Water Fixtures
Make sure water boilers, tanks, and hot water pipers are well insulated to avoid heat lost.
Air Conditioning
Insulate all chilled water pipes and all air-conditioing ducts with appropriate insulation materials to minimise heat loss. Additionally, insulate roof and external walls (if possible) to reduce heat gain and lower cooling demand.
Solar Hot Water Systems
Local Food Production & Drought Resistant
These plants have the ability to grow their own herbs, fruits, and vegetables, making them economically viable along with reducing carbon emissions related to artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and food transportation, improving access to healthy food.
Using measures such as Land Contouring, Substrate Material, Grouped Plantations, can be contoured so that irrigation/rain water run off flows through all planted vegetation ensuring efficient use of water supply and make these plants drought resistant.
There are several options to growing vegetables and fruits locally within the house’s premises, as provides a great learning opportunity for students to get acquainted about local production, factoring in the climate conditions of the UAE. Examples of climate resilient vegetables are tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and spinach (sabanek).
Appliances
Investing in highly efficient appliances (ESMA 5 and 4 star energy efficiency labels) such as dishwashers and laundry machines conserve both energy and water.
Natural Ventiiation
Homes can have design features that utilize natural ventilation: The Estidama rating system recommends the base minimum standards for natural ventilation strategies to be derived from CIBSE AM10:2005. Natural ventilation features include operable windows, the general window distribution such as windows located in adjacent walls with a horizontal shift to allow for cross ventilation.Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow and is essential for keeping your home cool in summer. The most economical time to install insulation is during construction. However, insulating external walls for existing buildings is also feasible.
Fans
Ceiling and floor fans can go a long way with providing good cooling and can reduce the frequent need to turn on air conditioners. Using ceiling fans solely or coupled with AC can allow indoor temperatures to rise up to 28 degree C yet still have an indoor environment within the comfort zone due to the increased air velocity. This is practical if there is no humidity. Fans also enable individual control of thermal comfort levels which studies show improve occupancy rates and satisfaction.
Water
Water consumption rate per person in the UAE is 550 to 850 liters/day which is considered one of the world’s highest rates. Several steps can be taken to reduce this consumption.
Shading
If you are planning to construct a new villa, you can create an energy-efficient home through simple passive design strategies that can lead to significant savings.
IAQ Testing
We spend 90% of our time indoors, hence it is extremely important to test the quality of indoor air. Common contaminants that are typically found in indoor air can include carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, aldehyde, hydrocarbons, mold, pesticides, asbestos, and several known allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and insect parts.
Renewables
Both the Estidama Pearl Rating System and Al Sa’fat encourage use of onsite renewable energy. Examples include solar thermal systems for heating water, solar electric systems (photovoltaic panels), wind energy systems, and organic/agricultural and animal waste to energy systems. Points are awarded based on kWh saved.
The Estidama Pearl Rating System created by the Urban Planning Council in Abu Dhabi
establishes sustainable design and construction criteria for new villas (residential): https://www.upc.gov.ae/en/upc-services-and-tools/services/estidama-services
As of 2016 the Dubai Municipality has established the Al Sa’fat Rating System which is mandatory for all new buildings in the Emirate of Dubai. Visit Dubai Municipality website to learn more:https://www.dm.gov.ae/en/Business/DubaiCentralLaboratory/ProductCertificationServices/Pages/Green-Building-Certification.aspx
Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) is the sole Standardization Body in the UAE. Visit ESMA website to learn more about the UAE national standards: https://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us
The LEED for Homes rating system offered by the USGBC is a comprehensive sustainability
rating system that provides guidance on energy and water efficient homes as well as other
sustainability practices. These systems contain many features which can be incorporated into
new construction projects in the Emirates. Visit website for more info.
UK’s BREEAM Code for Sustainable Homes also provides an effective rating system and assessment method to determine the sustainability of homes.
Ventilation and Acceptable IAQ for residential buildings
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/standards-62-1-62-2
Energy Efficient Design for Low Rise Residential Buildings
https://www.techstreet.com/ashrae/standards/ashrae-90-2-2018?product_id=2030773
Greywater System
Sustainable home projects can further reduce their consumption of potable water by installing plumbing systems that can use captured greywater from flush fixtures for landscape irrigation. Dubai Municipality’s Al Sa’fat’s Gold certification requires 15% of onsite greywater to be reused, while the Platinum certification requires 30% reuse of onsite greywater – consult the Dubai Al Sa’fat Rating System and Estidama regulations concerning the installment of residential greywater systems.
Install bound aggregate for walkways and pathways to assist in collecting gray water and prevent water wastage.
VOC
Smoking
Solar Orientation
Optimize your building’s orientation to maximize south and north facades and reduce exposure to direct solar gain on east and west facades. Locating windows on north-facing walls optimizes natural daylight without the glare that comes from direct sunlight. It also minimizes solar heat gain.
Thin black pipes traversing the garden beds
Eliminate showering your entire plant with water. Drip irrigation systems ensure that water isn’t wasted through evaporation and reaches where its most needed: the roots.
