown) and is intended to be
ventilated through the primary bedroom. In this case the
total floor area is the sum of the areas for the dressing
room and primary bedroom. The size of the openings in
the primary bedroom needs to exceed 4% of this total
floor area. In addition, the size of the opening between
the dressing room and primary bedroom (shown in
green) needs to be least 8% of the dressing room
internal floor area and no less than 25 sq ft (whichever
is greater).
Step 5
Also consider the effect of walls surrounding the window
frame as these will typically restrict the size of the side
openings and need to be accounted for. The designer
can use dimensioned hand drawings or CAD software to
establish the areas of the openings.
5. Additional Considerations: Wall Influence
window
window
window
30
4.2 Waste storage

Internal waste storage
Storage that allows for separating different waste streams
(waste that can be recycled and waste that cant) should be
provided in the kitchen. This can be in the form of pictured
at right.)
External waste storage finishes
1
2
3
4
The waste storage space should be designed following

these principles:
Cleaning. A hose union tap connected to the water

supply should be provided and the walls and floor
of the waste storage room should be tiled. The floor
should have a slope towards a gulley positioned so
that it does not interfere with the wheels of the bins
and connected to the wastewater network with a
permanent smell trap.
* Check with the Abu Dhabi Center of Waste Management

about provision of external bins. (http://www.cwm.ae/)
Security. Waste bins* should be accessible from

outside the villa but undesired access from the outside
should be blocked. Therefore, a double set of doors
should be used. Internal doors should be individually
lockable from the inside of the villa whilst refuse
collection vehicle crews should be able to open the
external doors from the outside with a generic key.
The doors should allow for an opening of at least 0.9m
to manoeuvre the bins.
Lighting approrpiate for the waste room should be
provided. The lights should be able to withstand
splashing from water cleaning and ideally fitted with
low energy lamps and with automated switching.
Example 4.2: Depictions of waste

storage room connection
Waste storage area (internal view)
Separated waste streams (internal kitchen)
Enough constant ventilation, either natural or

mechanical, has to be supplied to the waste room
to avoid odors or contaminant build-up. Natural
ventilation inlets should not be less than 0.2 m2, and
be fly and vermin proof. They should be located as
near to the ceiling and the floor of the room as possible
and away from other air intakes or windows.
Waste storage area (external view)
31
5.0 Design building systems
Related Credits:LV-R3: Minimum Ventilation, PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction,
PW-R2: Water Monitoring, RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance, RE-R2: Energy Monitoring, RER3: Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants Systems, SM-R3: Storage & Collection of Waste & Recyclables
The lighting, shading and ventilation strategies established

earlier in the design process will reduce the requirements
for building systems. But careful detailing of systems to
providing cool, comfortable, and convenient indoor spaces
can reduce the villas environmental impact still more.
Credit SM-R3 requires that the waste room be separately

ventilated to prevent odors. This can be either natural or
mechanical ventilation. Waste rooms must also be easy to
clean, with a water supply, tiled internal surfaces, and a
gulley connection.
Approach
Under the requirements of credit IDP-R1, decisions

regarding the design of building services should be agreed in
integrated development workshops.
The villa must comply with all ventilation requirements set

out in the International Mechanical Code 2009, Chapter 4 or
local code, whichever is more stringent (for both natural and
mechanical ventilation) as per credit LV-R3.
Consistent with credits RE-R1, the air conditioning system,
especially fans, have to meet performance requirements.
Fixed lighting systems are also required to achieve
performance standards, while exterior lighting elements
must have daylight sensors.
useful resources

ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals 2009.
ASHRAE/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 2007: Energy Standard for

Buildings Except Low- Rise Residential Buildings.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.2-2007: Energy-Efficient Design of

Low-Rise Residential Buildings.
International Mechanical Code 2009, Chapter 4.
Credit RE-R2 requires energy sub-metering, which have to

be clearly labeled and provided in easily accessible locations.
They must measure, at minimum, lighting electrical
distribution (for both internal and external lights), small
power electrical distribution, and air conditioning (including
external condensers and associated pumps and air handling
units).
Credit RE-R3 specifies that only refrigerants with an ozone
depletion potential of zero can be used for any purpose
on-site.
Efficient water fixtures and metering are required by credits
PW-R1 and PW-R2. Estidama requires specific flows rates
for water fixtures, fittings, and appliances, as well as
automatic shut-off control. As with energy meters, water
meters must be easily accessible and clearly labelled, to
sub-meter the villas external water use. This must have a
pulsed output and be capable of remote monitoring.
32
5.1 Energy system

