Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council defines Capital District's Sustainability, Policy and Framework Plan, Contractors and Suppliers invited to attend an Industry Outreach presentation
In a significant achievement towards the development of the highly commended 4,500 hectare Capital District project, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environment, has announced the completion of the Sustainability Policy and Framework Plan (SPF) for the Capital District. When completed, the Plan will ensure that the Capital District infrastructure is delivered to the highest possible level of economic, social and environmental sustainability.
All parties involved in the development, design and delivery of the Capital District will have the exciting opportunity to contribute to this aspect by providing a new future for Abu Dhabi commensurate with their knowledge, expertise and experience.The Capital District will be built on an extensive network of sustainable urban infrastructure for which the UPC has recently organised an industry outreach presentation for suitable contractors and suppliers.
The Capital District Sustainability Policy and Framework Plan will be issued to the UPC's key partners in developing the Capital District for their review, endorsement and implementation. These partners include the DMA, ADM, ADWEA, ADWEC, ADDC, ADSSC, Transco, RSB, and EAD.
The newly defined Sustainability Policy and Framework Plan for the Capital District project, reinforces the UPC's objective to develop a leading sustainable modern Arab Capital by defining core sustainability outcomes and values to guide decision making. The Plan defines Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) which provide the stakeholders, consultants and contractors with the opportunity to participate in the delivery of the most sustainable infrastructure possible for the Capital District project.
In addition to producing the Sustainability Policies and Framework Plan for the Capital District the UPC has also developed comprehensive sustainability strategies for infrastructure in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a whole.
Addressing the issues of sustainable developments requires education and the provision of relevant, inspiring and practical solutions with which people can engage in a meaningful and collaborative way.
The process to develop the Emirate's sustainable infrastructure plan has benefited from the participation of Abu Dhabi's prominent utility providers and regulators as well as participants from Abu Dhabi's development community. Representatives from DMA, ADM, WRM, AAM, ADWEA, ADWEC, ADSSC, ADDC, AADC, Transco, RSB, GASCO, ADNOC, EAA, EAD and ENEC have participated in targeted discussions on nuclear energy, water usage, decentralization of power generation and policies that affect the sustainable provision of infrastructure.
"The Capital District is aimed at increasing Abu Dhabi's global reputation. Its master plan is based on creating a culturally rich, architecturally attractive and sustainable urban environment. The policies and frameworks defined for this ambitious project are asserting core project outcomes and values that are guiding all decision making. The UPC will continue to work with all infrastructure stakeholders to achieve the Emirate's sustainable infrastructure development", said H.E Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.
The Sustainability Framework and Policy Plan for the Capital District sets sustainability objectives, KPI's and monitoring and reporting processes for the project. The Plan is built on the principles of the UPC's Estidama Program including an integrated design process. Requirements for sustainable design, construction and operation are based on the Estidama Pearl Rating System for communities and include technology innovation and integration, precious water, solid waste, energy, material stewardship and embodied carbon measures.
The Sustainability Policy and Framework Plan for the Capital District will significantly contribute to the protection of the environment and promote internationally significant approaches to economic, social and environmental viability through responsible and effective urban infrastructure design, construction and management.
With sustainability being at the core of the UPC's infrastructure planning, the Capital District, the new focus of government, business, academic and knowledge based sectors and home to up to 370,000 new residents, will achieve the highest possible level of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
A significant project within Capital 2030, the urban framework plan for Abu Dhabi city, the Capital District will soon witness the beginning of its infrastructure design program based on the comprehensive Capital District Sustainability Policy and Framework Plan. Work will commence soon on the site itself to gather geotechnical and geophysical data, prepare the site for construction, and complete technical studies.
The UPC has spearheaded the creation of the Emirate-wide Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Framework Plan through ongoing coordination with key agencies and entities. The UPC will refine the population/office/retail database for the distribution and phasing of demand for infrastructure and utility services. The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Framework Plan is scheduled to be completed by February 2011 with an objective of allocating utility corridors for the primary infrastructure networks and sites that will meet the projected demands for the long-term sustainable development of the Emirate.
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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 fulfillment 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.
For more information please contact:
Fouad Kassem
Public Affairs and Media Relations Manager
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
Direct: +971 2 409 6059
Mobile: +971 50 632 4150
Email: Fouad.Kassem@upc.gov.ae
© Press Release 2010
