090 (3) Full-fledged Data Management and Training Systems
Learning from Cities— The 2nd Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation
and all at no cost for the user or end client. Free training is provided
Early empirical studies were
that introduces even non-technical
commissioned by Estidama to
individuals to sustainability principals
understand the cost implications
and how implementing Estidama
and to support industry in early
will improve the built environment.
implementation of Estidama. Resource
An extensive website provides all
use is measured in the design process
information required and encourages
using multiple tools developed by
communication between Estidama and
Estidama. These include MS Excel
design teams. As Estidama develops
b a s e d E n e rg y M o d e l Te m p l a t e ,
inLine with Abu Dhabi’s E-Government
Water Calculator, Waste Calculator
initiative, it will become even easier
and U-value (thermal performance)
for project teams to submit projects
Calculator.
for approval and knowledge sharing to
A pearl Qualified Professional is an individual who has passed official exams that test their administrative
facilitate continual improvement. (4) Extensive Influence and Spillovers
and technical knowledge of the PRS
Estidama is revolutionary as it
and is responsible for submitting
is the only sustainability program
calculations and specifications during
designed and implemented in the
the design process. All design data is
middle east and has many unique
logged by Estidama so predictions of
features that other rating systems do
resource use can be determined. As
not have. It has been mandatory for all
Estidama requires the measuring of
buildings from day one. Estidama has a
actual resource use in new buildings,
primary focus on delivering results on
empirical data will be used as soon
the ground to safeguard the prosperity
as sufficient information has been
of future generations and also
collected from buildings that will lead
represents Abu Dhabi’s contribution
to even greater improvements in the
to the global sustainability agenda.
design and operation of buildings.
Echoing the ideals of its founders’
In addition to calculation tools,
ecological and cultural principles, Abu
multiple training, support and
Dhabi is well on its way to nurturing
submission documentation has been
a first generation green society.
developed by Estidama for industry
Innovation has been required for