What is Estidama regulation, and what are the key focus areas for industrial or Manufacturing units under this framework?
Estidama: Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Building Initiative for Manufacturing Units
Estidama, Abu Dhabi’s sustainable building initiative, aims to improve the sustainability of buildings in the UAE. For manufacturing units, the key concerns under Estidama regulations primarily revolve around the following areas:
1. Energy Efficiency
Manufacturing units must adopt energy-efficient designs and technologies. This includes:
- Using energy-efficient HVAC systems, lighting, and machinery.
- Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, where feasible.
- Implementing energy management systems to monitor and reduce energy consumption.
2. Water Conservation
Estidama emphasizes water efficiency, which is particularly important for manufacturing processes. Key measures include:
- Reducing water consumption through efficient fixtures and fittings.
- Recycling greywater for irrigation or other non-potable uses.
- Installing water monitoring systems to track and minimize usage.
3. Waste Management
Manufacturing units are required to adopt sustainable waste management practices, such as:
- Minimizing construction waste during the fit-out process.
- Recycling and reusing materials where possible.
- Ensuring that hazardous waste is handled and disposed of in accordance with environmental standards.
4. Indoor Environmental Quality
For the health and well-being of workers, Estidama regulations stress:
- Adequate ventilation and air quality control.
- Limiting the use of materials that release harmful emissions or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
- Providing access to natural light and controlling noise levels to improve worker comfort.
5. Material Selection
Sustainable material use is critical. Estidama encourages:
- The use of locally sourced and recycled materials.
- Selecting materials with low environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
- Avoiding materials that contribute to high carbon emissions during production or disposal.
6. Sustainable Site Selection and Impact
Manufacturing units need to be located in areas that minimize their environmental impact. This includes:
- Choosing sites that limit disruption to natural ecosystems.
- Implementing landscaping and stormwater management solutions to reduce the urban heat island effect and manage surface water runoff.
Compliance with these concerns ensures that manufacturing units contribute to Abu Dhabi’s broader sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency and reducing their environmental footprint.