SLQS-Journal Vol. 1 - Slqs-uae.org

SLQS JOURNALJanuary 2009Leed Rating SystemLEED Rating Systems are developed through an open,consensus based process according to the USGBC, a buildingthat achieve a score of;26 – 32 points earns a “Certified Rating33 – 38 points earns a “Silver Rating”39 – 51 points earns a “Gold Rating”52 – 69 points earns a “Platinum Rating”.Gold rated buildings are estimated to have reduced itsenvironmental impact by 50% compared with an equivalentconventional building, and a platinum rated building by over70%. (“Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design” NTRES431: Environment Strategies Fall 2004).As of June – 2008 the number of projects registers are 139,out of which 46 are registered by TECOM alone (USGBC,2008). However, the UAE construction industry steppedinto this concept and still is at a very primary stage. AbuDhabi’s Urban Planning Council, UPC will introduce a set ofregulations to suit the environment, climatic conditions andthe culture of the UAE. As per the UPC General Manager FalahAL Ahbabi’s views expressed in Construction Week September2008 issue, new “Pearl Rating System” will be affected fromJanuary 2009. Pearl Rating System includes rating from oneto five, and five is the highest category.The Pearl Rating System is known asESTIDAMA, which means “sustainability” in Arabic, is anintegrated program to devise guidelines and registrations forsustainable design, operation and maintenance of all typesof buildings and communities within Emirates of Adu Dhabi.Unlike other rating systems, ESTIDAMA can only be used toassess the sustainability performance of a buildings.Assessment and scoring aspects for Green Building designare:• Water 30%• Energy use 20%• Indoor environmental quality 15%• Ecology 7.5%• Management 5%• Transport 5%• Pollution 5%• Materials 5%• Waste Management 2.5%ESTIDAMA Pearl Rating scale is as follows:• 35%1 Pearl certificate• 45%2 Pearl certificate• 55%3 Pearl certificate• 65%4 Pearl certificate• 75%5 Pearl certificateHigh-performance green building is the solution to energyefficient buildings and conservation of water. It provideshealthy indoor environment and improves the productivity ofoccupants. (EGBC 2008, http;//www.emiratesgbs.org)The implementation of ESTIDAMA in the UAE can transformUAE into a green paradise of the desert.Independiente Ltd and others -v- Music Trading On-Line (Hk) Ltd and others (2003)The claimants claimed damages for the sale by the defendants in the UK of CD’s manufactured for sale only in the far East. Thedefendants challenged the right of a claimant phonographic society to have the right to sue on behalf of its members.Held: The right to issue representative actions varies with the nature of the claim. Did members of the society have a commoninterest in preventing parallel imports as opposed to preventing copyright piracy? Yes. The claims were all of the same nature andit was to be expected that the members would have a complaint. It was not necessary to require the claimants to circularise theirmembers to obtain specific authority under CPR 19.6(2).21