Air conditioning
Appliances
Although the cooling requirements of a villa will be

reduced by minimizing heat gain through windows and
other external surfaces, energy must also be used to
condition spaces in Abu Dhabis climate. Efficient system
performance is a critical factor in achieving reductions in
energy usage.
It is also necessary to ensure that energy usage associated

with household appliances is minimized. This can be
achieved through demonstrating that any appliances,
lighting fittings and other electrical items not already
detailed achieve a suitable energy efficiency performance.
This means a performance rating of at least B under the
EU Energy Rating system, or an equivalent level from a
similar rating system, including the U.S. Energy Star rating
system.
For most villas the performance of the air-conditioning

system is based upon (a) the efficiency of energy
conversion from electricity to coolth (the opposite of
heat) and (b) the effectiveness of the fans driving the
air flow. There are requirements for both aspects of the
system.
The minimum air conditioning seasonal average Coefficient
of Performance and maximum fan power are:

(a) (CoP) = 3.40

(b) Maximum fan power = 2.80W/l/s
Lighting
Good lighting design can also reduce unnecessary energy
waste, both internally and externally. Internal lighting
energy is restricted on a basis of power used per unit area
for the following different zone types:
Zone Type
Power Density (w/m2)
family dining
22.6
food prep
12.9
restrooms
9.7
dormitory/living quarters
11.8
lounge/recreation
12.9
corridor/transition
5.4
Renewables
RE-R1 requires that 50% of the villas total annual hot
water usage comes from a renewable source. This can be
most easily achieved through the use of a Solar Thermal Hot
Water system. From the information used in the Villa Water
calculation tool (PW-R1) the villa water usage (based on
occupancy) can be provided to the system supplier who can
ensure that the RE-R1 target of 50% generation is satisfied.
Swimming pools
If the villa has a conditioned swimming pool (heated or
cooled), a pool cover must be provided that achieves a
minimum U-value of 0.47W/m2.K
External lighting is to be controlled by daylight sensors,

which will reduce energy wastage by ensuring that they are
only operational when required.
33
5.2 Energy metering

The Regulation & Supervision Bureau (RSB) has required
new villas to install only a single electric meter, which can
record both cumulative energy consumption as well as
incremental values using a pulsed output.
While this meter provides useful data, it provides limited
information about where energy is being consumed. and
provides littlle guidance for reducing energy use associated
with particular activities.
Estidama credit RE-R2 therefore requires separate metering
of the following:
1
2
3
4
Lighting electrical distribution board (including internal

and external)
Small power electrical distribution board
Air conditioning (at a minimum all external condensers
and where applicable associated pumps and air
handling units)
Any single piece of plant exceeding a maximum load of
20kW
If a data collection facility is installed, meters must have

data logging capability and be connected to the central
system to monitor ongoing energy consumption.
34
5.3 Refrigerant
Refrigerant
Many of the refrigerants currently used in air conditioning
systems cause damage to the ozone layer, which allows
greater levels of damaging radiation to reach the earths
surface. This effect can be reduced by the appropriate
selection of refrigerants with a zero ozone depletion
potential (ODP).
RE-R3 requires that all refrigerants installed within the plot
have a zero ozone depletion potential.
For many of the smaller villa systems this would require
avoiding refrigerants such as HCFC-22 and choosing
refrigerants with ODP levels of zero, for example HFC-407c.
Chlorofluorocarbons
ODP
CFC-12
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
1.0
HCFC-22
0.055
HCFC-123
Hydroflurocarbons
0.02
HFC-134a
HFC-245fa
HFC-407c
HFC-410a
HFC-417a
Natural Refrigerants
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Ammonia (NH3)
Propane (C3H8)
Isobutene
Air
Water
Although many ozone-depleting refrigerants have

been banned internationally and within the U.A.E,
illegal systems can still be found.
35
5.4 Ventilation
Ventilation
Ventilation rates for the villa must comply with the
requirements of the International Mechanical Code, the table
details private dwellings (as below). Use the Pearl Minimum
Ventilation Calculator, entering program details for an
automatic generation of ventilation requirements.
The calculator will automatically list the required flow
rates in liters/second and/or window opening sizes. which
the mechanical designer should use to determine the
appropriate fan selection.
Dwelling
Occupancy
Classification
People Outdoor
Area
Air Rate in
outdoor
Breathing Zone Airflow Rate
Default Occupancy
Density
Exhaust Airflow Rate in Exhaust Airflow

cfm/ft2
Rate in m3/s/m2
Kitchens
N/A
N/A
N/A
25/100 per room continuous

fan / intermittent fan)
Living Areas
0.35 ACH but not

less than 15cfm/
person (0.0762)
N/A
Based upon number of

bedrooms. First bedroom, 2;
each additional bedroom, 1
N/A
Toilet Rooms and

bathrooms
N/A
N/A
N/A
20/50 per room (continuous

fan / intermittent fan)
0.13/0.51
0.1/0.25
International Mechanical Code,Table 403.3
36
Villa ventilation calculator

