Urban Development Professionals to Gain Insights into Estidama and the Pearl Rating Systems

Abu Dhabi, August 11, 2010: Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environment, today announced an extensive training programme for the Estidama Pearl Rating System, a sustainability initiative spearheaded by the UPC.

The Estidama Pearl Rating System Training Programme will facilitate the development of industry professionals for utilising the Estidama Pearl Rating Systems (PRS) to achieve higher levels of sustainability for development projects. The programme will also support the administrative entities in processing permits and submissions throughout the development process. While most training sessions will be hosted in Abu Dhabi City and delivered in English, certain courses will also be conducted in Al Ain and Al Gharbia and selected sessions will be delivered in Arabic language as well.

The Estidama Pearl Rating System Training Programme which commences from August 15th, 2010 will offer a range of courses until January 2011. Courses will build capacity at three levels; Understanding and Awareness, Application of the PRS for Industry Professionals and Administration of the PRS. The application courses for industry professionals are designed to provide an overview understanding and help towards the achievement of professional certification such as the Estidama Pearl Qualified Professional (PQP). 

The strategic policies within Plan Capital 2030 will help guide the Emirate towards a more sustainable future. These policies are grounded within the four pillars of Estidama; the natural environment, economic development, society and cultural heritage. Stressing on the need for organising the Estidama Pearl Rating System training sessions, H.E Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council said, "The successful implementation of Estidama's principles and guidelines cannot be achieved without ensuring a seamless understanding of this sustainability initiative. The Estidama Training Programme will not only introduce the key aspects of Estidama to Abu Dhabi's urban development industry, but will also aim towards integrating sustainability practices into Abu Dhabi's urban development process."

Targeting an audience comprised of senior development industry professionals, the Understanding Estidama and the Pearl Rating Systems for Buildings, Villas and Communities sessions will provide an overview of Estidama, the Pearl Rating Systems and an overview of the process by which developers can achieve required and desired Pearl certification levels. 

The Application of the Pearl Rating System courses will provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the PRS credits and will equip them with the ability to apply these to projects. Delegates attending an Application course will be well help prepare delegates to undertake the PQP exams for the Building Rating System and the Communities Rating System.

The Administration of the Pearl Rating System courses will be provided to individuals that must assess applications.

The Estidama Training Program will also include an offering of Sustainability Awareness sessions in order to disseminate information on the most crucial environmental issues faced by Abu Dhabi.

For more information on Estidama go to www.estidama.org, and to view course descriptions, schedules and register in Estidama Pearl Rating System courses go to  http://estidama.upc.gov.ae.

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About the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council:
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council was created by Emiri Decree number 23 of the year 2007 and is the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environments, and the expert authority behind the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan published September 2007.  Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council defines the shape of the Emirate, ensuring factors such as sustainability, infrastructure capacity, community planning and quality of life, by overseeing development across the city and the Emirate as a whole.  The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council ensures best practice in planning for both new and existing urban areas.

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council's primary purpose is to deliver upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Ruler of Abu Dhabi for the continued fulfilment of the grand design envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing evolution of Abu Dhabi as a global capital city.  By drawing on urban planning expertise locally, throughout the GCC and around the world, the UPC strives to be a global authority on the future of urban planning and design.

About Estidama
Estidama, which means sustainability in Arabic, is an initiative developed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) conceived to imbue a new mindset that promotes the concept of living in harmony with our culture and environment while conserving our way of life so that future generations can benefit from our wise choices. 

Built on the four pillars of environment, economy, society and culture, Estidama supports sustainable living and resources by working closely with communities, organisations, businesses and policy-makers to further encourage responsible decision making that moves Abu Dhabi and our region towards global sustainability leadership.

For more information please contact:
Fouad Kassem
Public Affairs and Media Relations Manager
Direct:   +971 2 409 6059
Mobile:  +971 50 632 4150
Email: Fouad.Kassem@upc.gov.ae  

© Press Release 2010