Phase two of Abu Dhabi’s sustainability rating system, Estidama, is being re-evaluated, causing a delay to the introduction of next part of the rating system.
Commenting the certifications have been “fairly watered down”, Oger Internationals’ Jordan Younis, who is also an Estidama instructor, said the review of the regulations has actually been welcomed by product suppliers.
The decision to re-evaluate the second phase ahead of its launch was taken over the last month.
Mandatory requirements still have to be followed, but the second phase has been “taken back for review”, according to Younis.
“The authorities in Abu Dhabi have written to the public developers and said phase two will be coming out in the future, not now” Younis told The Big Project, adding: “The aim is to create a balanced approach to Estidama to ensure the process of rolling out the entire regulations is as streamlined as possible.”
Estidama, which was released last year, is part of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 strategy to promote sustainable development in the Emirate.
It is based on a five point rating system, which awards “pearls” to new buildings in the Emirate, based on how sustainable and efficient they are.