Example 5.4: calculations showing fresh air ventilation rates
Estidama Villa Ventilation Calculator v1.0

1 Pearl Compliance
Input Cells
Villa Space Name

(Must Be Unique )
Project Info
Enter project details
IMC Occupancy
Class
Floor Area
(m2)
Space has
openable
windows?
Space Total
Window Area
(m2)
Total Window
Openable Area
(m2)
Target
Pass / Fail
Open Area
Between Spaces
(m2)
Pass / Fail
Required Exhaust
Air Flowrate
(liters / sec)
Extract Fan
Operation
Ventilation
Method
Fan
Flowrate
(liters / sec)
Pass / Fail
main kitchen
Kitchen
12
Yes
10.00
0.50
0.48
PASS
FAIL
select extract fan operation
Windows
PASS
Building/Project Name
Living Room
Living Area (non-bedroom)
22
Yes
10.00
1.20
0.88
PASS
FAIL
Windows
PASS
Location
kitchenette
0.24
FAIL
Pearl QP
Master Bedroom
8.00
0.50
0.48
PASS
primary
Kitchen
No
Living Area (bedroom)
12
Yes
Living Room
2.33
PASS
47.2
FAIL
Windows
PASS
intermittent
Extract Fan
50.00
PASS
Living Area (bedroom)
10
Yes
7.00
0.40
0.40
PASS
FAIL
Windows
PASS
Toilet / Bathroom
10
Yes
5.00
0.40
0.40
PASS
FAIL
Windows
PASS
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
2nd bedroom
Project Details
main bathrrom
living room
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
Mechanical Ventilation Calculator
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
Person Responsible
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
Company
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
Contact Number
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
Date of Issue
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0 00
0.00
PASS
FAIL
select
l t extract
t t ffan operation
ti
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
Villa Project
Overall Status
PASS
Enter open area and ventilation

methods for adjacent spaces
Calculator assesses whether

areas meets requirements
Ventilated through
this adjoining space
Project ID
Number of bedrooms
in villa
Number of Bedrooms listed
in IMC Occupancy Class
Enter project spaces, occupancy

types, floor area, and window
dimensions
Set Primary
Bedroom
Last Revised: August 2010
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
0.00
PASS
FAIL
FAIL
Report a Template Bug :
37
tbc
5.5 Water fixtures

Optimize interior water consumption
Interior water consumption within a villa is attributed
to fixtures and appliances such as taps, toilets, washing
machines etc. Large water savings can be made simply by
using lower flow fixtures and highly efficient appliances.
PW-R1 sets a minimum standard for fixture flow rates and
appliance efficiencies. These flow rates are as follows:
In order to comply with PW-R1, a project must demonstrate

that the proposed villa design water consumption is less
than or equal to the baseline villa water consumption
based on the flow rates prescribed above. This must be
demonstrated by EITHER:
Simply installing the fixture/appliance with the

prescribed flow rates as given above.
OR
Fixture/Appliance
Unit
Rate
Kitchen Taps
liters/minute
6.0
Bathroom Washbasin
Taps
liters/minute
6.0
liters/flush
6.0/4.0
Bidets
liters/minute
6.0
Shower Head
liters/minute
9.5
Ablution Fixtures
liters/minute
6.0
liters/place setting
1.3
liters/kg of dry
load
8.5
Toilets Dual Flush
Dishwashers
Washing Machines
Utilizing the Estidama Villa Water Calculator v1.0: 1

Pearl Compliance to demonstrate that the proposed
villa design water consumption is less than or equal to
the baseline consumption through trade-off measures.
The second route allows the project to trade-off between

flow rates so that the efficiency of certain fixtures/
appliances may be relaxed only if others are improved
upon to ensure the overall proposed villa design water
consumption is less than or equal to the baseline.
On the next page is an image of the Estidama Villa Water
Calculator v1.0:1 Pearl Compliance. This will help the
design team select appropriate fixtures and document
compliance with the Estidama requirements.
38
Villa water calculator

