Abu Dhabi has taken a step towards reducing its carbon footprint by revealing a plan to install solar water heaters on villa roofs
A Gulf News report revealed that some 7,500 solar hot water systems will be installed on villa roofs within the next 36 months in an attempt to contribute to minimising Abu Dhabi?s high rate of carbon footprint.
The Abu Dhabi Estidama initiative has been encouraging the installation of clean energy systems on new buildings to cut down on pollution from conventional energy sources such as oil.
Already 1.4 per cent of total building energy load has been offered as renewable technology as part of the Estidama Pearl Design Rating.
The Gulf News report stated that with the installation of 7,500 solar hot water systems on villa roofs, the share of clean energy will be expected to go up.
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) said in a statement that September 2010 had marked a significant milestone towards a transition to a more sustainable environment within Abu Dhabi as the Estidama Pearl Rating System (PRS) became a mandatory requirement for all new developments within the emirate.
UPC executive director for development review and Estidama, Mohammad Al Khader said, ?With Estidama, our objective is to support a new global urban development paradigm shift in Abu Dhabi to become a truly sustainable emirate.?
