Potential of energy and water efficiency improvement in Abu Dhabi's building sector – Analysis of Estidama pearl rating system

Energy and water infrastructure in Abu Dhabi provides a strong example of the interconnection between energy and water, where the majority of its electricity and water demand is jointly produced from cogeneration plants. The total cost of fuel used for cogeneration plants are heavily depending on the efficiency level of end-use energy and water consumption. Buildings are the major electricity and water consumers with 84.6% and 92.2% respectively from the entire demand. The aim of this study is to analyze the energy and water consumption reduction by implementing Estidama pearl regulations and compare it with Business as Usual -the normal execution of things as they always do-for three sample buildings (villa, multistory residential and office building). For energy assessment, eQUEST software was used to examine the energy performance of the chosen buildings and to evaluate the energy saving potential after applying Estidama requirements. While for water assessment; Estidama and LEED calculation tools were used to do the same. The results of energy simulation and water analysis of the chosen buildings showed a potential of electricity reduction between 31% and 38% and a potential of water reduction between 22% and 36% depending on building type and other parameters. Also, a total monetary savings of 19 Billion AED can be achieved cumulatively over ten years period (2011–2020) after Estidama regulations have been applied. In addition, a reduction of 31.4 Million ton of CO₂eq cumulatively can be achieved.