Bedroom Lamp
Floor Lamp
Ceiling Light
Lighting Controls and Dimmers
Floor Lamp
Bedroom Lamp
Bedroom Lamp
Bedroom Lamp
Lighting Controls and Dimmers
Ceiling Light
Floor Lamp
Floor Lamp
Bedroom Lamp
Bedroom Lamp
Bedroom Lamp
Bedroom Lamp
Mulch & Composting
Mulching and composting conserve moisture/water and also help build good soil.
Local Food Production & Drought Resistant
These plants have the ability to grow their own herbs, fruits, and vegetables, making them economically viable along with reducing carbon emissions related to artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and food transportation, improving access to healthy food.
Using measures such as Land Contouring, Substrate Material, Grouped Plantations, can be contoured so that irrigation/rain water run off flows through all planted vegetation ensuring efficient use of water supply and make these plants drought resistant.
There are several options to growing vegetables and fruits locally within the house’s premises, as provides a great learning opportunity for students to get acquainted about local production, factoring in the climate conditions of the UAE. Examples of climate resilient vegetables are tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and spinach (sabanek).
Local Food Production & Drought Resistant
These plants have the ability to grow their own herbs, fruits, and vegetables, making them economically viable along with reducing carbon emissions related to artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and food transportation, improving access to healthy food.
Using measures such as Land Contouring, Substrate Material, Grouped Plantations, can be contoured so that irrigation/rain water run off flows through all planted vegetation ensuring efficient use of water supply and make these plants drought resistant.
There are several options to growing vegetables and fruits locally within the house’s premises, as provides a great learning opportunity for students to get acquainted about local production, factoring in the climate conditions of the UAE. Examples of climate resilient vegetables are tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and spinach (sabanek).
Local Food Production & Drought Resistant
These plants have the ability to grow their own herbs, fruits, and vegetables, making them economically viable along with reducing carbon emissions related to artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and food transportation, improving access to healthy food.
Using measures such as Land Contouring, Substrate Material, Grouped Plantations, can be contoured so that irrigation/rain water run off flows through all planted vegetation ensuring efficient use of water supply and make these plants drought resistant.
There are several options to growing vegetables and fruits locally within the house’s premises, as provides a great learning opportunity for students to get acquainted about local production, factoring in the climate conditions of the UAE. Examples of climate resilient vegetables are tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and spinach (sabanek).
Local Food Production & Drought Resistant
These plants have the ability to grow their own herbs, fruits, and vegetables, making them economically viable along with reducing carbon emissions related to artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and food transportation, improving access to healthy food.
Using measures such as Land Contouring, Substrate Material, Grouped Plantations, can be contoured so that irrigation/rain water run off flows through all planted vegetation ensuring efficient use of water supply and make these plants drought resistant.
There are several options to growing vegetables and fruits locally within the house’s premises, as provides a great learning opportunity for students to get acquainted about local production, factoring in the climate conditions of the UAE. Examples of climate resilient vegetables are tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and spinach (sabanek).
Shading
Locate trees and larger shrubs in proximity to south and west facing walls in order to benefit from their shade.
Thermostat
Maintaining your air-conditioner’s temperature at 24 degree C reduces pressure on cooling units, reduces monthly bills, and in turn reduces carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Set the base temperature to 24- 25 degree to reduce the energy consumption for cooling. You can add more energy savings by raising thermostat to 1 degree.
Wall Vents
We spend 90% of our time indoors, hence it is extremely important to test the quality of indoor air. Common contaminants that are typically found in indoor air can include carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, aldehyde, hydrocarbons, mold, pesticides, asbestos, and several known allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and insect parts.
Smoking
Dishwasher
Investing in highly efficient appliances (ESMA 5 and 4 star energy efficiency labels) such as dishwashers and laundry machines conserve both energy and water. Use ECO (low energy option) option on the appliance and under full load.
Climate Efficient Window
Installing climate-efficient windows such as those that are double-glazed and/or have low-emissivity coating can keep out the heat during the summer. Many manufacturers provide windows with low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values. The SHGC refers to a number of factors in the windows construction such as glazing type, coating, and pane to glass ratio, which can affect the amount of solar radiation that enters the house
Smoking
Bathroom Water Faucet
Install highly efficient water faucets or add aerators to your existing ones. Your flow rate should not exceed 6 L/min in line with the ESMA standards.
Flushing Valve
Install low-flow water tap & shower fixtures and dual-flush toilets..
Clothes Washer
Investing in highly efficient appliances (ESMA 5 and 4 star energy efficiency labels) such as dishwashers and laundry machines conserve both energy and water. A 5-star Washing Machine saves up to ~45% of electricity compared to 1 star with a payback time of ~2 years
Use ECO (low energy option) option on the appliance and under full load.
Climate Efficient Window
Installing climate-efficient windows such as those that are double-glazed and/or have low-emissivity coating can keep out the heat during the summer. Many manufacturers provide windows with low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values. The SHGC refers to a number of factors in the windows construction such as glazing type, coating, and pane to glass ratio, which can affect the amount of solar radiation that enters the house
Flushing Valve
Install low-flow water tap & shower fixtures and dual-flush toilets..
