Pearl Building Rating System - Estidama

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ecause of Abu Dhabi’s limited annual rainfall, hot climate, and the significant energy embodied in
potable water due to desalinization, water conservation is a priority for Estidama. As discussed in the
April 2006 UAE Initial National Communication to the United Nations on climate change, it is a
distinct possibility that the UAE will become even drier due to the effects of global warming. Coupled with
projected population increases, the importance of accelerating water conservation and reuse efforts is
clear.
“One of the most important challenges for the Emirate is to balance water
supply and demand as efficiently as possible given that the per capita
consumption of fresh water is among the highest in the world and new
water supplies are expensive”
— Abu Dhabi Water Resources Master Plan, EAD 2009
The Precious Water section of the Pearl Building Rating System: Design and Construction includes the
Building Water Calculator that should be used throughout the entire design process. This calculator will
help the development team to assess inputs and flows of water to and from the project with a holistic
perspective, and assist in identifying how and where reductions in the use of potable water may be made.
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