Reem Mall recognised by Abu DhabiUrban Planning Council for sustainable design efforts
Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi’s major new mall project,awarded Estidama 2 Pearl Design Rating
Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi’s major new up and coming retail, leisure, dining and entertainment destination, has today announced that it has been awarded the Estidama 2 Pearl Design Rating by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).
Estidama is an initiative developed and promoted by the UPC for large-scale sustainable urban developments. It seeks to promote thoughtful and responsible development through the creation of a balanced society based on four equal pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, social and cultural.
The Pearl Rating System for Estidama aims to address the sustainability of a given development throughout its lifecycle from design through construction to operation. Having been awarded the 2 Pearl Rating for design is a clear recognition of the sustainability focus delivered by Reem Mall’s development team during the design phase of the US$ 1 billion project.
From the outset, Reem Mall has not only followed but exceeded the minimum mandatory sustainable design requirements set out by UPC.
“Reem Mall is committed to environmental sustainability and the sustainability goals of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. From the outset, we have strived to exceed the guidelines set out by the UPC by going above and beyond the minimum requirements,” commented Shane Eldstrom, Chief Operating Officer for Reem Mall.
“We are very proud to say today that our commitment and efforts have led to the project attaining the2 Pearl Design Rating. There are a number of significant sustainability strategies that wedeveloped and implemented during the design process for Reem Mall, with the goal of becoming a regional leader in sustainable mall development.”
“The Reem Mall project is well-deserving of itsEstidama 2 Pearl Design Rating, as the project comprehensively illustrates the integration of the pillars of Estidama, factoring in such components as water, energy, waste management and local material use. By achieving a 2 Pearl Design Rating, Reem Mall has exceeded the minimum mandatory 1 Pearl Design Rating requirement for privately funded developments, and we will continue the offer support to the project team as the project progresses with its construction in order to ensure that commitments made for the Design Rating are achieved.” said Mohamed Al Khadar, Executive Director, Urban Development & Estidama Sector, UPC.
From the outset, Reem Mall has been designed as a highly efficient building that will minimise overall energy use.
The walls, roof and glazing have been carefully studied and designed with high-efficient insulation and high performance materials, coupled with high efficiency air conditioning and lighting systems.
Water consumption has been another key consideration. To reduce the consumption of potable water in the building, efficient waterirrigation systems and appliances have been incorporated into the design.
Looking ahead, equally robust sustainability measures have been applied to the construction phase.
A minimum of 70 per cent of the waste generated on sitewill be recycled, and 20 per cent of materials will be procured from sources within 500 km of the site, reducingthe travelling distance and related air pollution.
Located on Al Reem Island, the new mall development is strategically positioned within the new master-developed residential and commercial zone.
Once completed, Reem Mall will bring a wide range of unique family-focused retail, leisure and entertainment offerings to residents and visitors of the capital. Home to the world’s biggest indoor snow play park, the development is set to include some 450 stores including 85 food and beverage outlets. The mall will be well positioned on Al Reem Island, with easy access to and from the mainland and ample parking space.
With construction underway, the mall is expected to open in 2018.
The venture is being developed by NRECand UPAC.