Example 5.5: Villa water calculator output
Enter information about

fitting flow controls/sensors
Enter fitting flow rates
39
Calculator estimates water usage

Calculator confirms whether
credit is achieved.
5.6 Water metering

Water metering
Example 5.6: Diagram of water monitoring
PW-R2 requires a sub-meter to be installed on the pipe

supplying water to the villa exterior (e.g. landscaping, water
features etc.). In combination with the meter for the whole
site, this will allow water usage inside the villa to be tracked
as well.
The meters are also required to have a pulsed output
capable of remote monitoring. This, and a better
understanding of both interior and exterior water use will
help determine areas of high water consumption, identify
leaks quickly, and pursue opportunities to save water.
Note: In addition to this, all swimming pools in excess of 30
cubic meters are required to be separately metered as per
the requirements of the Regulation and Supervision Bureau
(RSB) Water Supply Regulations 2009 Guide.
Kitchen taps
Bathroom taps
Toilets
Bidets
Primary incoming meter
Showers
Baths
Ablution fixtures
Exterior sub-meter
Appliances
Irrigation
Water features
Swimming pools
40
Estidama design submission at building permit application

IDP-R1: Integrated Development Process
Team structure listing team members and their roles (Example 1.1)
Narrative summarizing initial vision, objectives and targets set jointly by the project team for the project (Example 1.2)
Process chart for the IDP developed at project inception, listing design milestones and planned workshops (Example 1.3)
Implementation strategy for achieving transition between project stages and project packages
NS-R1 Natural Systems Assessment & Protection

Narrative on flora and fauna, soil conditions and topography, waste and contamination (where applicable) and microclimate (Example 2.1a)
Photographs with time-stamp and location confirmation (e.g. GPS, Global Positioning System, coordinate stamp) (Example 2.1b)
Site Plan showing protected features (Example 2.1c)
LV-R2 Outdoor Thermal Comfort

Short narrative of outdoor shading systems and plan showing shading provision and the minimum % of shading achieved (Examples 3.1/3.2)
LV-R3 Minimum Ventilation

If natural ventilation strategy is selected then provide:
Narrative, plans and details of windows describing how the villa design meets the credit requirements for natural ventilation. (Example 4.1)
Calculations demonstrating compliance with the minimum openable area criteria for all occupied spaces.
If mechanical ventilation strategy is selected then provide:
Narrative of the mechanical ventilation strategy as well as mechanical drawings and specifications details from manufacturers of the ystems used to meet the credit
requirements for mechanical ventilation system;
Calculations showing fresh air ventilation rates. (Example 5.4)
41

PW-R1 Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction
Villa Water Calculator output showing a water consumption lower than the baseline using efficiency measures only (Example 5.5)
Brief narrative of proposed water conservation strategies including specifications of proposed fixtures, fittings and appliances.
PW-R2 Water Monitoring

Brief narrative or diagram of how water use will be monitored with extracts from specifications and drawings indicating type, extent and location of the
sub-meter (Example 5.6)
RE-R1 Minimum Energy Performance

If the prescriptive method is followed then provide:
Narrative including manufacturers details for each installed energy use device detailing its energy rating / unit efficiency / power rating of
the proposed electrical item and how the requirements of each section of the credit will be achieved;
Narrative, specifications, calculations and design drawings describing the Hot Water System generation strategy, the type and location of the
proposed system and confirming that the required level of HWS generation will be achieved
Drawings showing potential location and indicative services routes for future installation of renewable energy systems.
Sections / details for each building faade element, e.g. roof, walls, floor, glazing showing how they meet the credit requirement.
Summary list, specification extracts and proof of certification by Energy Star program, EU Energy Efficiency Labeling Scheme or equivalent
of all appliances to be installed in the building.
RE-R2 Energy Monitoring

Brief narrative of the metering strategy including metering equipment specifications and schematics indicating the type, extent and
locations of all metering.
RE-R3 Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants Systems:

Specification of all proposed refrigerant systems confirming ODP of each refrigerant is zero.
42

SM-R1 Hazardous Materials Elimination
Confirmation and extracts from specifications indicating that no Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) or Chromated Copper Arsenate
(CCA)-treated timber are to be used in the project (Example 3.6)
Where portions of the project are reused from an existing building:
Results of a hazardous materials survey following internationally recognized standards, e.g. ASTM E 256-04, documenting the existence, if
any, of ACMs in the building and an asbestos removal and disposal plan if ACMs are found,
SM-R2 Basic Construction Waste Management

Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan including a narrative of the strategy to divert waste from landfill, estimated weight
or volume of generated waste (Example 6.1a) and name and location of potential reclaim/recycling haulers. If applicable, also include a schedule
of items to be recycled/salvaged.
SM-R3 Storage & Collection of Waste & Recyclables

Drawing(s) indicating location of the waste storage in the kitchen, the plot and proposed access for collection services from the nearest
road/passage (Example 4.2)
Drawing indicating the waste storage room connection to the water and wastewater networks as well as lighting, floor, wall covering, and
security specifications
Product sheets for the proposed waste bins to be used in the kitchen and central waste storage facility.
43
44
6.0 Build villa

Once all the design has been completed, the process of
building the villa will start. This step covers the construction
process from the potential demolition of existing structures
to the completion of a new home.
During this process, it will be necessary to maintain
communication between the members of the design team,
contractors, and developers, to ensure that the villa is built
to the correct design specifications. This will be facilitated
by the IDP process and the implementation strategy agreed
at the beginning of the design process.
Related Credits: IDP-R2: Systems and Envelope Performance Verification, RE-R1: Minimum
Energy Performance, SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management
useful resources:

Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi: Technical Guidance Document:

Development of Construction Environmental Management Plan
(CEMP) Onshore.
ISO 14000: 2004 Family of Standards on Environmental

management systems.
Approach
Estidama credit SM-R2 requires that 30% of the demolition
and construction waste be salvaged or recycled (by weight
or volume). This means the contractors need to prepare a
construction and demolition waste management plan before
demolition begins. This plan is to be supported by the Villa
Waste Calculator. During construction, documents will need
to be collected to confirm the target has been achieved.
Credit IDP-R2 requires that envelope components
assembled off-site be tested prior to installation. Standard
envelope components must have a pre-testing certificate,
while custom-made cladding systems must be tested offsite.
Similarly, compliance with credit RE-R1 requires ensuring
required fabric and system performance levels are achieved
in the materials actually used. Credit SM-R1 requires
guaranteeing that hazardous materials do not make their
way into the project. There can be no asbestos or exposed
wood treated with chromated copper arsentate.
45
6.1 Construction waste management

Before starting any demolition or construction, it is
necessary to develop a construction and demolition (C&D)
waste management plan. This should incorporate:
1
2
3
4
Estimates of waste generation. The Villa Waste

Calculator will help to estimate the type and amount
of waste expected for the project. This can be
downloaded from the www.estidama.org.
A destination for each waste type leaving the site. For
example, specify that aggregates will be transported
to the municipal C&D recycling facility, or that fit-out
leftovers will be disposed to landfill.
Identification of materials to be salvaged or recycled.
This percentage needs to be at least 30% of the
estimated waste generation, in weight or volume.
A location for storing waste on-site during
construction. This should be conveniently located near
the materials delivery area and large enough to allow
for separating at least aggregates and other waste
streams.
An example of the above is shown at right. These elements

should be updated with information compiled during
construction.
Example 6.1a Schedule of items reclaimed/recycled

LANDFILLED C&D WASTE CALCULATION IN TONNES
Landfill material description
General waste March 2010
General waste April 2010
General waste May 2010
General waste June 2010
Pallets April 2010
Pallets May 2010
Pallets June 2010
Landfill hauler or location

Al Dhafra Landfill
Al Dhafra Landfill
Al Dhafra Landfill
Al Dhafra Landfill
Al Dhafra Landfill
Al Dhafra Landfill
Al Dhafra Landfill
Quantity of landfilled waste

15
31
70
65
10
5
15
DIVERTED C&D WASTE CALCULATION IN TONNES

Diverted/recycled material description
Diversion/recycling hauler or location
Concrete from demolition March 2010

Concrete from demolition April 2010
Metal March 2010
Metal April 2010
Metal May 2010
Metal June 2010
Municipal C&D plant

Municipal C&D plant
Local metal recycler
SALVAGED
Quantity of diverted /
recycled waste
150
200
4
3
1
1
C&D WASTE CALCULATION IN TONNES
Diverted/recycled material description
Diversion/recycling hauler or location
Spandrel panels from faade June 2010
Reused in new building
Quantity of diverted /
recycled waste
15
Construction and Demolition Waste:
585 tonnes
Total waste generated: 585 tonnes
36.1%
Total waste landfilled: 211 tonnes (36.1%)
Landfilled
Salvaged/
Recycled
Total waste diverted: 374 tonnes (63.9%)
63.9%
On-site waste segregation area
46
Villa waste calculator

