As the concept of sustainable buildings continues to break new ground globally and more city planners realize that building ‘green' isn't just an environmental whim anymore; the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has begun implementing its own ambitious plans to introduce the concept of Green Buildings.

Under the directives of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced it has already begun work this month on implementing the concept of Sustainable Building on upcoming projects in the Emirate. The aim is to maintain the journey of sustainable development by ensuring new buildings reduce maintenance costs in the long term, reduce the negative effects on health as well as energy and water consumption.

So far, the Committee, formed in July 2006, has recommended the appointment of a reputable consulting company that will identify gaps by comparing international expertise to current procedures followed in Abu Dhabi with respect to Green Buildings. The company will also revise the draft green buildings guidelines and ensure it covers commercial and residential buildings. Finally, the company will set a detailed and phased plan to implement the concept of green buildings in the Emirate.

Members of the Committee include the Department of Municipalities and Agriculture - Abu Dhabi Municipality, EAD, Department of Planning and Economy, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Al Dar, Sorouh, General Directorate of Civil Defense and Finance Department. A technical team was formed to follow-up on the Committee's progress. It is headed by EAD and consists of representatives from EAD, Masdar, Department of Municipalities and Agriculture and the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

Abu Dhabi has witnessed population growth rates of 200 percent over the past 20 years.  Abu Dhabi is poised to witness even larger growth, owing to continued strong revenues from the oil sector and a wave of proposed housing and tourist developments and plans to establish new industrial areas for example in Al Ain and south of Mussafah.

According to EAD, it is imperative that the sustainable building concept is implemented as industry insiders expect a 25 percent yearly increase in construction activity in the Emirate over the next three years. Moreover, the Emirate's population has nearly doubled over the last ten years, from 2.4 million in the census undertaken in 1995 to 4.1 million at the census undertaken in 2005.

What makes a building ‘green'?

- It incorporates an excellent practice that results in environmental protection, water conservation, energy efficiency, uses recycled material and renewable energy.

- At the workplace, it increases employee productivity by 6-26% as well as their health and morale and reduces absenteeism of employees by 15%.

-  It is more economical, environmentally friendly and provides a safer and healthier environment for the community.

- It reduces health effects. Studies reveal that buildings with good overall environmental quality can reduce the rate of respiratory disease, allergy, asthma, symptoms of sick building syndrome, and enhance worker performance. Many building materials emit toxic gases, which can have a detrimental impact on occupants' health and productivity.  There are also several potential financial benefits to building 'green'.