Estidama villa prototype on show at WFES

The prototype designed by real estate developer Sorouh is compliant with Estidama's Pearl Rating system. By developing the prototype, Estidama aims to show how the reduction of energy and water consumption in villas, communities and buildings is possible through the use of smart technologies and energy efficient methods. In a region which has increasing energy demands and subsequent rising costs, energy efficiency is a top priority for governments, companies, industries and end-users.

"Energy efficiency is a crucial element of Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030 as the emirate aims to double the rate of improvement of energy efficiency by that time. WFES is a perfect platform on which to showcase the Estidama villa prototype and allow developers, engineers, planners, architects and villa/house owners to learn about how energy efficiency can be incorporated into their own designs, buildings and homes," said Mohamed Al Khadar, UPC Executive Director for Development Review and Estidama.

The Estidama-compliant house exhibition area demonstrates how to improve housing energy efficiency in a variety of ways. It has been built using higher performance materials, incorporates better shading, has more efficient air conditioning and lighting systems and has solar hot water systems. The energy consumption of the Estidama villa is 35% less than conventional homes.

The Estidama villa also showcases more efficient water fixtures and fittings and uses better irrigation systems to reduce water consumption by at least 25% compared to conventional homes. It also reduces construction waste going to landfill by 50% and is prepared for waste segregation and recycling by the residence's occupants.

The Estimada Pearl Rating system is currently being integrated in to a new community of 600 villas called the Al Ain Gharbia Residential Community.

"We all know that existing residential areas in the Emirate use a substantial percentage of Abu Dhabi's energy and water resources. By building sustainable homes that comply with the Estidama PRSrequirements, we not only create healthier, resource efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly communities, but villa owners may also see a better return on their investment," Al Khadar, added.

Estidama has also developed the "E-Villa Configurator", a new awareness tool to help villa owners and developers achieve the Pearl Rating System for Villas (PRSV). WFES will allow visitors the opportunity to see, touch and learn about how to build sustainable homes to reduce utility bills and promote a healthier living environment.

Visitors will also be able to meet with those involved in the Estidama program and meet suppliers to learn about the products that make more sustainable homes. The Estidama-compliant Home at WFES is supported by Aliance ME.