Example 6.1b Schedule of items reclaimed/recycled
Estidama villa waste calculator v1.0 - 1 Pearl
Step 1
Step 2
Project Details
Results
Report a Template Bug :
Building/Project Name
Test villa
Location
Abu Dhabi
Total Gross Floor Area, m2
500
Input Cells that may be changed by design teams
Instructions:
* Design teams are required to enter information in all pink input cells not greyed out to display
the results in the Results worksheet. Please do not proceed if there are any warning messages in
any of the Steps.
* The number of residents should include maids
Note: This tool is for use with the Pearl Rating System only and to demonstrate compliance with
the Pearl Rating requirements. It is not a design tool.
Rating System Details
Enter details of existing building

(if applicable)
Project ID
123456789
Pearl Rating System
Villa
Pearl Rating Stage
Design
Existing Building Details
Summary of Results
Yes
Is there an existing building in the plot?
Existing building
Override default demolition waste values for villas?
Attribute
Unit
Value
Gross floor area
m2
250
No
Demolition waste generated in m3 per 100 m2 of building:
50.0
Design
Construction
Next
Yes
No
Demolition waste generation
Existing building
estimated demolition waste generation quantity
Gross floor area
Unit
Value
m2
250
Unit
Value
Total Gross Floor Area
sqm
500
Value
50
m3 per 100 m2
Override default demolition waste values for villas?
175
Estimated
Construction and Demolition waste
Results
Salvaged/
Recycled
Salvaged/
Recycled
Tonnes
Tonnes
Tonnes
175.0
61.5
113.5
64.9%
Construction waste
47.4
17.5
29.9
63.0%
Total waste
222.4
79.1
143.3
tonnes
Step 2
Value
Results
15.8
SM-R2: Basic construction waste management
SM-R3: Storage and collection of waste and recyclables
47
Yes
Pre-requisite Achieved?
No
m3 per 100 m2
Yes
Pre-requisite Achieved?
64.5%
Percentage of Construction and Demolition waste recycled/salvaged

222.4 tonnes

222.4 tonnes
Estimated construction waste generation quantity
Construction waste generation
Step 1
Step 2
Landfilled
Demolition waste
Step 2 - Diversion from landfill

Villa
Attribute
Step 1
Generated
Please write the source reference of this figure:
Last Revised: August 2010
Confirm waste generation rates
Calculator confirms whether

credits are achieved.
Calculator estimates construction

and demolition waste generation
(numerically and graphically)
Step 1 - Project Details
200
tonnes
180
160
140
35.5%
Landfilled
Construction and Demolition Waste: 222.4 tonnes
Salvaged/
Recycled
Salvage and recycling of Construction and Demolition waste
Enter construction and demolition

waste management procedures
Non-technical factors
Will a construction and demolition waste management plan be written? (Required SM-R2)
Yes
Will waste education be provided to construction contractors?
Yes
Will waste education be provided to demolition contractors?
Yes
Will waste be adequately segregated and temporarily stored on-site during construction?
Yes
Will waste be adequately segregated and temporarily stored on-site during demolition?
Yes
Will there be a person responsible of C&D waste management?
No
NOTE: Capture rates represent the expected salvage/recycling rates of the

project for construction and demolition waste at the design stage or those
achieved during the construction stage.
They are not the final salvage/recycling rates that will be achieved in the
projects. These are shown in the Results worksheet.
Capture rates are always <100% because they represent a combination of nontechnical factors such as education and management as well as technical
factors, e.g. not all waste streams can be fully recycled.
Technical factors
Construction
What percentage of material from existing building (in weight) will be reused in the new one?
5%
Salvage rate
Yes
Non-technical capture rate
70%
70%
Technical capture rate
90%
90%
63.0%
64.9%
Municipal plant
Will demolition waste be recycled in a recycling plant(s)?

Which plant(s)?
Overall capture rate
Yes
5%
Municipal plant
Override automatic values and introduce customised C&D capture rates?
No
Construction
Demolition
63.0%
64.9%
Please insert the source reference for these values:
Operational waste diversion from landfill rates
Enter operational
waste management procedures
Residential
Will adequate waste storage be provided within the kitchen? (Required SM-R3)
Yes
Where will adequate waste storage be provided for the villa? (Required SM-R3)
In the plot
Waste storage description:
Waste room in perimeter wall
Previous
Next
Yes
No
Is there an existing building in the plot?