Showerhead
Install highly efficient shower heads or add aerators to your existing ones. Your flow rate should not exceed 9.5 L/min in line with the ESMA standards.
Bathroom Water Faucet
Install highly efficient water faucets or add aerators to your existing ones. Your flow rate should not exceed 6 L/min in line with the ESMA standards.
Bathroom Water Faucet
Install highly efficient water faucets or add aerators to your existing ones. Your flow rate should not exceed 6 L/min in line with the ESMA standards.
Bathroom Water Faucet
Install highly efficient water faucets or add aerators to your existing ones. Your flow rate should not exceed 6 L/min in line with the ESMA standards.
Flushing Valve
Install low-flow water tap & shower fixtures and dual-flush toilets..
Rooftop Solar Panels
Generating onsite energy using sunlight, through solar Photovoltaic systems is an effective means to reducing demand by meeting part or all of a building’s energy needs. In 2016, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority launched the Shams Initiative which encourages household and building owners to install PV panels to generate electricity. To learn more visit Shams Dubai.
The Small-scale Solar PV Energy Netting Regulation was issued by the Regulation & Supervision Bureau in January 2017 to allow customers in Abu Dhabi to benefit from producing their own solar power. To learn more visit Rooftop Solar and Net Metering.
When building a new home, it is recommended to allocate space at roof level for future installation of renewable energy equipment.
Vertical and horizontal shading
Provide vertical shading (fins) for windows located on east and west facing walls, and horizontal shading for windows located on south facing walls.
Wall Vents
We spend 90% of our time indoors, hence it is extremely important to test the quality of indoor air. Common contaminants that are typically found in indoor air can include carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, aldehyde, hydrocarbons, mold, pesticides, asbestos, and several known allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and insect parts.
Ceiling Fan
Ceiling and floor fans can go a long way with providing good cooling and can reduce the frequent need to turn on air conditioners.
Using ceiling fans solely or coupled with AC can allow indoor temperatures to rise up to 28 degree C yet but still have an indoor environment within the comfort zone due to the increased air velocity.
This is practical if there is no humidity. Fans also enable individual control of thermal comfort levels which studies show improve occupancy rates and satisfaction.
Ceiling Fan
Ceiling and floor fans can go a long way with providing good cooling and can reduce the frequent need to turn on air conditioners.
Using ceiling fans solely or coupled with AC can allow indoor temperatures to rise up to 28 degree C yet but still have an indoor environment within the comfort zone due to the increased air velocity.
This is practical if there is no humidity. Fans also enable individual control of thermal comfort levels which studies show improve occupancy rates and satisfaction.
Flushing Valve
Install low-flow water tap & shower fixtures and dual-flush toilets..
Bathroom Water Faucet
Install highly efficient water faucets or add aerators to your existing ones. Your flow rate should not exceed 6 L/min in line with the ESMA standards.
Vertical and horizontal shading
Provide vertical shading (fins) for windows located on east and west facing walls, and horizontal shading for windows located on south facing walls.
Wall Vents
We spend 90% of our time indoors, hence it is extremely important to test the quality of indoor air. Common contaminants that are typically found in indoor air can include carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, aldehyde, hydrocarbons, mold, pesticides, asbestos, and several known allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and insect parts.
Ceiling Fan
Ceiling and floor fans can go a long way with providing good cooling and can reduce the frequent need to turn on air conditioners.
Using ceiling fans solely or coupled with AC can allow indoor temperatures to rise up to 28 degree C yet but still have an indoor environment within the comfort zone due to the increased air velocity.
This is practical if there is no humidity. Fans also enable individual control of thermal comfort levels which studies show improve occupancy rates and satisfaction.
Ceiling Fan
Ceiling and floor fans can go a long way with providing good cooling and can reduce the frequent need to turn on air conditioners.
Using ceiling fans solely or coupled with AC can allow indoor temperatures to rise up to 28 degree C yet but still have an indoor environment within the comfort zone due to the increased air velocity.
This is practical if there is no humidity. Fans also enable individual control of thermal comfort levels which studies show improve occupancy rates and satisfaction.
Rooftop Unit
Outdoor Shading Element
Providing plants with shade protects them and leads to less watering.
Using drip irrigation systems to water your plants significantly reduce the amount of water used for irrigation and ensures that water isn’t wasted through evaporation and reaches where its most needed: the roots.
Use Spray-to-Drip retrofit risers, to convert turf with spray into ground covers with dripline.
Use root watering system and subsurface copper dripline, installed directly into root zone of plants.
Improper installation and/or positioning of water irrigation sprinklers can be up to 60% inefficient due to water evaporation.
By watering your garden at appropriate times – either before sunrise or after sunset – water evaporates slower.
Use leak detection assembly at the irrigation point of connection. These assemblies are made of flow sensors and electric master valve connected to a Smart Irrigation Controller.
Install water sub-meters and a leak detection system for larger landscaped and gardened areas.
Install bound aggregate for walkways and pathways to assist in collecting gray water and prevent water wastage.