Reem Mall bags Abu Dhabi sustainability rating
Project achieves Estidama 2 Pearl Design Rating for sustainability from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
The operator of Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi has announced the project has been awarded an Estidama 2 Pearl Design Rating for sustainability.
The Pearl Rating System for Estidama, run by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), aims to address the sustainability of a given development throughout its lifecycle, from design through to construction and operation.
The 2 Pearl rating for design is recognition of the sustainability focus delivered by Reem Mall’s development team during the design phase of the $1 billion project.
From the outset, Reem Mall has not only followed, but exceeded the minimum mandatory sustainable design requirements set out by the UPC, said Shane Eldstrom, chief operating officer for Reem Mall.
“Reem Mall is committed to environmental sustainability and the sustainability goals of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. From the outset, we have strived to exceed the guidelines set out by the UPC by going above and beyond the minimum requirements,” Eldstrom said in a statement.
“We are very proud to say today that our commitment and efforts have led to the project attaining the 2 Pearl Design Rating. There are a number of significant sustainability strategies that we developed and implemented during the design process for Reem Mall, with the goal of becoming a regional leader in sustainable mall development.”
Developed and promoted by the UPC, Estidama is an initiative for large-scale sustainable urban developments. It promotes “thoughtful and responsible development through the creation of a balanced society based on four equal pillars of sustainability”, namely the environment, economy, society and culture.
“The Reem Mall project is well-deserving of its Estidama 2 Pearl Design Rating, as the project comprehensively illustrates the integration of the pillars of Estidama, factoring in such components as water, energy, waste management and local material use. By achieving a 2 Pearl Design Rating, Reem Mall has exceeded the minimum mandatory 1 Pearl Design Rating requirement for privately funded developments, and we will continue the offer support to the project team as the project progresses with its construction in order to ensure that commitments made for the Design Rating are achieved,” added Mohamed Al Khadar, executive director, Urban Development & Estidama Sector, UPC.
Located on Al Reem Island, the new mall is strategically positioned within the new master-planned residential and commercial zone. It has been designed as a highly efficient building that will minimise overall energy use, the developers have said.
This includes the careful study and design of the walls, roof and glazing, with highly efficient insulation and high-performance materials installed, coupled with high-efficiency air conditioning and lighting systems.
Water consumption was another key consideration for designers, who have been given the remit of reducing the consumption of potable water in the building and incorporating efficient water irrigation systems and appliances into the design.
Looking ahead, equally robust sustainability measures have been applied to the construction phase.
A minimum of 70% of the waste generated on site will be recycled, and 20% of materials will be procured from sources within 500 km of the site, reducing the travelling distance and related air pollution.
Once completed, Reem Mall will bring a wide range of family-focused retail, leisure and entertainment offerings to residents and visitors.
The project will be home to the world’s biggest indoor snow play park, while the development is set to include some 450 stores including 85 food and beverage outlets. The mall will also be built with easy access to and from the mainland and ample parking space.
With construction underway, the mall is expected to open in 2018. The venture is being developed by NREC and UPAC.