Pearl Rating Stage
Yes
Design
Construction and Demolition waste recycling and salvage rates
Salvage and recycling of Construction and Demolition waste
Construction
Demolition
10%
10%
Will a construction and demolition waste management plant be written?
Yes
Will waste education be provided to construction contractors?
Yes
Will waste education be provided to demolition contractors?
Yes
Minimum of 10% if the plan is written otherwise 0

Yes +30%
Yes +30%
47
30%
0%
0%
30%
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Demolition waste
Demolition
Will construction waste be recycled in a recycling plant(s)?

Which plant(s)?
64.5%
Tonnes
Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste recycling and salvage rates
Previous
Construction waste
7.0 Verify performance
Related Credits: IDP-R2: Systems and Envelope Performance Verification
Finishing construction is not quite the last step in an

Estidama project. Key to ensuring sustainability is to verify
that the building will perform according to the design
specifications. The performance of the structure and
building systems should be evaluated, and occupants should
be informed how to operate and maintain the building for
best results.
Approach
Credit IDP-R2 requires that a Competent Professional verify
the building systems performance and test the building
envelope for water ingress and air tightness. The Project
team must also prepare an Occupant Handbook. The
envelope and systems should comply with the requirements
of credit RE-R1.
Information compiled by the energy and water sub-meters
required by credits RE-R2 and PW-R2 credits can be used
to facilitate both verification and guidelines for proper
operations.
Although credit IDP-R2 is completed after construction, it
should be anticipated earlier in the design process. Some
systems need to be tested before installation.The owner
may also wish to reference verification in the Engineers
contract early on. Note that the person who conducts the
verification can be from a company involved in the design
process, but the individual who verifies cannot be directly
involved in the project for any other purpose.
48
7.1 Systems + envelope verification

Envelope verification
The value of high performance materials can be negated
if they are not properly installed. Energy performance
is affected by the air tightness, which is a result of the
materials used and the quality of the construction methods.
Only a good combination of the two will achieve a suitably
low infiltration rate.
Wall ingress and the formation of condensate will also
cause internal water damage to the villa, degrading the
performance over time and contributing to health hazards
such as mold growth.
Therefore it is necessary to:
1
2
3
Confirm all standard envelope products have a pretesting certificate prior to installation
Establish a methodology for construction and
installation that will minimize the infiltration rate.
Larger multiple villa projects must also test the building
envelope of representative villa prototypes for water
ingress and air tightness after installation. This must
be conducted by a professional with a minimum of 2
years experience in envelope verification. The required
infiltration limit is 0.35 ach (air changes per hour, i.e.
a quantity of air averaging 35% of the total volume of
air will leak through the fabric each hour).
Systems verification at construction

completion
Building systems should also be verified to ensure they
perform according to design standards. Systems can
perform poorly because they are poorly manufactured.
damaged in transit, or installed improperly, Commissioning
installed systems prevent wasteful energy use, reduces
maintenance requirements, and prolongs the life of systems.
Test the following systems and their controls after
installation:
Heating
Ventilation
Air conditioning
Service water heating
On-site renewable technologies (e.g. solar thermal
systems)
On-site water treatment systems (if applicable, e.g.
swimming pools)
Stormwater management systems
1
2
3
4
5
Ensure the commissioning is conducted by a

professional with a minimum of 2 years experience in
systems verification. They should:
Confirm and record system certifications
Validate warranties
Record manufacturers recommendations
Ensure that illegal equipment and materials are not
used. For example, R-22 or HCFC-22 based systems
are banned in the UAE, although they can still be found.
These are strictly forbidden.
49
7.2 Occupant handbook

To ensure that building systems continue to operate at the
designed level, the villa owner must receive instructions
on how the systems function and how best to ensure their
performance.
Provide an Occupant Handbook to the owners, including
a full explanation of the systems, system warranties,
maintenance and operating instructions (this could be in
the form of manufacturers user manuals), isolation points,
and the commissioning certificates.
Although each project will have to prepare a compilation of
documents specific to each villa, generic recommendations
for proper occupancy may be applicable to many villa
occupants as well.
50
Estidama construction submission at completion permit application

IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy
Narrative showing an updated process chart of the IDP highlighting changes from the design stage.
IDP-R2: Systems & Envelope Performance Verification

Commissioning report signed by the Competent Person detailing the results of the systems verification and confirming that all systems are operating as intended;
Occupant Handbook and confirmation that this has been provided to the villa owner;
Copies of certificates of testing of all standard products and any custom made cladding systems; and
Building envelope verification report signed by the Competent Professional detailing the results of the testing and confirming that the performance of the building
envelope is acceptable.
SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management

Calculations, supported with detailed receipts, summarizing final results of the CDWMP activities listing items recycled/salvaged, their source within the project, their
total weight or volume, the name and location of the reclaim/recycling haulers, and markets for the recyclable materials. (Example 6.1a)
PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction

Manufacturer information, including flow rates, for all installed fixtures, fittings, and appliances
51
Estidama site inspection
In addition to documentation submitted to the Municipality at the completion certification

application, the villa will also be subject to a site inspection. The inspector will seek to confirm
compliance with the following Estidama requirements, in addition to other building requirements.
NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment & Protection

Confirm preserved or protected valuable assets (where relevant)
LV-R2: Outdoor Thermal Comfort

Confirm that all shade structures have been purchased and correctly installed
LV-R3: Minimum Ventilation

Confirm that the villa was built as designed
PW-R2: Water Monitoring

Confirm the installation of the required meter(s)
RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance

Confirm installation of HWS to meet 50% of anticipated demand.
Manufacturers data and as-built building services layout drawings clearly indicating the type, extent and locations of all HWS generating equipment.
Updated Manufacturers details for each installed appliance, light fixture, fan, AC unit and electrical usage item not specifically detailed within this section, detailing the energy
rating / unit efficiency / power rating of the proposed electrical item, for confirmation on Municipality inspection visit.
Manufacturer information regarding appliance energy use or proof of certification by Energy Star program, EU Energy Efficiency Labeling Scheme or equivalent,
for confirmation on Municipality inspection visit.
RE-R2: Energy Monitoring

Confirm the installation of specified meters
RE-R3: Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants

Confirm manufacturers data for all proposed refrigerant systems, showing ODP of each refrigerant is zero.

Confirm that no ACMs or CCA-treated timber were used in the project as per the Credit Requirements.
SM-R3: Storage & Collection of Waste & Recyclables

Confirm appropriate, separated waste bins in the kitchen and central waste storage facility
Confirm location of the waste storage facility and access for collection services from the nearest road/passage
Confirm lighting, floor and wall covering, security, and ventilation (for completely enclosed waste rooms only) solutions for the waste storage facility
52

62221 .

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council

P.O.Box 62221
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2 409 6000

Fax: +971 2 443 9443
www.estidama.org

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1 Pearl Villa

Guide for consultants

The Pearl Rating System for Estidama is one of the

The aspirations of Estidama are incorporated into Plan

Estidama, which means sustainability in

estidama for villas

The Pearl Rating System for Estidama aims to address

As of September, 2010, all new villas in Abu Dhabi will

The Pearl Rating System is organized into seven categories

IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy

Innovating Practice: Encouraging innovation

How to use this guide

This 1 Pearl Villa Guide is intended to complement the

Enabling true Collaboration and Continuity within the design

The IDP process should be coordinated by a member of

example 1.1 Team Structure

The members of the

Every member of the project team should contribute

Promoting System Thinking when developing strategies and

The project team should consider several points as it

(project PQP) vision

A villa project team in its simplest form will be comprised

Defining a Sustainability Framework with clear vision and

The Integrated Development Process (IDP) aims

An IDP can be the foundation of a successful design and

1.1 Assemble integrated development team

Related Credits: IDP-R1: Integrated Development Process

Before beginning the design and development

1.0 Organise team + work

Tabs on the right organize

1.0 Organise team + work

Related Credits: IDP-R1: Integrated Development Process

Defining a Sustainability Framework with clear vision and

Enabling true Collaboration and Continuity within the design

1.1 Assemble integrated development team

The project team should consider several points as it

The IDP process should be coordinated by a member of

Every member of the project team should contribute

Each member of the team should become familiar with

A villa project team in its simplest form will be comprised

The Integrated Development Process (IDP) aims

example 1.1 Team Structure

1.2 Establish initial vision + targets

Develop a vision for the villa project. This should be a

Example 1.2, Narrative summarizing vision, objectives, targets (partial)

The Villa will be a modern high-tech home that will

Provide sensors and controls to reduce unnecessary

Reduce lighting loads per square meter 20%

Architect: Strategic window placement and shading

1.3 Plan & hold regular design workshops

Workshops are marked with a "W"

Example 1.3: Process chart

1.4 Develop an implementation strategy

2.0 Understand site context

Assess Natural Systems

Related Credits: NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment & Protection

UPC Plant Information Database

Wild Flowering Plants of UAE, Environmental Research and Wildlife

Geographical information database for UAE

Birds of Abu Dhabi - Checklist , Environmental Research and

Vascular Plants of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Gary Brown and Sabitha

Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB)