Summary of Mandate

In 2008, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander
of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, mandated the formation of the Abu Dhabi Mosque
Development Committee. Its purpose is to deliver upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President
of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for the continued fulfilment of the grand design envisaged by the late Sheikh
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Father of the Nation, and the ongoing evolution of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Mosque Development Committee (MDC) is responsible for preparing a strategy to direct the development of mosques in the
Emirate. Its objectives include optimising the distribution of mosques and enhancing their role within communities, encouraging
design innovation while preserving Emirati architectural heritage and ensuring that mosques are built, operated and maintained to
the highest international standards.

Accordingly, the MDC has completed the following:

• A comprehensive Emirate-wide survey and conditions assessment of all existing mosques to identify which may be replaced
to regulate distribution and capacity based on population density;
• A web enabled application processing tool that identifies gaps in supply and demand to determine the optimum location of
future mosques;
• An Emirate-wide cleaning and maintenance programme that ensures all mosques are serviced to the highest international
standards for public buildings;
• An Emirate-wide programme that enables all mosques, including those that are privately owned, to be managed and operated
by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf);
• An Emirate-wide programme that enables all temporary mosques to be replaced with new permanent ones where required;
and
• An Emirate-wide regulatory framework that addresses the planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance of
each mosque to ensure best practice standards are applied during its complete life cycle.

As such, the MDC is pleased to issue the Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations, a regulatory framework that will safeguard
the development of mosques well into the future.
Table of
3.6 Natural Systems Management 29 7.0 Mosque Construction 75
3.7 Landscaping and Irrigation 31 7.1 Construction Environmental Management 76
3.8 Stormwater Management 33 7.2 Construction Waste Management 77

Contents


3.9 External Building Materials
4.0 Design of Indoor Spaces
4.1 Ventilation Strategy
34
37
38



7.3 Procurement During Construction
8.0 Performance Verification
8.1 Commissioning
80
83
84
4.2 Thermal Zoning 41 8.2 Acoustic Verification 84
4.3 Acoustic Design 42 9.0 Mosque Operation 89
I. Introduction to Estidama 1
5.0 Material Selection 45 9.1 Sustainability Communication 90
II. Mosque PBRS Scorecard 3
5.1 Modular Flooring Systems 46 9.2 Indoor Waste and Recycling Storage 91
III. How to Use the Guidelines 4
5.2 Design for Durability 47 9.3 Legionella Management 92
1.0 Team and Process Organisation 7
5.3 Regional Materials 47 Attachment A: Energy Modelling Parameters 97
1.1 Integrated Development Team 8
5.4 Recycled Materials 49 Acknowledgements 101
1.2 Initial Vision and Targets 9
5.5 Reused or Certified Timber 54
1.3 Design Workshops 10
5.6 Hazardous Materials 55
1.4 Implementation Strategy 11
6.0 Design of Building Systems 61
2.0 Site Context 15
6.1 Energy Systems 62
2.1 Natural and Urban Systems Assessment 16
6.2 Energy Metering 63
2.2 Natural Systems Protection 18
6.3 Energy Efficient Appliances 64
3.0 Design of Outdoor Spaces 23
6.4 Lighting Fixtures 65
3.1 Plot Layout 24
6.5 Refrigerants and Fire Suppression 66
3.2 Outdoor Thermal Comfort 25
6.6 Water Fixtures and Appliances 67
3.3 Accessibility and Provision of
Community Facilities 26 6.7 Water Metering 71

3.4 Safe, Secure and Healthy Environments 27 6.8 Design for Legionella Prevention 72

3.5 External Waste and Recycling Storage 28

Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

I. Introduction to Estidama
‘Estidama’, which means sustainability in Arabic, is the initiative In the immediate term, Estidama is focused on the rapidly
which will transform Abu Dhabi into a model of sustainable changing built environment. It is in this area that the UPC is
The Pearl Rating System for Estidama
urbanisation. Its aim is to create more sustainable communities, making significant strides to influence projects under design, The PRS aims to address the sustainability of a given
cities and global enterprises by balancing the 4 pillars of development and construction within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. development throughout its life cycle from design and
Estidama: environmental, economic, cultural and social. The Pearl Rating System for Estidama (PRS) is 1 of the key tools construction through to operation. The PRS provides detailed
for driving and determining sustainable development. The Pearl requirements for rating a building’s potential performance in
The aspirations of Estidama are incorporated into Urban Planning Rating System for Communities, Buildings and Villas provide a relation to the 4 pillars of Estidama.
Vision 2030 and other Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) suite of tools that form the basis for sustainable development
policies such as the Development Code. Estidama began in from master plan to finished building. The PRS is organised into 7 categories that are fundamental
2008 and is the first programme of its kind that is tailored to to more sustainable development.
the Middle East region.
Integrated Development Process:
Encouraging cross-disciplinary teamwork
to deliver environmental and quality

ntal eco management.

me Natural Systems: Conserving, preserving and

restoring critical natural environments and
habitats.

no
environ

Liveable Spaces: Ensuring the quality of

mic
outdoor and indoor spaces.

Precious Water: Reducing water demand and

encouraging alternative water sources.

estidama Resourceful Energy: Targeting energy

conservation through passive design
measures, energy efficiency and renewable
sources.
cu

Stewarding Materials: Ensuring consideration

ial

of the ‘whole-of-life’ cycle when specifying

l

ur
t

and disposing of materials.

soc al Innovating Practice: Encouraging innovation
and cultural expression in building design and
construction to facilitate market and industry
transformation.

Estidama Page 1
Estidama for Mosques The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for the
All new mosques in Abu Dhabi Emirate are required to achieve a mosque development teams by presenting the most suitable Emirati Vernacular Mosques
minimum 2 Pearl Rating under the Pearl Building Rating System pathway of ‘recommended optional Credits’, in order to achieve The Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
(PBRS). This means that development teams will have to meet a minimum 2 Pearl Rating. promote the use of Emirati vernacular for the design of
the requirements of all applicable ‘required Credits’ in the PBRS mosques. This approach is also in line with Estidama
as well as a range of ‘optional Credits’ to earn a minimum of The detailed requirements of both the required and optional objectives, as there are several elements of vernacular
60 Credit Points. Credits are available from the Pearl Building Rating System style, as outlined below, which help a designer to
(PBRS), available for download at www.estidama.org. achieve the recommended PBRS Credits.
Mosque development teams are offered a wide range of
• Riwaq: By providing a shaded external space for
optional Credits that may be targeted for their projects to earn The detailed calculation and documentation requirements to
prayer, this will help to achieve Credit LBo-R3:
a minimum of 60 Credit Points. An extensive consultation has demonstrate compliance with the required Credit Points can be
Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy/LBo-1:
been undertaken between many stakeholders to identify a list found in the PBRS. Members of a mosque project team must
Improved Outdoor Thermal Comfort.
of recommended optional Credits for mosques which takes consult the PBRS for detailed submission requirements.
into consideration religious requirements and local market • Wind cooling: The cooling effect of the wind
capabilities. Mosque development teams are recommended to has been used throughout Emirati mosque
target these Credits before exploring other alternatives. The vernacular design to cool both the internal
recommended optional Credits are highlighted in the Mosque and external areas of a mosque (e.g. sahan).
PBRS Scorecard presented on the following page. This helps to achieve Credits LBo-R3: Outdoor
Thermal Comfort Strategy, LBo-1: Improved
Although a minimum 2 Pearl Rating is mandated for all mosque Outdoor Thermal Comfort and RE-R1: Minimum
projects, mosque development teams may also voluntarily seek Energy Performance.
a higher rating of 3 to 5 Pearls. The Credit Points required for • Prayer hall proportions: The simple prayer
each level are listed in Table 1. hall proportions used within Emirati vernacular
design allow the creation of thermal zoning
within mosques, which helps to achieve Credit
Pearl Rating LBi-5.1: Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal
Requirement
Achieved Zoning.
All mandatory Credits 1 Pearl • Simple and modest building design: Through
the use of Emirati vernacular design elements,
All mandatory Credits + 60 Credit Points 2 Pearls the mosque achieves a reduced energy loading,
helping to achieve Credit RE-R1: Minimum
All mandatory Credits + 85 Credit Points 3 Pearls Energy Performance.
All mandatory Credits + 115 Credit Points 4 Pearls • Use of simple regional materials: Traditional
Emirati architecture may use simple regional
All mandatory Credits + 140 Credit Points 5 Pearls materials. If followed, this may help to achieve
Credit SM-9: Regional Materials.
Table 1: Pearl Building Rating Levels

Estidama Page 2
 LBo-6 Public Transport 3
LBo-7 Bicycle Facilities 2 1
LBo-8 Preferred Car Parking Spaces 1
LBo-9 Travel Plan 1
LBo-10 Light Pollution Reduction 1
SUB-TOTAL 13 3

Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations LBi Livable Buildings : Indoors

Appendix 1 - Estidama LBi-R1
LBi-R2
Healthy Ventilation Delivery
Smoking Control
Required
Required
Required
Required
LBi-R3 Legionella Prevention Required Required
LBi-1 Ventilation Quality 3
LBi-2.1 Materials Emissions : Adhesives & Sealants 1 1
LBi-2.2 Materials Emissions : Paints & Coatings 1 1
LBi-2.3 Materials Emissions: Carpet & Hard Flooring 1 1

II. Mosque PBRS Scorecard

LBi-2.4 Materials Emissions : Ceiling Systems 1 1
LBi-2.5 Materials Emissions : Formaldehyde Reduction 2 2
LBi-3 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management 2 2
LBi-4 Car Park Air Quality Management 1
LBi-5.1 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Zoning 1 1
LBi-5.2 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Occupant Control 2
LBi-5.3 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Comfort Modeling 2
LBi-6 High Frequency Lighting 1 1
LBi-7 Daylight & Glare 2
Credit Points Available LBi-8 Views Credit
1 Points Available
LBi-9 Indoor Noise Pollution 1 1
Credit Reference Credit Title Credit
LBi-10 Reference Credit Title
Safe & Secure Environment 1 1
Total Recommended Path Total Recommended Path
SUB-TOTAL 23 12

IDP Integrated Development Process IDP

PW Integrated Development Process
Precious Water
IDP-R1 Integrated Development Strategy Required Required IDP-R1
PW-R1 Integrated Development
Minimum Interior Strategy
Water Use Reduction Required Required
IDP-R2 Tenant Fit-Out Design & Construction Guide n/a n/a IDP-R2
PW-R2 Tenant
ExteriorFit-Out Design & Construction Guide
Water Monitoring n/a
Required n/a
Required
IDP-R3 Basic Commissioning Required Required IDP-R3
PW-1 Basic Commissioning
Improved Interior Water Use Reduction Required
15 Required
5
IDP-1 Life Cycle Costing 4 IDP-1
PW-2.1 Life Cycle
Exterior Costing
Water Use Reduction: Landscaping 4
8 6
IDP-2 Guest Worker Accommodation 2 IDP-2
PW-2.2 Guest Worker
Exterior WaterAccommodation
Use Reduction: Heat Rejection 2
8 8
IDP-3 Construction Environmental Management 2 1 IDP-3
PW-2.3 Construction
Exterior WaterEnvironmental
Use Reduction:Management
Water Features 2
4 1
4
IDP-4 Building Envelope Verification 1 IDP-4
PW-3 Building Envelope &
Water Monitoring Verification
Leak Detection 1
4 4
IDP-5 Re-Commissioning 2 IDP-5
PW-4 Re-Commissioning
Stormwater Management 2
4 2
IDP-6 Sustainability Communication 2 2 IDP-6 Sustainability Communication TOTAL 2
43 2
29
TOTAL 13 3 TOTAL 13 3
RE Resourceful Energy
NS Natural Systems NS
RE-R1 Natural
Minimum Systems
Energy Performance Required Required
NS-R1 Natural Systems Assessment Required Required NS-R1
RE-R2 NaturalMonitoring
Energy Systems Assessment
& Reporting Required
Required Required
Required
NS-R2 Natural Systems Protection Required Required NS-R2 Natural Systems Protection Required Required
NS-R3 Natural Systems Design & Management Strategy Required Required RE-R3 Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants & Fire Suppression Systems Required Required
NS-R3 Natural Systems Design & Management Strategy Required Required
NS-1 Reuse of Land 2 NS-1
RE-1 Reuse of Land
Improved Energy Performance 152
NS-2 Remediation of Contaminated Land 2 NS-2
RE-2 Remediation
Cool Building of Contaminated Land
Strategies 62
NS-3 Ecological Enhancement 2 2 NS-3
RE-3 Ecological
Energy Enhancement
Efficient Appliances 32 32
NS-4 Habitat Creation & Restoration 6 NS-4
RE-4 Habitat Transportation
Vertical Creation & Restoration 36
TOTAL 12 2 RE-5 Peak Load Reduction TOTAL 12
4 2
RE-6 Renewable Energy 9
LBo Livable Buildings : Outdoors LBo
RE-7 Livable
Global Buildings
Warming Impacts of: Refrigerants
Outdoors& Fire Suppression 4 2
LBo-R1 Plan 2030 Required Required LBo-R1 Systems
Plan 2030 Required Required
LBo-R2 Urban Systems Assessment Required Required LBo-R2 Urban Systems Assessment TOTAL 44
Required 5
Required
LBo-R3 Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy Required Required LBo-R3 Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy Required Required
LBo-1 Improved Outdoor Thermal Comfort 2 2 SM
LBo-1 Stewarding Materials
Improved Outdoor Thermal Comfort 2 2
LBo-2 Pearl Rated Communities 1 LBo-2
SM-R1 Pearl RatedMaterials
Hazardous Communities
Elimination 1
Required Required
LBo-3 Accessible Community Facilities 1 LBo-3
SM-R2 Accessible
Basic Community
Construction WasteFacilities
Management 1
Required Required
LBo-4 Active Urban Environments 1 LBo-4 ActiveOperational
Urban Environments 1
SM-R3 Basic Waste Management Required Required
LBo-5 Private Outdoor Space n/a LBo-5 Private Outdoor Space n/a
SM-1 Non-Polluting Materials 3
LBo-6 Public Transport 3 LBo-6 Public for
Transport
SM-2 Design Materials Reduction 13
LBo-7 Bicycle Facilities 2 1 LBo-7 Bicycle Facilities 2 1
SM-3 Design for Flexibility & Adaptability 1
LBo-8 Preferred Car Parking Spaces 1 LBo-8 Preferred Car Parking Spaces 1
SM-4 Design for Disassembly 1
LBo-9 Travel Plan 1 LBo-9 Travel Plan 1
SM-5 Modular Flooring Systems 1 1
LBo-10 Light Pollution Reduction 1 LBo-10 Light Pollution Reduction 1
SUB-TOTAL 13 3 SM-6 Design for Durability 1 1
SUB-TOTAL 13 3
SM-7 Building Reuse 2
SM-8 Material Reuse 1
LBi Livable Buildings : Indoors LBi Livable Buildings : Indoors
SM-9 Regional Materials 2 2
LBi-R1 Healthy Ventilation Delivery Required Required LBi-R1 Healthy Ventilation Delivery Required Required
LBi-R2 Smoking Control Required Required SM-10 Recycled Materials 6 3
LBi-R2 Smoking Control Required Required
LBi-R3 Legionella Prevention Required Required SM-11 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1
LBi-R3 Legionella Prevention Required Required
LBi-1 Ventilation Quality 3 SM-12 Reused or Certified Timber 2 2
LBi-1 Ventilation Quality 3
LBi-2.1 Materials Emissions : Adhesives & Sealants 1 1 SM-13
LBi-2.1 Improved
Materials Construction Waste Management
Emissions : Adhesives & Sealants 21 1
LBi-2.2 Materials Emissions : Paints & Coatings 1 1 SM-14
LBi-2.2 Improved
Materials Operational Waste&Management
Emissions : Paints Coatings 21 1
LBi-2.3 Materials Emissions: Carpet & Hard Flooring 1 1 SM-15
LBi-2.3 Organic Waste
Materials Management
Emissions: Carpet & Hard Flooring 21 1
LBi-2.4 Materials Emissions : Ceiling Systems 1 1 LBi-2.4 Materials Emissions : Ceiling Systems TOTAL 281 91
LBi-2.5 Materials Emissions : Formaldehyde Reduction 2 2 LBi-2.5 Materials Emissions : Formaldehyde Reduction 2 2
LBi-3 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management 2 2 IP
LBi-3 Innovating Practice
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management 2 2
LBi-4 Car Park Air Quality Management 1 LBi-4
IP-1 Car Park Air
Innovative Quality&Management
Cultural Regional Practices 11
LBi-5.1 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Zoning 1 1 LBi-5.1
IP-2 Thermal Comfort
Innovating Practice& Controls: Thermal Zoning 21 1
LBi-5.2 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Occupant Control 2 LBi-5.2 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Occupant Control TOTAL 32 0
LBi-5.3 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Comfort Modeling 2 LBi-5.3 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Comfort Modeling 2
LBi-6 High Frequency Lighting 1 1 LBi-6 High Frequency Lighting 1 1
LBi-7 Daylight & Glare 2 LBi-7 Daylight & Glare 2
LBi-8 Views 1 LBi-8 Views 1
LBi-9 Indoor Noise Pollution 1 1 LBi-9 Indoor Noise Pollution 1 1
LBi-10 Safe & Secure Environment 1 1 LBi-10 Safe & Secure Environment 1 1
SUB-TOTAL 23 12 SUB-TOTAL 23 12
Required Credits

PW Precious Water PW Precious Water
PW-R1 Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction Required Required PW-R1 Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction Required Required
Recommended Credit
PW-R2 Exterior Water Monitoring Required Required PW-R2 Exterior Water Monitoring Required Required Points for mosque
Figure 1: Mosque PBRS Scorecard.
PW-1 Improved Interior Water Use Reduction 15 5 PW-1 Improved Interior Water Use Reduction 15 5 projects
PW-2.1 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping 8 6 PW-2.1 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping 8 6
PW-2.2 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Heat Rejection 8 8 PW-2.2 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Heat Rejection 8 8
PW-2.3 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Water Features 4 4 PW-2.3 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Water Features 4 4
PW-3 Water Monitoring & Leak Detection 4 4 PW-3 Water Monitoring & Leak Detection 4 4
PW-4 Stormwater Management 4 2 PW-4 Stormwater Management 4 2
TOTAL 43 29 TOTAL 43 29

Estidama Page 3
III. How to Use the Guidelines
These 2 Pearl Mosque Guidelines are intended to complement The members of the design and development team responsible
the PBRS, which is the primary reference document for for requirements discussed on the page are highlighted on the ENGINEER
Estidama compliance. This document provides design and upper corner of the page (see Figure 2).
development teams with guidance for achieving the required
and recommended Credits. Where relevant, these guidelines E - Engineer CONTRACTOR

provide a prescriptive path to achieving the required mandatory C - Contractor

requirements and Credits. Key features of the document
A - Architect ARCHITECT
organisation are highlighted below.
O – Owner (Donor/Awqaf)
This guideline forms part of the Abu Dhabi Mosque Development CA - Commissioning Agent OWNER (Donor/Awqaf)
Regulations (ADMDR). The ADMDR is made up of 3 volumes and OS - Other Specialist
3 appendices that regulate specific aspects of the planning and
design of a mosque building, its surroundings and life cycle. The COMMISSIONING AGENT
full list of documents is as follows:
• User Guide
OTHER SPECIALIST
• Volume 1 - Planning
• Volume 2 - Design
• Volume 3 - Operations
• Appendix 1 - Estidama
• Appendix 2 - Architectural Prototypes Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

• Appendix 3 - Vernacular Study 1.0 Team and Process Organisation

Before beginning the design and development process, the
project team should be organised in a way that integrates
• Communicating to the mosque design team the
sustainability objectives and obligations required by the
Process 1.1 Integrated Development Team BUILDING OPERATIONS
As the project team organises its schedule, an IDP framework The Integrated Development Process (IDP) aims to foster MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
the contribution of different trades and specialities. This PBRS. By communicating this early, the project team

The ADMDR documents have been written to complement each

should be incorporated into the development process. This creativity and coordination during project design and
coordination, called an Integrated Development Process (IDP) in can aim to achieve ambitious goals more efficiently and framework can be broken down into 4 steps, which are detailed
the PRS, is a framework to support the development of holistic, avoid any incidental slippage in project performance. development. Therefore, an IDP should involve all members STRUCTURAL DESIGN
on the following pages. of the project team, especially the client/owner, or financial EFFICIENT DESIGNS
COMMISSIONING
creative and efficient design solutions. The PRS requires an IDP • Enabling true collaboration and continuity within the BUILDING SYSTEMS
AGENT

other. The mosque developer, designer and contractor must

to extend throughout the project life cycle from inception and decision maker. MODELLING VISION
design and development team. By discussing project PASSIVE DESIGNS
design through to construction and commissioning. ENGINEER ARCHITECT
goals early on and meeting face-to-face as a single A mosque project team, in its simplest form, will be comprised of LAYOUT
group, the project team will be able to coordinate work ECOLOGY
Approach an owner, an architect, an engineer and a contractor. Typically the

utilise these guidelines in conjunction with the entire suite of

smoothly and make decisions more rapidly. contractor will be responsible for all subcontractors. Specialists
An IDP can be the foundation of a successful mosque design OWNER CONTRACTOR
and development team, bringing out the best input from • Promoting system thinking when developing strategies may also be brought on-board to undertake specialised work LOCATION
each member. In particular, once the design team has been and solutions. By considering the interconnections in areas such as sustainability, landscape architecture, interior VISION Pearl SUPPLIERS
between each discipline, the project team can deliver a TARGETS
design or environmental services. QUALIFIED

ADMDR volumes and appendices.

assembled, it facilitates the design process by: BUDGET
COST
high performing building more creatively, and without PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTABILITY
OPERATIONS
expensive technological add-ons. The project team should consider several points as it organises
its work:
COORDINATION

1 2 3 4
SYSTEM THINKING
1. Each member of the team should become familiar with PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
INNOVATION
Allow for regular Estidama, the 2 Pearl requirements, and the PBRS. This is
Assemble Establish initial Monitor regularly available on the Estidama website: www.estidama.org.
communication
integrated sustainabilty the progress in 2. The IDP process should be coordinated by a member of the Figure 4: IDP development team and design/development involvement.
between the Source: PBRS: Design and Construction, V1.0, April 2010.
development vision and meeting vision design team who is a qualified Pearl Qualified Professional
different project (PQP). It is not necessary that this person be a dedicated
team targets and targets
team disciplines sustainability consultant, they can be any member of the
design team. More information on becoming a PQP is Role
available atwww.estidama.org. Owner Architect Contractor Engineer Comissioning Pearl

3. Every member of the project team should contribute to Agent Qualified

Professional
the design. In order to develop more integrated ideas, Building Design x x x x
team members should consider themselves collaborators
Skills
Landscape Design x x x
in the design, even before the architect puts pen to paper.
Structural Engineering x x
Although the contractor is typically involved later in the
SYSTEM THINKING process, they should be involved as early as possible.
MEP Engineering
Construction x
x x
x
x
x
Operations & Maintenance x x x x x
Figure 3: Integrated Development Process. Related Credits: Related Credits: Figure 5: IDP development team skills matrix.
Source: PBRS: Design and Construction, V1.0, April 2010. IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy. IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy. Source: PBRS: Design and Construction, V1.0, April 2010.

Estidama Page 7 Estidama Page 8

Figure 2: Extract from Appendix 1 - Estidama.

Estidama Page 4
 1.0
Team and Process Organisation
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

1.0 Team and Process Organisation

Before beginning the design and development process, the • Communicating to the mosque design team the Process
project team should be organised in a way that integrates sustainability objectives and obligations required by the As the project team organises its schedule, an IDP framework
the contribution of different trades and specialities. This PBRS. By communicating this early, the project team should be incorporated into the development process. This
coordination, called an Integrated Development Process (IDP) in can aim to achieve ambitious goals more efficiently and framework can be broken down into 4 steps, which are detailed
the PRS, is a framework to support the development of holistic, avoid any incidental slippage in project performance. on the following pages.
creative and efficient design solutions. The PRS requires an IDP • Enabling true collaboration and continuity within the
to extend throughout the project life cycle from inception and design and development team. By discussing project
design through to construction and commissioning (see Figure goals early on and meeting face-to-face as a single
3). group, the project team will be able to coordinate work
Approach smoothly and make decisions more rapidly.
An IDP can be the foundation of a successful mosque design • Promoting system thinking when developing strategies
and development team, bringing out the best input from and solutions. By considering the interconnections
each member. In particular, once the design team has been between each discipline, the project team can deliver a
assembled, it facilitates the design process by: high performing building more creatively, and without
expensive technological add-ons.

1 2 3 4
Allow for regular
Assemble Establish initial Monitor regularly
communication
integrated sustainabilty the progress in
between the
development vision and meeting vision
different project
team targets and targets
team disciplines

SYSTEM THINKING
Figure 3: Integrated Development Process. Related Credits:
Source: PBRS: Design and Construction, V1.0, April 2010. IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.

Estidama Page 7
1.1 Integrated Development Team BUILDING OPERATIONS
The Integrated Development Process (IDP) aims to foster MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
creativity and coordination during project design and
development. Therefore, an IDP should involve all members STRUCTURAL DESIGN
COMMISSIONING
of the project team, especially the client/owner, or financial EFFICIENT DESIGNS
AGENT
BUILDING SYSTEMS
decision maker. MODELLING VISION
ARCHITECT PASSIVE DESIGNS
ENGINEER LAYOUT
A mosque project team, in its simplest form, will be comprised of ECOLOGY
an owner, an architect, an engineer and a contractor. Typically the
contractor will be responsible for all subcontractors. Specialists OWNER CONTRACTOR
may also be brought on-board to undertake specialised work LOCATION
in areas such as sustainability, landscape architecture, interior VISION Pearl SUPPLIERS
TARGETS
design or environmental services (see Figure 4 and 5). BUDGET
QUALIFIED COST
PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTABILITY
OPERATIONS
The project team should consider several points as it organises
its work:
COORDINATION
SYSTEM THINKING
1. Each member of the team should become familiar with PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
INNOVATION
Estidama, the 2 Pearl requirements, and the PBRS. This is
available on the Estidama website: www.estidama.org.
2. The IDP process should be coordinated by a member of the Figure 4: IDP development team and design/development involvement.
Source: PBRS: Design and Construction, V1.0, April 2010.
design team who is a qualified Pearl Qualified Professional
(PQP). It is not necessary that this person be a dedicated
sustainability consultant, they can be any member of the
design team. More information on becoming a PQP is Role
available atwww.estidama.org. Owner Architect Contractor Engineer Comissioning Pearl

3. Every member of the project team should contribute to Agent Qualified

Professional
the design. In order to develop more integrated ideas, Building Design x x x x
team members should consider themselves collaborators
Skills
Landscape Design x x x
in the design, even before the architect puts pen to paper.
Structural Engineering x x
Although the contractor is typically involved later in the
process, they should be involved as early as possible.
MEP Engineering x x x
Construction x x x
Operations & Maintenance x x x x x

Related Credits: Figure 5: IDP development team skills matrix.

IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy. Source: PBRS: Design and Construction, V1.0, April 2010.

Estidama Page 8
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

1.2 Initial Vision and Targets 1. Develop a vision for the mosque project. This should be a 3. Establish specific and measurable targets for achieving the
general aspirational target that will give coherence to the objectives and vision. These will form a framework for the
The most important aspect of the IDP is a shared vision and a
design process. design process.
series of targets established to achieve it (see Figure 6). These
should be developed early in the design process and be aligned 2. Establish objectives for achieving the vision. These should 4. Develop solutions for reaching the targets. Identifying
with the minimum 2 Pearl requirements for mosque design. be more specific goals. practical, cost effective, integrated solutions will be the
outcome of the design and development process.

Vision “Provide a comfortable environment for worship that will avoid wasteful
resource use.“

Objectives “Adopt a climate-responsive design that minimises the need for artificial lighting
and air-conditioning, and uses efficient technologies that reduce energy and water
consumption.“

Targets (Credits) “Reduce potable water use to 20% below the usage of a typical mosque” (Credit
PW-1 Improved Interior Water Use Reduction); “Design the mosque to achieve a
minimum energy performance as per Credit RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance.”

Solutions “Architect: Strategic window placement and shading. Engineer: Specify low-flow
water ablution fixtures. Engineer: Specify high energy performance AC, fans and
lighting fixtures.“

Related Credits:
Figure 6: Narrative summarising vision, objectives and targets. IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.

Estidama Page 9
1.3 Design Workshops 

After a kick-off workshop and establishment of the vision, 

 
objectives and targets, it is important to continue holding  

multidisciplinary design workshops to foster creativity and 



collaboration and to ensure everyone is aware of important 

 

decisions made throughout the development process (see 



Figure 7). 



  

Schedule regular multidisciplinary workshops at the outset of 



project planning. These should include the following topics, at 


a minimum: 


• site and ecology; 



• orientation and climatic response; 


• energy and water consumption; 



• waste management; 


• 

• indoor comfort; and • 

• 
• 

• sustainable materials specifications. 

• 

Additional workshops can also be scheduled on an ‘as needed’




basis. Each meeting should be documented in an appropriate 


manner. This could take the form of photographs or signatures

Figure 8: Workshop documentation.
of design members present at workshops (see Figure 8).

Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Organise team and work
Understand plot context
Plan plot layout
Design outdoor space
Design indoor space
Design building services
Apply for building permit application
Design rating submission
Build mosque
Apply for building completion certificate
Pre-planning Design Construction Submissions
Figure 7: Mosque Integrated Development Process chart.
Related Credits:
IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.

Estidama Page 10
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

1.4 Implementation Strategy

A strategy for implementing the sustainability goals of a
mosque should be developed to ensure that sustainability
targets established during design are met during construction
and occupancy. This can be facilitated as the team is organised.

All members of the development team should be engaged early

in the process, including the contractor and commissioning
agent (who will verify the performance of building systems).
If possible, these members should be involved in the whole IDP Implementation
process. between project stages:
The specification documents must contain the sustainability
targets and solutions established during the IDP workshops.
Specifications Design
Construction
There should be language ensuring compliance with all
mandatory PBRS Credits and targeted optional Credits that lead Commissioning
to a 2 Pearl Rating.

Occupancy
The mosque Imam must receive an Operations Manual and a Operations Manual and
Maintenance Manual. These will provide instructions on efficient Maintenance Manual
operation and proper maintenance of building systems, as well
as behaviours that reduce the waste of resources. (Refer to
Section 9.0, as well as Volume 3 - Operations).
Figure 9: Implementation strategy development.

Related Credits:
IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.

Estidama Page 11
Estidama Page 12
 2.0
Site Context
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

2.0 Site Context

At the start of the design process, the design team should seek Identifying important contextual opportunities and constraints • Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for
ways to understand and optimise the relationship between the allows the mosque development to take advantage of special environmental audit, JNCC, 2007
mosque plot and its surroundings. site features and address site challenges effectively. Information www.jncc.gov.uk
obtained in the Natural and Urban Systems Assessment informs • Environment Agency
http://www.ead.ae
A thorough understanding of the site’s natural and urban context the formation of a complete opportunities and constraints
will help inform an optimal plot layout and mosque design. This analysis. An example study is shown on page 12, illustrating • Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN,
www.iucn.org
will support many design objectives, including: how opportunities and constraints can be used to inform the
• Wild Flowering Plants of UAE, Environmental Research
• improved outdoor thermal comfort; design of a plot. and Wildlife Development Agency, 2002
• energy use reduction; • Birds of Abu Dhabi – Checklist, Environmental Research
The design team should then move onto the next step in the and Wildlife Development Agency, July 2001
• water conservation; and process; planning the plot layout. • Vascular Plants of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Gary Brown and
• ecological enhancement. Sabitha Sakkir, August 2004
Useful Resources: Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB)
There are many resources that can support an analysis of • UPC Plant Information Database www.upc.gov.ae www.rsb.gov.ae
both natural and urban systems, including the master planning • Geographical Information Database for UAE • Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA)
http://geoportal.abudhabi.ae www.adwea.com/en/index.html
documents for the neighbourhood in which the mosque is
located. Others are listed in ‘Useful Resources’ below. • Google Map/Earth • Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (ADWEC)
www.adwec.ae
• EnergyPlus Weather Data
http:// apps1.eere.energy.gov • Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC)
Natural systems, such as the existing habitat and topography, www.addc.ae
and urban systems, such as nearby community facilities, could • Interpretation Manual of Major Terrestrial Natural and
Seminatural Habitat Types of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Gary • Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC)
be examined in separate assessments or together. Ultimately, Brown and Benno Boer, Environmental Research and www.aadc.ae
all site information should be integrated in order to identify Wildlife Development Agency, September 2004. • Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
opportunities and constraints associated with building on a • Terrestrial Environment of Abu Dhabi Emirate, www.taqa.ae/en/uae.html
particular plot. Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, 2008 • Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company
www.ead.ae (TRANSCO) www.transco.ae

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Assess, Protect and Manage Natural
Systems Identify Design Outdoor
+
Assess Urban Systems Opportunities Spaces
+
Understand Relevant Plan 2030
and Constraints
Regulatory Framework
Related Credits:
NS-R1: Natural Systems Assessment.
LBo-R2: Urban Systems Assessment.

Estidama Page 15
2.1 Natural and Urban Systems or the environment should be identified to determine the
need for remediation. If previously unreported contamination
Urban Systems
Assessment is found or suspected, the plot developers should contact the Land Use Context and Connectivity
At the beginning of the design process and before plot clearance relevant environmental agency to determine further testing and Proximity to residential zones, centres of employment and
takes place, an assessment of the natural and urban systems in remediation requirements. community facilities must inform the mosque plot planning in
the context of the plot and its immediate surroundings needs to Archaeological Features terms of connectivity and accessibility, but also the mosque
be undertaken. programming in relation to provision of community facilities
Appropriate desk studies and consultations with relevant
within the mosque itself.
Government bodies, such as the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture
The assessments, which can be documented in a narrative,
Authority (TCA), should be carried out to determine the potential Mobility
maps and plot photos, can be a combination of desktop studies
for archaeological features to be found on the plot. During the The design and development team must investigate surrounding
and field surveys and should cover the following elements
field survey, any notable features should be recorded. street patterns, access to existing and planned transportation
where applicable (see Figure 10).
Microclimate networks, nearby transit stops and parking availability to
Natural Systems inform plot planning and provision of functional sidewalks and
The local plot microclimate, including winds and shaded areas,
pathways, parking and bicycle storage.
should be evaluated to identify passive design features that can
Topography, Geology and Soil Conditions be incorporated into the design to improve thermal comfort. Utilities
Topography, geology and soil conditions are important for Abu Dhabi’s characteristic sun angles, daily temperature swings An early understanding of existing and planned utility networks,
understanding key viewpoints, how building foundations and relative humidity should be considered. including electricity, gas, potable water and wastewater, is
should be constructed, how different areas will accommodate required in order to inform utilities design for the mosque plot
landscaping and how the plot will drain both rainwater and Flora and Fauna, Priority Species, Habitats and
Ecosystems and ensure cost-effective connections to existing networks.
irrigation water.
Though most proposed plots in Abu Dhabi will contain limited Air Quality
Hydrology and Groundwater habitat, areas that contain priority habitats, such as mangroves, An observational survey of the mosque and its immediate
Groundwater is a precious environmental resource. sea grasses, etc, are particularly important to protect and surroundings must be conducted to determine air quality
Groundwater hydrological conditions and any groundwater preserve. conditions and local contaminants from the surrounding
abstraction currently taking place on the plot should be environment. The outdoor air quality investigation shall be
identified to determine the drainage strategy and susceptibility Attention should be paid to identify ‘Significant Assets’ and documented as required in Credit LBi-R1 Healthy Ventilation
of groundwater to pollution/contamination. ‘Valuable Assets’. Significant Assets in Abu Dhabi include Delivery.
intertidal mudflats, mangroves, vegetated sandy beaches,
Waste and Contamination
marine (seagrass, coral, etc.), wadis, sand sheets and low
Any contamination on the plot by petrol, refuse or other dunes, interdunal plains and high dunes, alluvial plains and
chemicals and materials that could be harmful to human health jebels, or any other sensitive habitats identified. Significant
Assets also include protected species determined to be
Related Credits: critically endangered, vulnerable, threatened, near threatened
NS-R1 Natural Systems Assessment. or sensitive.
LBo-R1 Plan 2030.
LBo-R2 Urban Systems Assessment.
LBo-3 Accessible Community Facilities. Valuable Assets are features of ecological value, including
LBo-2 Pearl Rated Communities.
LBi-R1 Healthy Ventilation Delivery. healthy native trees or shrubs.

Estidama Page 16
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Example – Natural and Urban Systems

Assessment
• Although sparsely vegetated, the proposed plot includes 2
notable ecological assets, depicted in photos (a spiny-
tailed lizard burrow and several ghaf trees). The existing
ghaf trees, as a native species, are valuable for both
habitat and landscaping.
• The plot is mostly flat with soil being found to be sandy Spiny-tailed lizard burrow. Ghaf trees.
up to a depth of 35cm with a more rocky substrate
underneath. In the north western portion of the plot area,
soil contains more sandy load, which is in part related to Dominant Wind
the presence of trees.
• As a previously unutilised location, no contamination has
been identified or suspected on this plot.
• Within a 350m walking distance, there are mostly
residential zones with 2 community facilities: a school 1
and a community centre.
• The area is only served by 1 bus route connecting the
neighbourhood to Abu Dhabi City. Parking is available Sun Path
running parallel to the E11 Highway.
• The main line utilities run along the major E11 Highway 2
with the authorities providing utilities access from the
neighbouring community.
Mosque Plot
• The existing streets throughout the community are
dual single lane streets which also include a pedestrian
Community facilities
corridor on both sides. walking distance (350m)
• The microclimate generally corresponds to Abu Dhabi
averages with some particularities as follows: Bus stop

- high midday sun with marginal overshadowing from Utilities corridors

adjacent developments to the south;
- exposed on north and south sides;
Existing ghaf trees
- warmer southern winds prevailing during the day;
- existing trees on the plot provide shaded zones; and
Community facilities:
- adjacent properties can break-up wind patterns and (1:school / 2:community
introduce turbulence. centre)

Figure 10: Natural and urban systems assessment plan.

Estidama Page 17
2.2 Natural Systems Protection If the Natural Systems Assessment clearly documents that
the plot has no significant or valuable natural assets, the plot
If part of the Natural Systems Design and Management Strategy
includes mitigation or compensation, at least 70% of Significant
After evaluating the natural assets of the plot, the design teams does not need protection or mitigation. A further Credit can Assets and 50% of Valuable Assets must be protected. If
must build around or responsibly relocate existing natural assets be achieved if the requirements of Credit PW-2.1: Exterior mitigation occurs on-site, new habitat areas must equal the
and offset any disruption caused by development. Water Use Reduction: Landscaping are followed and the project area of the lost assets. If on-site mitigation is impractical and
Where Significant and Valuable Assets are present, a Natural provides landscaping that consists of native species and uses off-site compensation must be pursued, the new habitat area
Systems Protection, Mitigation or Compensation Plan needs minimal water. must be twice the area of assets lost.
to be produced. This, along with supporting studies, must be All Significant Assets associated with a protected area, national
prepared by a suitably qualified ecological specialist. During the design of outdoor areas, project teams should lay
park, a coastal park, ecological hotspot, or a coastal conservation out buildings, streets and public spaces on-site to protect
The ecological features of the plot can either be protected zone, must be protected, and 80% of Valuable Assets protected. and celebrate the presence of on-site ecological features.
or disturbance can be mitigated. 3 strategies to do this are These features could form a theme for site-wide landscaping
identified in the PBRS. These are summarised in Table 2. strategies.

Table 2: Natural Systems Protection, Mitigation or Compensation Plan The Natural Systems Design and Management Strategy should
outline any activities that may cause damage to sensitive

Mitigate/compensate
land (% of land area)
Valuable assets to be
protected on-site (%
be protected on-site

affecting the coastal

Significant assets to

Maximum reclaimed

areas during the construction and operation phases of the

edge (% of coastal
of valuable assets)

Maximum impact

area replacement
development. It should identify measures that have been
(% of significant

lost habitat at an
designed into the scheme and those that will be implemented
Strategy Other Requirement/Comment during operation to protect these areas/species, for example;
limiting access to mangrove areas and providing boardwalks

ratio of:
assets)

edge)

for pedestrians to minimise damage to mangrove roots. The

Strategy should include measures such as:

Retain and protect from damage and

1. Protection 100% 80% 25% 20% N/A destruction sufficient to maintain the • design protection measures;
feature’s existing structure and function. • ensuring that work compounds, access tracks and so on
are not located in or adjacent to sensitive habitats;
Provide an ecological corridor between
2. On-site plot and mitigated area. • establishing temporary fencing around protected areas
Mitigation to restrict access;
70% 50% 25% 20% 2:1 Confirmation of the appointment of a
(UPC approval
required) management and maintenance contractor • undertaking any works near protected areas in a
(minimum 5 year contract). manner so as to safeguard their integrity; and
Compensation site in the Emirate of • undertaking works considering any critical seasons for
3. Off-site Abu Dhabi, a degraded area and located protected species.
Compensation outside Plan 2030 area.
70% 50% 25% 20% 2:1
(UPC approval Confirmation of the appointment of a
required) management and maintenance contractor
(minimum 5-year contract).

Estidama Page 18
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Some of these measures could be included in the Construction The Compensation Strategy Report should demonstrate options
Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) when prepared as part considered for off-site compensation and the selection criteria
of the requirements of Credit IDP-3: Construction Environmental for the proposed compensation site. The Report should include
Management. measures to ensure flora establishment as outlined in the
Mitigation Strategy Report and protection measures as outlined
As well as the Natural Systems Assessment Report, the in the Protection Strategy Report. Consideration should be given
Mitigation Strategy Report should identify the areas to be to the habitat lost on the proposed plot and the potential to
protected and measures adopted to ensure their protection, as provide enhanced habitat of a similar type to the habitat lost.
outlined in the Protection Strategy Report. It should identify the The author of this chapter of the Natural Systems Assessment
mitigation areas and justification for the appropriateness for Report should be a qualified ecologist who has experience
mitigation including: in habitat establishment for those particular habitats, e.g. a
mangrove specialist.
• area calculations;
• identification of appropriate plant nurseries;
• continuous monitoring of success or failure of young
plants; and
• management techniques to encourage establishment,
which should be adapted following any failures (if any).

Related Credits:
NS-R2: Natural Systems Protection.
IDP-3: Construction Environmental Management.
PW-2.1: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping.

Estidama Page 19
Estidama Page 20
 3.0
Design of Outdoor Spaces
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

3.0 Design of Outdoor Spaces

Following on from the natural and urban systems assessment Reduction: Landscaping, while providing sufficient planting to Hazardous materials in outdoor spaces, such as treated timber
and analysis work to determine the broader natural and urban meet design objectives. containing Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA), must be avoided
context of the mosque project (refer to Section 2.0), the design as per the requirements of Credit SM-R1: Hazardous Materials
and development team must address the following design Appropriate building massing, the integration of well-placed Elimination. Outdoor items, such as shading structures and
factors when planning the layout of outdoor spaces within the and well-chosen landscaping, both soft and hardscapes and outdoor furniture, must be evaluated where they are proposed.
mosque plot in order to develop an integrated approach to plot sufficient and appropriate shading elements, such as trees It is unlikely that playground furniture will be present, but if it is
planning and design: and/or structural shading, will contribute to improving outdoor intended, then this must also be considered.
• accessibility and connectivity; thermal comfort to address the minimum requirements of
Credits LBo-R3: Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy and LBo-1: Finally, a mosque plot-wide smoking ban must be introduced
• ecological enhancement;
Improved Outdoor Thermal Comfort. to meet the requirements of Credit LBi-R2: Smoking Control.
• outdoor thermal comfort; In particular, signage should be provided at key locations to
• water efficiency; Although the orientation of the mosque is fixed towards qibla, indicate that visitors are entering a non-smoking environment.
• energy efficiency; the placement of mosque buildings within the plot and in relation
to each other, coupled with a climate-responsive envelope
• waste management;
design, provide good opportunities for reducing energy demand
• hazardous materials; and in relation to Credit RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance.
• smoking control. Design and development teams should explore opportunities to
reduce internal heat gains while harnessing sufficient daylight
Careful consideration must be given when locating buildings in key spaces such as prayer halls.
within the plot, pathways and plot access points to optimise
accessibility and connectivity with the surrounding community While the amount of glazing should be limited to what is
amenities and facilities in accordance with Credit LBo-3: necessary, achievement of this is demonstrated by:
Accessible Community Facilities and Volume 1 - Planning (refer • careful placement of glazing within the building
to Section 3.3). The mosque should also be linked to adjacent envelope;
streets to facilitate pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular movements
• integration of shading, such as mashrabiya panels or
and provide adequate bicycle storage to meet the requirements
overhangs, to limit or eliminate direct solar radiation;
of Credit LBo-7: Bicycle Facilities.
and
The mosque plot landscape should be designed to respect and • use of envelope components (such as windows, walls
link to existing natural habitats, where present, and should have and roofs) that meet the maximum performance
a clear and coherent Natural Systems Design and Management criteria specified in Credit RE-R1: Minimum Energy
Related Credits:
Strategy as required by Credits NS-R2: Natural Systems Performance. NS-R2: Natural Systems Protection.
NS-R3: Natural Systems Design and Management Strategy.
Protection and NS-R3: Natural Systems Design and Management LBo-R3: Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy.
Strategy. The mosque must include appropriately sized external waste LBo-1: Improved Thermal Comfort.
storage spaces with appropriate and adequate access for waste LBo-3: Accessible Community Facilities.
LBo-7: Bicycle Facilities.
The extent, selection, location and irrigation strategy of the collection vehicles to meet the requirements of Credit SM-R3: LBi-R2: Smoking Control.
mosque’s plant palette should result in reduced irrigation Basic Operational Waste Management. PW-2.1: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping.
RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance.
demand as required by Credit PW-2.1: Exterior Water Use SM-R1 Hazardous Materials Elimination.
SM-R3: Basic Operational Waste Management.

Estidama Page 23
3.1 Plot Layout Harmonious Integration with Surroundings and 5. Consider potential adverse impacts of downwash, corner
Pedestrian Environments accelerations and local wind direction changes amongst
The layout of the mosque within the designated plot has many other effects.
implications later in the design process, especially with regards 1. Cool breezes can reduce heat build-up in external areas 6. Consider the need for mitigation of adverse wind conditions
to energy performance and outdoor thermal comfort. In addition as well as freshen the air in externally accessible areas.
to the guidance provided in Volume 2 - Design, the design team Hot winds cause unpleasant and uncomfortable conditions within the public realm. Potential mitigation strategies
should carefully consider the following: resulting in the build up of heat in external areas, which include, but are not limited to:

Optimise Natural Light but Minimise Solar Gains increases the heat load of the building and pedestrian • canopies;
thermal discomfort. • wind screens;
1. Utilise external shading devices to reduce solar gain, while 2. Consider position, form and orientation of nearby buildings • shelter belts; and
maintaining external views (e.g. provision of horizontal to understand wind movement and how the external
shading on south orientation and vertical shading on east • deployable structures.
environment is affected.
and west orientations).
2. Use shadows cast by surrounding buildings to provide
3. Use mosque form and position to best use cool breezes.
This will help to reduce the build-up of heat and/or
shade and reduce solar gain. stagnant air at pedestrian level.
3. Locate windows in shaded areas, recessed into the wall, or 4. Use the mosque form to shelter pedestrian areas from hot
facing north to provide light to indoor spaces. or high-speed winds. Consider the use of external mosque
4. Use roof-lights sparingly as these significantly increase features, as well as mosque form and massing, to minimise
solar heat gains. Consider using sunpipes or solar-tubes adverse impacts of the wind on the public realm. Features
instead. to be considered include, but are not limited to:
• shading devices, e.g. brise-soleil, mashrabiya panels,
etc;
• overhangs;
• breaks in façade continuity;
• podiums;
• openings; and
• permeable features.

Related Credits:
LBo-R3: Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy.
RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance.

Estidama Page 24
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

3.2 Outdoor Thermal Comfort High SRI values can be achieved through the use of light
reflective materials or finishes. Despite the importance of Shading Require-
Outdoor thermal comfort is especially important for a mosque Location Time of Shading
shading outdoor areas, careful consideration is required in ment
given the potential for worshipper overflow during Friday, the design of shading features so as not to detract from the Summer Solstice (June
Ramadan or Eid prayers, therefore provision of shading to aesthetics of the mosque and to avoid obstruction of major Riwaq 100%
21st) at 1.00pm
provide outdoor thermal comfort is required for specific outdoor walkways leading worshippers to and from the mosque. No PBRS requirement
areas of the mosque (see Figure 11). (but shading must be
Summer Solstice (June
The following requirements in Table 3 illustrate potential Sahan provided if overflow
21st) at 1.00pm
To achieve worshipper comfort, the shading percentage required strategies for acquiring the necessary shading percentages is expected within the
in Credit LBo-R3: Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy should be using optimised mosque layouts, natural elements or selective project).
achieved on the summer solstice (June 21st at 1.00pm) within construction elements. 85% (this should
the following mosque areas: include, at a minimum, a
Public
• overflow prayer areas; and link between a plot entry Summer Solstice (June
By complying with these requirements, the mosque is eligible Circulation
portal and the riwaq and 21st) at 1.00pm
• pedestrian walkways. for 1 Credit Point under Credit LBo-1: Improved Outdoor Areas
other high pedestrian
Thermal Comfort. A shading calculator, available from the traffic use areas).
Mosque building orientation can maximise opportunities for Estidama website or alternatively, propriety software, can be
used to demonstrate compliance with this Credit. Table 3: Required Shading Levels
solar heat gain avoidance during summer months and self-
shading throughout the year. The basic consideration for Note: All prayer areas, including overflow prayer areas shall provide
optimising self-shading opportunities includes the directional 100% shading. During high capacity events, temporary shading may
orientation of the supporting mosque building (excluding the be considered for these areas but these must fit in with the overall
architectural intent of the mosque.
predefined prayer hall orientation), which would facilitate
achieving the shading requirements of Credit LBo-R3: Outdoor
Thermal Comfort Strategy.

Additional shading can be provided by mature trees or by

structures such as canopies. If structural elements are used,
their outer surfaces must have a minimum Solar Reflectance
Index (SRI) of 29. The SRI is a measure of a surface’s ability
to reflect solar heat on a scale of 0 to 100. The higher the SRI
value is, the better the surface is at reflecting solar heat.

Figure 11: Illustration of a mosque with outdoor shading. Related Credits:

LBo-R3: Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy.
LBo-1: Improved Outdoor Thermal Comfort.

Estidama Page 25
3.3 Accessibility and Provision of A full list of eligible community facilities can be found within
Credit LBo-3: Accessible Community Facilities and are
Bicycle Facilities
All mosques should provide bicycle storage facilities so that
Community Facilities summarised as follows:
worshippers who wish to ride a bicycle to the mosque can
A mosque provides a location where the community comes • women’s centre or youth centre; do so. The provision of bicycle storage facilities will promote
together on a regular basis. Therefore, it is beneficial that a • kindergarten, daycare or school; alternative transport and a healthier lifestyle.
mosque be accessible and located in an area with safe and
• library;
easy access to other community facilities. This will allow The requirements of Credit LBo-7: Bicycle Facilities are
worshippers to combine daily prayers with day-to-day tasks • post office; summarised as follows:
and will promote the use of individual mosques. • police station; • provide solid bicycle parking stands that allow both
• healthcare facilities/pharmacy; bicycle wheel and frame to be securely locked;
Designing a mosque adjacent to community facilities (e.g.
• public open space that contains shaded playgrounds, • ensure each bicycle stand is at least 2 m x 0.75 m;
adjacent to a kindergarten or grocery store) is highly encouraged
public squares and family parks; and • ensure that an aisle of at least 1.5 m wide is provided
as it will provide worshippers with additional points of activity
and social interaction, helping to integrate the mosque within • retail comprising any of the following: alongside the bicycle parking to allow for manoeuvring;
the community. - bank and ATM; • provide shading for all bicycle parking stands; and
- grocery store or supermarket; • to avoid congestion, bicycle storage facilities should be
Locating mosques adjacent to existing or planned women’s
- restaurant and cafe; and located within the plot boundary at a suitable distance
centres will encourage female worshippers to attend daily
- general retail. from the mosque entrance, but still within a suitable
prayers in the designated prayer area at the mosque. Moreover,
walking distance from the mosque entrance.
incorporating crèches into the mosque design provides the
opportunity for families with dependent infants to attend daily The mosque will be eligible for 1 Credit Point under Credit LBo-3:
Accessible Community Facilities where it can be demonstrated The mosque designer should provide a minimum of 2 bicycle
prayers at the mosques within their community.
that 5 of the above listed community facilities are within a 350 parking stands per 10 parking spaces, but not less than
m safe walking distance from the mosque plot boundary. that required by Volume 1 - Planning (refer to Section 2.0),
The provision of community centres and recreation areas
highlighted below:
adjacent to the mosque will encourage local youth to attend
daily prayers at the mosque as they will be able to combine The developer will need to submit a site plan indicating a 350 • a minimum of 5 bicycle parking stands for mosques
daily prayer with recreational activities. metre radius around the mosque building and indicate on the designed to accommodate less than 500 worshippers;
plan where the community facilities are located within this or
radius. • a minimum of 10 bicycle parking stands for mosques
designed to accommodate 500 worshippers or more.

By complying with these requirements, the mosque is eligible

to achieve 1 Credit Point under Credit LBo-7: Bicycle Facilities.

Related Credits:
LBo-R2: Urban Systems Assessment.
LBo-3: Accessible Community Facilities.
LB0-4: Active Urban Environments.
LBo-7: Bicycle Facilities.

Estidama Page 26
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

3.4 Safe, Secure and Healthy Examples of Physical Security and Healthy Environment
Environments Community Access Credit LBi-R2 Smoking Control has the following requirements
Mosque users require movement not only along the street in the for mosque projects:
pedestrian realm but also in areas where pedestrian crossings • establish smoke-free environments in all internal and
Safety and Security are located. As pedestrians, mosque users are the most external areas within the mosque plot boundary;
Providing a safe and secure environment for worshippers to pray vulnerable of all street users. Special care and consideration • train security staff to enforce a non-smoking policy;
in is of high importance (refer to Volume 2 - Design). The key is needed to identify potential issues and to design facilities and
drivers behind safety and security for mosques are as follows: accordingly.
• provide signage which indicates that all internal and
• fire and life safety: Ensure that worshippers are external areas of the mosque are designated
protected in the unlikely case of a fire within the Care should be taken when considering how the mosque
smoke-free.
mosque. will be linked to the rest of the community. To provide a
high-quality pedestrian environment and ensure pedestrian
• crime protection: Ensure the risk and threat of crime
safety, pedestrian crossings shall be provided on all streets to
in and around a mosque is eliminated through smart
accommodate primary pedestrian desire lines and should meet
environmental design.
the spacing standards outlined in the Abu Dhabi Urban Street
• physical security: Ensure a safe, secure and accessible Design Manual (see Figure 12).
environment is provided to worshippers.
• community support: Ensure the mosque design allows it
to play a central role within the community. Building
Mosque

The objectives and design guidelines of safety and security for

mosques are detailed within Volume 2 - Design. The mosque
designer should utilise this guidance within the design of the
mosque.
Zebra
Crossing
By complying with these requirements and the requirements
of Credit LBi-10: Safe & Secure Environment, the mosque is Turn Turn
eligible to achieve 1 Credit Point. Lane Lane
Median

Crosswalk is off-set in median so

Stop Line

pedestrians will be oriented toward

oncoming traffic

Overhead mast arm

with lighted pedestrian
Building sign or signal Building

Figure 12: Safe access to the mosque. Related Credits:

LBi-R2: Smoking Control.
LBi-10: Safe & Secure Environment.

Estidama Page 27
3.5 External Waste and Waste Storage Sizing Waste Storage Location and Design
The sources of waste within a mosque will vary depending on The mosque designer should consult with the local Municipality
Recycling Storage the mosque size, the extent of landscaping, specific operations and the Abu Dhabi Center of Waste Management to identify
The mosque design and development team must develop an (e.g. paper towels provided in ablution areas/plastic cups the best location of the external waste storage area within or
Operational Waste Strategy as per the requirements of Credit provided at drinking points), the time of week or year (i.e. outside the mosque plot boundary. The discussion should also
SM-R3: Basic Operational Waste Management. The strategy regular prayer time vs. Ramadan, where Iftar meals may be address the following:
should address: offered), and the mosque’s relation to the community where • accessibility requirements for waste collection vehicles
• all sources of waste generated within the mosque plot it is located (i.e. whether the mosque waste recycling points (e.g. provision of a ramp);
and throughout its operation; will be used by worshippers to dispose of collected recyclable
• labelling requirements;
• the provision of adequately sized on-site storage; household waste). The design and development team must
identify all possible waste streams throughout the mosque • security (e.g. locked waste room);
• accessibility of storage areas by waste collection operation in order to provide adequate external waste and • lighting provisions; and
vehicles; and recyclables storage. Further guidance may be obtained from the • cleaning requirements (e.g. use of ceramic finishes and
• final handling in terms of recycling or disposal. Abu Dhabi Center of Waste Management. provision of water and wastewater points).
The strategy must result in the provision of an appropriately
sized external waste storage area and any relevant indoor
storage containers where waste can be segregated into the
following streams – at a minimum:
• recyclable plastics, glass and metals;
• recyclable paper and cardboard; and
• non-recyclable waste.

In addition, a special container must be provided for the

collection of Islamic documents which require a specific
handling procedure by Awqaf and the Abu Dhabi Center
of Waste Management.

Related Credits:
SM-R3: Basic Operational Waste Management.
SM-14: Improved Operational Waste Management.

Estidama Page 28
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

3.6 Natural Systems management Suitable Planting for District Jame’e Mosques
The landscaped area of a mosque should provide an area of both
high ecological value and high social value to the community,
and the worshippers of the mosque. Increasing the ecological Pennisetum Sesuvium
value of the landscaped areas can promote species diversity Atriplex glauca
villosum portulacastrum
and enhance the overall aesthetics of the outside areas. This
also increases the social value of the mosque and attracts
worshippers from the surrounding community.
Setcreasea
When designing the landscaped areas surrounding the mosque, Tecoma stans
purpurea
the mosque designer should consider using a variety of native
and adaptive drought tolerant plants, in accordance with
the UPC’s Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual and the Suitable Planting for Jame’e Mosques
requirements of Credit NS-3 Ecological Enhancement (see
Figure 13). The aim is to reduce water demand for irrigation
and enhance the ecologivcal value of the plot. Agave ‘Blue Bougainvillea
Aloe striata
Agave’ glabra
A Natural Systems Design and Management Strategy is also
required to be prepared by the mosque designer, to ensure the
long-term survival and prosperity of the landscape areas within
the mosque plot. The Strategy must include the management Bougainvillea Tradescantia
of any on or off-site protected, mitigated or compensated Crassula argentea
hybrids spathacea
natural asset areas and should promote soil protection and
enhancement, low maintenance requirements and low demand
for resources within the mosque plot. Moreover, the Strategy Suitable Planting for Masjid Mosques
should identify the seasons during which each management
activity will be carried out.
Leptadenia
Aerva javanica Atriplex glauca
pyrotechnica

Bougainvillea Bougainvillea
glabra hybrids

Figure 13: Recommended planting for mosques.

Estidama Page 29
Soil Protection and Enhancement Ecological Enhancement
Plant selection should suit existing soils on-site. Where soil The mosque design and development team should consider the
enhancement is required, this should be tailored to the existing use of a variety of native and adaptive plant species within the
soil type. Design and development teams should consider plot boundary. 2 Credit Points are available under Credit NS-3:
enhancing soils with water and nutrient retaining supplements. Ecological Enhancement when 70% of the plants used as part
Soils should be protected from erosion, pollution and increases of the landscape comprise native, drought and/or saline tolerant
in salinity. Paths should be provided to avoid pedestrian species and a minimum of 10 plant species.
compaction of soil. Irrigation should consider the topography of
the site and soil erosion.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Landscaping should be a combination of hard and soft
landscaping, and should minimise the application of fertilisers,
pesticides and herbicides. Landscaping should promote
low maintenance requirements.

Low Demand for Resources

Plant selection should reflect the microclimate conditions of the
area. Water efficient irrigation systems, such as monitored drip
irrigation, should be adopted to minimise water consumption
(refer to Section 12.0 and Attachment B in Volume 2 - Design).

Related Credits:
NS-R3: Natural Systems Design and Management Strategy.
NS-3: Ecological Enhancement.

Estidama Page 30
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

3.7 Landscaping and Irrigation Hardscape Material Selection Irrigation Rates

The landscaping and irrigation of the external mosque areas The mosque designer must implement the following design The average irrigation rate to be utilised for landscaped areas
will have a wide range of impacts on the sustainability of the measures when selecting hardscape materials for external must be a maximum of 2 l/m2/day. This irrigation rate is to be
mosque. These impacts range from irrigation water demand and landscape design: applied to the whole of the landscaped area. This means that
material selection through to plant selection and open space • meet the requirements of Volume 2 - Design; the ratio of hardscape to softscape areas will determine the
provision. It is important that the mosque designer understands amount of irrigation water available for softscape areas.
• materials selected must have high reflective/light
the landscape and irrigation requirements and should take into coloured surfaces to avoid heat absorption. All
consideration any information taken from the Natural Systems For example, should a landscaped area consist of 50% hardscape
hardscape materials must have a Solar Reflective Index
Design and Management Strategy. The mosque designer should and 50% softscape then applying an irrigation demand rate of 2
(SRI) of 29 or greater. The SRI can be obtained from the
also work in close communication with the Awqaf-appointed l/m2/day across the entire landscape will essentially allow 4 l/
material manufacturer;
maintenance contractor who will be undertaking the operation m2/day of irrigation demand to the softscaped areas (there is
• all hardscape materials must be interlocking or standard no need to irrigate hardscape areas).
and maintenance of the landscaped areas.
pavers to allow for easy replacement of hardscape; and
• all hardscape materials must consist of permeable By complying with the requirements of Credit PW-2.1: Exterior
systems or open pavers. Where appropriate, the Water Use Reduction: Landscaping and providing the Estidama
designer must consider subsurface conditions to ensure Assessor with the relevant calculations, the mosque is eligible
that it is capable of appropriate infiltration. to achieve 4 Credit Points.

Estidama Page 31
Irrigation Systems Irrigation Operation and Maintenance Recycled Condensate Water
All mosques within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi must incorporate The Awqaf-appointed maintenance contractor will be responsible In order to further minimise potable water use in the mosque
water efficient irrigation systems. This means implementing for the operation and maintenance of the irrigation systems irrigation system, the mosque designer must allow for the
strategies and technologies which will minimise the amount for all mosques. The mosque designer must communicate provision of an exterior water allowance from the condensate
of potable water lost through system losses (i.e. leakage) or the irrigation system requirements to the Awqaf-appointed recovery from Air Handling Units (AHUs) and Fan Coil Units
operational losses (i.e. wind spray). maintenance contractor and develop an appropriate Irrigation (FCU).
Operation and Maintenance Plan for inclusion in the Operations
The mosque designer can implement the following design and Maintenance Manuals (refer to Volume 3 - Operations). The mosque will be designed to allow for the capture, storage
measures into the mosque irrigation system: and reuse of condensate recovery water into the irrigation
• sub-surface drip irrigation system with appropriate The Irrigation Operation and Maintenance Plan must include, as system. The mosque developer will need to determine the
filtering to avoid clogging; a minimum, the following: amount of water obtained through condensate recovery. Where
• regular monitoring requirements of the water usage and the condensate recovery is equal to the irrigation requirements,
• moisture sensors to minimise excessive irrigation levels;
efficiency of the irrigation system, including locating the mosque will be eligible for 2 Credit Points under Credit PW-
• grouping all planting into irrigation zones with the 2.2: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Heat Rejection.
and fixing any leaks present;
required demand rate dependent on plant demand rates;
and/or • the procedure to shut system down when a failure or
Note that if the mosque does not use water for heat rejection
leak occurs in the system to prevent wastage of water;
• soil amendment techniques to promote healthy soils (i.e. it only uses FCU), then the mosque will, by default, achieve
and reduce evapotranspiration. • the philosophy for the collection, storage and reuse of 8 Credit Points under PW-2.2: Exterior Water Use Reduction:
condensate recovery water; Heat Rejection.
The mosque designer must submit a narrative explaining • the control philosophy for irrigation zoning, and the
the irrigation system design and include relevant schematic ability to shut individual irrigation zones down in the
diagrams and specification. event of a malfunction; and
• details on the irrigation system metering and sub-
By complying with the requirements of Credit PW-2.1: Exterior metering arrangements.
Water Use Reduction: Landscaping, the mosque is eligible to
achieve 1 Credit Point.

Related Credits:
PW-2.1: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping.
PW-2.2: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Heat Rejection.
SM-9: Regional Materials.
SM-10: Recycled Materials.

Estidama Page 32
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

3.8 Stormwater Management Quality Control Run-off

Despite the low frequency of rainfall in Abu Dhabi, when storm Stormwater that makes its way to the urban stormwater Types of Drainage Area
Coefficient
events occur they often result in flash floods, which results in drainage system and water bodies must be filtered for Total
traffic congestion and the pollution, and contamination of land, Suspended Solids (TSS), hydrocarbons and other pollutants. Business
urban stormwater drainage systems and receiving water bodies Credit PW-4: Stormwater Management promotes the use of Downtown business areas 0.70-0.95
in the Emirate. filters and interceptors that help meet specific removal targets Business and residential mixed areas 0.50-0.70
defined in the Credit.
Residential
Credit PW-4: Stormwater Management encourages mosque
Walled plots 0.20-0.40
design and development teams to develop stormwater
management solutions that address both stormwater quantity Single - family and villa areas 0.30-0.50
and quality control. Stormwater Calculations Multi - units, detached 0.40-0.60
Generally stormwater run-off will be estimated based Multi - units, attached 0.60-0.75
Quantity Control on the following formula: Apartments (residential building) 0.50-0.70
Q = 240 x C x I x A
When designing roofs and ground landscaping of the mosque, Industrial
the designer must consider ways in which to control stormwater Light areas 0.50-0.80
Where:
run-off and quantities. This is possible through the use of: Heavy areas 0.60-0.90
Q = The peak run-off rate (m3/day).
• pervious hardscaping products that promote infiltration 240 = conversion factor required to calculate Parks/cemeteries 0.10-0.25
such as open-grid paving; Q in m3/day. Playgrounds 0.20-0.40
• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) such as C = the run-off coefficient. Unimproved areas 0.10-0.30
ponds, vegetated swales and wetland; and I = the average rainfall intensity for the selected
frequency and for a duration equal to the time of
Grassed Areas
• structural stormwater management solutions such as
concentration (mm/hr). Sandy soil, flat, 2% 0.05-0.10
tanks, pipes and concrete channels.
A = the size of drainage area. Sandy soil, average,  2-7% 0.10-0.15
The mosque designer must demonstrate through calculations Sandy soil, steep, 7% 0.15-0.20
that the post-development stormwater run-off and quantities as The rainfall intensity must be calculated based on Heavy soil, flat, 2% 0.13-0.17
a result of the 2-year (24-hour) design storm, does not exceed Abu Dhabi Intensity Duration Flow (IDF) curves. The Heavy soil, average, 2-7% 0.18-0.25
the pre-development run-off and quantities. By complying coefficient of run-off is the percentage of water which
will run off the ground surface during a storm. The Heavy soil, steep, 7% 0.25-0.35
with these requirements, the mosque is eligible to achieve
1 Credit Point under Credit PW-4: Stormwater Management, remaining amount of precipitation is lost to infiltration, Pavements
when a combination of structural and non-structural control transpiration, evaporation and depression storage. The Asphalt 0.70-0.95
solutions are used. Further guidance on stormwater calculation values of run-off coefficients for developed areas used Concrete 0.80-0.95
is provided. by Abu Dhabi Municipality are presented in Table 4. Interlocking pavers 0.70-0.85
Roofs 0.75-0.95
Table 4: Run-off Coefficients for Developed Areas
Related Credits:
PW-4: Stormwater Management.

Estidama Page 33
3.9 External Building Materials Several important considerations must be addressed to
successfully implement the U-value requirements listed
Whilst the U-value deals primarily with conductive gains
through the window, radiative heat gains are also present
As the design of the mosque building and plot take shape, the in Attachment A. The following list is focused on walls to through the glass. To address the radiative heat gains, another
design team must consider appropriate materials for external demonstrate key concepts that the design team must address: parameter known as the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
structures and building façades. Aesthetic aspirations must be is used. The requirements that must be met for windows are
able to accommodate PBRS thermal performance requirements • windows and doors must be excluded from the
calculation of the overall wall U-value; listed in Attachment A.
in terms of construction practicalities.
• the wall U-value must be the area-weighted average
Several important considerations must be addressed to achieve
Project teams may elect to follow 1 of 2 options to demonstrate of all wall constructions and thermal bridges in the
the project’s U-value and SHGC targets. The following list
compliance: building (for example, a mosque built using insulated
demonstrates the key concepts that the design team must
• prescriptive route - details of the building material concrete blocks must also consider the structural areas,
address:
requirements that must be met are listed in Attachment such as columns and thermal bridges through mortar,
when calculating the overall wall U-value); • the U-value considers both the glass and frame
A (Prescriptive Method Requirements); or components of windows. To simplify window selection,
• performance route - requires an energy model to • internal walls (those with consistently identical
a U-value limit for glass has been prescribed which may
demonstrate compliance. conditions on either side) need not meet U-value
be used when the frame is thermally broken;
requirements;
• window ratios for mosques must also be limited, as
There are several additional requirements that must be • care must be taken to ensure continuity of insulation
detailed in Attachment A.
considered when specifying these materials (refer to Volume where walls meet roofs (e.g. insulation should be
2 - Design). suitably designed around parapets); • the designer should try to limit or eliminate direct solar
radiation where possible so that daylight is introduced
• insulation must be provided to soffits over external
through the brightness of the sky rather than the sun
Achieving the Wall, Roof and Floor U-Value colonnades/walkways where present;
(diffuse radiation). This can be achieved by the use
Requirements • depending on location and associated climate, the of solar shading projections and mashrabiya panels
With the extreme desert climates that exist in the region, need for suitable vapour barriers must be addressed to (especially to east and west façades which are the
significant importance is placed on the use of high performance eliminate the possibility of interstitial condensation in hardest to shade); and
building materials. The U-value is a common measure of the the summer months; and
• the use of after-market solar films on glass to achieve
‘thermal transmittance’ of a construction and in simple terms • the use of high reflective surface coatings to reflect SHGC requirements must be avoided. Instead, factory
represents a measure of the rate of heat transfer so that a lower solar heat away (requirements for SRI) coatings are applied tints or reflective or sputtered coatings must be
U-value represents increased thermal resistance. provided in Attachment A). used.

Achieving Window U-value and Solar Heat Achieving External Shading SRI Requirements
Gain Coefficient Requirements When providing external shading, the design team must consider
Window selection is important in relation to overall building the type of shading that best suits the mosque. Shade can be
energy usage because windows generally will not perform as created using trees, structural or temporary shades. Where the
well as wall constructions in terms of U-value, however they project is to use structural or temporary shades, the design
Related Credits: also introduce useful light into occupied spaces. team must ensure that the fabric has an outer surface (sky
LBo-R3: Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy. facing) SRI greater than 78 to reflect solar heat away.
LBo-1: Improved Outdoor Thermal Comfort.
RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance.

Estidama Page 34
 4.0
Design of Indoor Spaces
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

4.0 Design of Indoor Spaces

There are many factors to consider when planning the internal Thermal Zoning Acoustic Design
layout of a mosque. The primary consideration is functionality,
Thermal zoning is a key concept in assessing the thermal The acoustic design of a building is another important
as the mosque exists to serve the religious needs of the
response of the building. Credit LBi-5.1: Thermal Comfort & consideration. As such, the requirements for limiting noise
community and, therefore, must meet certain requirements
Controls: Thermal Zoning, requires an understanding of the pollution should be considered by the designer. Credit LBi-9:
(refer to Sections 2.0 and 3.0 in Volume 2 - Design).
relationship between the spatial organisation of the building Indoor Noise Pollution requires designers to demonstrate they
and exposure to environmental factors. Thermal zoning is a have considered internal ambient noise levels and they have
In order to develop a sustainable mosque, the design team must
method of designing and controlling the HVAC system so that taken into account external noise contributors within their
consider other critical factors such as ventilation, controls,
occupied areas can be maintained at a different temperature design.
thermal comfort, natural lighting and material emissions. This
to unoccupied areas using independent setback thermostats.
section focuses on ventilation strategies and thermal zoning.
Zones vary with orientation and with exposure to environmental
conditions.
Ventilation
The provision and quantity of clean ventilation air must be Buildings are usually divided into 2 major zones:
considered at the design stage in order to meet the requirements • Exterior Zone: The area inward from the outside wall (5
of Credit LBi-R1: Healthy Ventilation Delivery. The design team metres from the perimeter wall). The Exterior Zone is
must address: directly affected by outdoor conditions. Separate zones
• sources of pollution to be avoided (both within the and controls must be designed for a maximum of 40m2
mosque plot and beyond); of open plan space.
• exhaust air discharges, including those associated with • Interior Zone: The area contained by the External
ablution and toilet facilities; Zone. The Interior Zone is only slightly affected by
• ventilation rates to be achieved according to Estidama outdoor conditions and usually has a uniform cooling
requirements; load requirement. Separate zones and controls must be
designed for a maximum of 100m2 of open plan space.
• mosque usage patterns in relation to varying ventilation
and cooling according to demand;
Each thermal zone must have thermostats that control air speed
• effective thermal zoning to ensure adequate on-floor or temperature, at a minimum.
plant capacity and associated controls; and
• any proposed physical sub-partitioning within the
prayer halls to facilitate the flexible use of space.

The design team must produce appropriate documentation to

demonstrate how these considerations have been addressed and
embedded within the mosque design drawings, specifications
and associated documents.

Related Credits:
LBi-R1: Healthy Ventilation Delivery.
LBi-5.1: Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Zoning.
LBi-9: Indoor Noise Pollution.

Estidama Page 37
4.1 Ventilation Strategy Air Intake Minimum
The designer must present their strategy for the location of air
intakes. This strategy must include an air intake plan showing
The purpose of building ventilation systems is to provide Separation Distance all sources of pollution including:
fresh air inside the mosque and for the suitable removal of air (metres)
contaminants. To achieve this, the following design measures • waste storage areas;
must be addressed: • Air Handling Unit (AHU) exhausts;
Significantly contaminated exhaust 5
• location of air intakes in relation to sources of pollution; • toilet and kitchen air extractor units;
• location of exhaust air discharges; Noxious or dangerous exhaust 10 • car parking;
• ventilation rate requirements; • driveways and streets;
• varying demand for fresh air according to space usage Vents, chimneys, and flues from • roads and highways;
and daily occupancy variations; and combustion appliances and 5 • bus and taxi ranks;
equipment
• thermal zoning strategy. • cooling towers; and
• any other notable pollution sources.
Air Intakes Garage entry, automobile loading
5
area or drive-in queue
When considering the location of air intakes (including doors To fulfil the requirements of this strategy, the designer must
and operable windows), the designer must ensure that the visit the plot before commencing design of the ventilation
separation distances comply with the minimum thresholds set Truck loading area or dock, bus systems to document and photograph the location of pollution
7.5
out in Table 5 (more detail on these requirements is provided in parking/idling area sources arising immediately outside the mosque plot. Distances
ASHRAE 62.1:2007 Table 5.1). of pollutant sources to the plot boundary must also be included
Driveway, street, or parking area 1.5 in the air intake plan.

Thoroughfare with high traffic

7.5
Exhaust Air Discharges
volume When determining the position of exhaust air discharges, the
designer must consider the location of air intakes, operable
Roof, landscaped grade, or other windows and entrances of the mosque and neighbouring
0.3
surface directly below intake buildings.

Garbage storage/pick-up area or Exhaust air discharges must not be located within the defined
5 public realm, such as pedestrian pathways, in addition to the
dumpsters
riwaq and sahan.
Cooling tower intake or basin 5

Cooling tower exhaust 7.5

Related Credits: Table 5: Minimum Air Intake Separation Distances

LBi-R1: Healthy Ventilation Delivery.
LBi-5.1: Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Zoning.

Estidama Page 38
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Ventilation Rates Varying Fresh Air Demand Thermal Zoning

The mosque designer must design the mechanical ventilation Occupancy will vary substantially in prayer halls, multi-purpose The mosque designer must design the ventilation system in
system in accordance with the requirements of ASHRAE halls and Qur’anic class areas. The ventilation system must have conjunction with the thermal zoning strategy discussed in
62.1.2007: Table 6.1, relevant extracts of which are shown in the ability to accommodate varying occupancy. At a minimum, Section 4.2, which sets out the requirements of Credit LBi-
Table 6. unoccupied spaces, or parts of spaces, must be capable of 5.1: Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Zoning, and within
turning down the provision of fresh air via response from the Volume 2 - Design.
local thermostat controller.

Larger mosques, i.e. those serving more than 1,000

worshippers, should utilise CO2 sensors to determine the fresh
air demand and modulate the fresh air provision.

In all mosques, the ventilation system must be designed to

accommodate space subdivision through partitioning to ensure
turn down of fresh air to unoccupied spaces.

By complying with these requirements, the mosque is eligible

to achieve Credit LBi-R1: Healthy Ventilation Delivery.

Estidama Page 39
 Ventilation Rate l/s Indoor Design Conditions
Space/Room
No. Building Occupancy Rate Extract Rates (l/s)
Type People Outdoor Air Area Outdoor Air Temperature Relative Humidity
Rate (l/s/person) Rate (l/s/m2) (oC) (%)
First bedroom 2; each Not less than 2.5lps/
Bedroom 0.3 - 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
additional bedroom 1. person
Based on number of
Not less than 2.5lps/
Living areas bedrooms. First bedroom 2; 0.3 - 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
person
Imam’s/ each additional bedroom 1.
1 Mu’athen’s 25lps (for continuous
Residence Kitchen - N/A - operation)/12.5lps (for 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
intermittent operation)
12.5lps (continuous
Toilet - N/A - operation)/25lps (intermittent 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
operation)
Office 5 Occs./100 m2 2.5 0.3 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
All prayer
1 Occs./0.9 m2 2.5 0.3 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
halls
Lobby 10 Occs/100 m2 2.5 0.3 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
Library 10 Occs/100 m 2
2.5 0.6 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
Store - - 0.6 23 C +/- 1 C
o o
50% +/- 10%
2 Mosque 24lps/basin (for intermittent
Ablution - - - 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
operation)
35lps/WC or urinal (for
Toilet - - - 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
intermittent operation)
9lps/showerhead (for
continuous operation)/24lps
Shower - - - 23oC +/- 1oC 50% +/- 10%
showerhead (for intermittent
operation)
Table 6: Mechanical Ventilation System
Related Credits:
LBi-R1: Healthy Ventilation Delivery.
LBi-5.1: Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Zoning.

Estidama Page 40
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

4.2 Thermal Zoning Accommodating Partitioning Within the While not part of Credit LBi-5.1: Thermal Comfort & Controls:
Thermal Zoning, it is expected that the designer will also provide
Thermal zoning is the principle of sizing on-floor systems Mosque lighting systems with local controls that reflect the intended
according to the varying peak loads within the space (see Figure A mosque will typically cater for 5 daily prayers each day of the space use strategy.
14). A key outcome of thermal zoning is the ability to control year. Depending on the type of mosque, additional prayers may
HVAC systems so that occupied spaces can be maintained need to be catered for. The expected occupancy density may Space subdivision is best achieved through easily movable
at a different temperature to unoccupied spaces without vary from 100% for jame’e and Eid prayers, to approximately partitioning. Permanent partitioning can be considered as long
compromising occupant thermal comfort. Appropriate thermal 20% to 25% for Fajr prayers. as it can be demonstrated that it does not interfere with the
zoning of the interior spaces of the mosque is important to primary mosque functions. In either case, the partitioning
minimise the amount of energy used in space cooling. Where the use of space subdivision through partitioning is system must extend from the finished floor to the underside
utilised, the thermal zoning strategy must accommodate this of the ceiling.
Mosque spaces that must be considered include the male and physical sub-division of space by providing suitable thermostatic
female prayer areas, multi-purpose hall and Qur’anic class controls, sensors and supply terminals to enable energy savings Where the mosque demonstrates the requirements of Credit
areas, as all of these will experience widely varying occupancies to be made. The occupied space should be controlled to the LBi-5.1 Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Zoning have been
throughout the year and tend to be large enough to warrant design temperature with the unoccupied space allowed to drift met, it will be eligible for 1 Credit Point.
zoning. to an appropriate design set-back temperature.

When planning for the HVAC system that will serve these Consideration must be given to the need for provision of fresh
spaces, the designer should establish thermal zones, with each air to occupied spaces and how the HVAC system will be
zone having a dedicated indoor cooling unit and local thermostat designed to accommodate these variations.
controller.

The size of each thermal zone should be 35m2 to 40m2 for

perimeter spaces and 70m2 to 100m2 for internal areas.
Perimeter thermal zones along the same wall may be combined.
For larger mosques, a central Building Management System
(BMS) should be installed to link with all cooling units and
thermostat controllers.

Related Credits:
LBi-5.1: Thermal Comfort & Controls: Thermal Zoning.

Figure 14: Example of thermal zoning in a prayer hall.

Estidama Page 41
4.3 Acoustic Design
The mosque designer should demonstrate that internal ambient
noise levels are between 40-50 dB(A)Leq in the areas to be
occupied within the mosque. For the Imam’s residence, the
internal ambient noise levels should be less than 35dB(A)
Leq(8hour) and 45dB(A)Lmax, fast in bedrooms and less than
40dB(A)Leq in other areas.

From the early stages, the building can be designed to minimise

the internal ambient noise levels. This can be achieved by
considering several aspects such as:
• location of noise sensitive areas of the building with
respect to external noise sources, such as surrounding
streets;
• consideration of the air-gaps in construction and
provision of appropriate sealing measures;
• location of rooftop AHUs;
• provision of sound attenuators on air ducts carrying air
at high velocities;
• velocity of air in the ducts;
• noise generated by MEP equipment;
• design of internal drainage piping to reduce noise; and
• use of wall insulation for minimising ambient noise.

Only noise from building services and external noise sources

should be included in measurements and calculations. All
analyses must represent the noisiest areas of the building,
typically near façades on busy streets. All calculations,
measurements and acoustic reports must be signed off by a
qualified acoustics engineer.

Related Credits:
LBi-9: Indoor Noise Pollution.

Estidama Page 42
 5.0
Material Selection
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

5.0 Material Selection

The construction of a mosque uses many materials, such as The following items are the topics covered by the PBRS which Modular Materials
concrete, metal, wood, glass, plastics and paints. To generate should be addressed when designing any mosque. These
Waste associated with the replacement of flooring systems
these products, the raw materials must be extracted, topics begin to address the challenge of reducing our impact
should be minimised through the use of modular flooring
processed into usable form, manufactured into assembled on the world’s natural resources, the environmental impacts
systems.
products, packaged and transported before they are used in associated with our actions and providing spaces which do not
the construction of the mosque. Repairs, renovations and harm its residents and visitors.
modifications to the mosque puts additional pressure on the
Durable Materials
demand for raw materials. Regardless of which products are Hazardous Materials A Building Durability Plan (BDP) should be developed and
selected to construct a mosque, hazardous materials, such as implemented to optimise the integrity of the building envelope.
The mosque must eliminate the use of asbestos and Chromated
asbestos, must not be used due to the potential negative health The BDP should address condensation, water ingress, improper
Copper Arsenate (CCA) treated timber.
implications. drainage and the protection of vulnerable areas of the building
envelope.
During the useful life of the mosque, the permanent residents
Low Emission Materials
(Imam and Mu’athen) and worshippers will consume products Adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, flooring and Recycled Materials
and discard associated waste such as food, paper, cardboard, ceiling systems should be specified to reduce the quantity
Recycled steel and aggregate, as well as an alternative to
bottles and plastic bags. At the end of the useful life of the of odorous and harmful indoor air contaminants. All internal
Portland cement, should be used in order to reduce the amount
mosque, significant quantities of demolition waste must be construction materials and installed furniture should not exceed
of waste going to disposal.
disposed of. According to the Center of Waste Management formaldehyde content class E1 levels.
Abu Dhabi, almost 6,000,000 tonnes of waste are generated Regional Materials
in the Emirate every year but many more tonnes of scarce raw Construction Waste
materials are required to manufacture the products. Air-freighted materials should be avoided and building materials
A Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan
with a reduced transport impact, as well as those which
(CDWMP) must be in place in order to identify methods of waste
Most of Abu Dhabi’s waste is currently disposed of in dedicated promote regional economies, should be selected.
collection, transport and disposal. The CDWMP must identify the
areas called landfills and left to slowly decay. Unfortunately, materials to be diverted from landfill and indicate whether the
some waste is illegally dumped in unauthorised locations. Both materials will be segregated on-site or commingled. If materials
of these practices have many negative impacts: are planned for salvage, the CDWMP must indicate their planned
use.
• pollution of the local environment – groundwater and
soil contamination; Operational Waste
Related Credits:
• production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, by An Operational Waste Strategy (OWS) must be in place in order SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination.
waste decay; to identify methods of waste collection, transport and disposal. SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management.
SM-R3: Basic Operational Waste Management.
• injuries to local wildlife; Adequately sized and accessible facilities and clearly labelled SM-5: Modular Flooring Systems.
containers must be provided for the storage and collection of SM-6: Design for Durability.
• harbouring of disease by rats and flies; SM-9: Regional Materials.
source-segregated waste. SM-10: Recycled Materials.
• environmental noise; SM-12: Reused or Certified Timber.
LBi-2.1: Material Emissions: Adhesives & Sealants.
• odour; and LBi-2.2: Material Emissions: Paints & Coatings.
LBi-2.3: Material Emissions: Carpet & Hard Flooring.
• dust. LBi-2.4: Material Emissions: Ceiling Systems.
LBi-2.5: Material Emissions: Formaldehyde Reduction.

Estidama Page 45
5.1 Modular Flooring Systems
The use of modular flooring systems (carpets and tiles) reduces
the amount of waste associated with replacing large areas of
flooring that is damaged due to accident or general use. Modular
flooring systems provide a solution to this as only the section of
flooring that is damaged requires replacement, hence reducing
the amount of waste generated.

In order to provide comfort during prayer, and to assist with

the cleanliness of the mosque, the main areas in mosques are
covered in carpet. This provides an excellent opportunity to
implement a modular flooring system (carpet) (see Figure 15)
(refer to Section 3.4.1 in Volume 2 - Design).

The mosque designer must specify that a minimum of 95%

of all flooring systems in the mosque is laid with a modular
flooring system. In addition, the modular flooring system must
meet 1 of the following requirements of Credit SM-5: Modular
Flooring Systems:

• a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content;

• be fully or partly recyclable;
• be rapidly renewable; or
• be extracted, harvested or recovered and manufactured
locally as required by Credit SM-9: Regional Materials.

Where the mosque designer and/or contractor can demonstrate

the above requirements are met through the submission of
drawings, carpet or tile specifications, the mosque is eligible to
achieve 1 Credit Point under SM-5: Modular Flooring Systems.

Figure 15: Example of a modular flooring system in a mosque (carpet).

Related Credits:
SM-5: Modular Flooring Systems.

Estidama Page 46
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

5.2 Design for Durability • condensate capture: the mosque designer should 5.3 Regional Materials
specify that all AHUs and FCUs have appropriate
The intention when constructing a mosque is for the building The selection and procurement of regional materials for a
condensate capture capabilities. Build-up of condensate
to last as long as possible with minimum maintenance and mosque project reduces the energy and pollution associated
can lead to water leakage and cause damage to ceiling
replacement of building systems. Therefore it is very important with transport while supporting local and regional economies.
systems and flooring/carpets;
that the mosque designer and contractor take the necessary Regional materials are defined under Credit SM-9: Regional
steps to ensure that vulnerable building elements are not • crash protective system: bollards should be designed Materials as those extracted, harvested, processed and
exposed to damage. in order to prevent vehicular crash damage to structural manufactured within 500 km of the mosque plot.
and façade elements of the mosque; and
The type of damage that a mosque could endure ranges from • waterproofing of drains and ablution areas: the 2 Credit Points can be achieved under Credit SM-9: Regional
structural damage through to water damage, and must be mosque designer and/or contractor must detail the Materials when the design and development team can
protected through appropriate design, commissioning, building procedure for waterproofing all drainage and piping demonstrate that the cost of regional materials represents more
performance verification and sound construction techniques. within the mosque. This is to protect the building than 20% of the total materials cost on the project.
from leaks from the drainage and water pipes of the
In order to be eligible for 1 Credit Point under Credit SM-6: mosque. The water supply systems in the ablution toilet Material costs includes concrete, masonry, metals, wood,
Design for Durability, the mosque designer must submit a areas must be included as these are areas with a high plastics and composites, thermal and moisture protection,
narrative which describes the following measures, which must likelihood of water leakage. openings, finishes, earthwork and exterior improvements.
be undertaken/implemented during the design and construction Labour and equipment costs, lifts and escalators and MEP
of a mosque: equipment should be excluded from the calculations.

The project team must request the materials suppliers or

manufacturers to provide formal documentation describing the
origin of the material extraction and manufacture.

The PBRS Submission Templates include a Regional Materials

Calculation Template under SM-9: Regional Materials tab. This
template must be used in order to demonstrate compliance with
the threshold requirements of the Credit.

Regional Materials Calculation

Percentage Regional Materials =
(cost of the regional material / total cost of material) x 100

Related Credits:
SM-6: Design for Durability.

Estidama Page 47
Regional Materials Calculation Template Definitions
The details of each individual regional item procured for the • the ‘furthest point of origin’ is the longest distance to
project must be inserted into this calculation template (see the project site from (1) the point of extraction, harvest
Figure 16) (refer to Table 7): or recovery or (2) the point of manufacture;
• the distance travelled is calculated as (distance travelled
by road or rail) + 0.1 x (distance travelled by sea);
• calculations to include distance to site but do not
Cell 2 Cell 3 Cell 4 Cell 5 Cell 6 Cell 7 include returns;
• where materials or primary constituent elements are
Cell 1
quarried, extracted or harvested, the calculation begins
at this point and includes the distance travelled to the
manufacturing processing facility;
• for composite materials, a weighted average by weight
Figure 16: Extract from the Regional Materials Worksheet. (mass) must be applied to the distance; and
• where products are primarily comprised of recycled
materials (i.e. 90% by weight or more), the calculation
Table 7: Worksheet Process
begins at the point of manufacture.
Cell Requirement Insert the means of transport of the material to
Cell 6
the construction site, i.e. by road, rail or sea.
Insert the total cost of materials for the mosque
Cell 1 This cell will be outputted by the worksheet as
project (e.g. AED 1 million).
the amount that is in compliance with the Credit
Cell 2 Insert the product name (e.g. carpet). requirements. That is, if the mosque material
(e.g. carpet weaved in Fujairah at a distance
Insert the estimated product cost
Cell 3 Cell 7 of 207 km from the project plot) costing AED
(e.g. AED 38,657).
38,657 was confirmed to be sourced within a
Insert the location of origin for the material, i.e. distance of 500 km from the mosque plot, then
the furthest point to the project site from the the compliant material cost will also be
Cell 4 AED 38,657.
point of extraction, harvest or recovery, or the
point of manufacture (e.g. Fujairah).
Insert the distance travelled by the materials
to the construction site. This is calculated as
Cell 5
the ‘distance travelled by road or rail’ + (0.1 x
distance travelled by sea) (e.g. 207 km).

Related Credits:
SM-9: Regional Materials.

Estidama Page 48
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

5.4 Recycled Materials In order to demonstrate compliance with Credit SM-10: Recycled
Materials, the project team must calculate the percentage of
Table 8: Worksheet Process
Materials manufactured from recycled content require fewer recycled or reused structural steel used on the project that Cell Requirement
raw materials to be used as part of their manufacture and meets the criteria above. The following equation and calculation
indirectly contribute to the reduction of waste going to landfill. template must be used: Select from the drop-down list the building
Design and development teams are required to consider the use Cell 1 framing used in the project: steel framed or
of cement replacement, recycled steel, recycled aggregate or Recycled Steel Calculation concrete framed (e.g. steel framed).
any other recycled material for the mosque project as required Percentage of Recycled Steel = (weight of recycled or reused
by Credit SM-10: Recycled Materials. Insert the name of the manufacturer (e.g. Steel
structural steel / total weight of structural steel) x 100
Co.). At a later date, proof of engagement of the
Recycled Steel Recycled Steel Calculation Template Cell 2 selected manufacturer supplying the particular
The details of each individual recycled item procured for the recycled product will have to be provided to the
It is recommended that mosque projects procure and use Estidama Assessor for review.
project must be inserted into the calculation template (see
structural steel with post-consumer recycled content. By
Figure 17). Insert the estimated weight (in kg) of reinforced
meeting the below requirements which are set out within
Cell 3
Credit SM-10: Recycled Materials - Recycled Steel, a mosque is steel to be used on-site (e.g. 1,000 kg).
eligible for 1 Credit Point:
Insert the estimated weight (in kg) of recycled
Cell 4
steel (e.g. 250kg).
• for steel-framed mosque buildings, 50% of the steel by
weight must have a minimum of 25% post-consumer Cell 1 Cell 2 Cell 3 Cell 4 Cell 5 The output will show the percentage of recycled
recycled steel; or Cell 5
steel used in the mosque project.
• for concrete-framed mosque buildings using steel as
part of the concrete reinforcing, 80% of the steel by
weight must have a minimum of 90% post-consumer
recycled steel.

Steel with post-consumer recycled content refers to steel that

has completed the end of its life cycle after being used by
consumers (e.g. scrap metal) and has been diverted back to the
manufacturing process.

The project team must request the steel supplier or manufacturer Figure 17: Extract from Recycled Materials Worksheet.
to provide formal documentation describing the post-consumer
recycled content of the steel supplied for the project.

Related Credits:
SM-10: Recycled Materials.

Estidama Page 49
Recycled Aggregate Recycled Aggregate Calculation Template Table 9: Worksheet Process
Recycled aggregate is another material which may also be The details of each individual recycled aggregate procured for
Cell Requirement
procured and used on-site for the mosque project. the project must be inserted into the calculation template (see
Figure 18). Select from a drop-down list of 3 options setting
Recycled aggregate constitutes material (of different sizes out the use of the recycled aggregate to be used
and sources, usually concrete or asphalt) that is crushed and Cell 1 in the project: structural and non-structural
recycled rather than sent to landfill for disposal. applications, or base, sub-base, or backfill (e.g.
backfill).
By meeting the below requirements, which are set out within
Credit SM-10: Recycled Materials - Recycled Aggregate, 2 Insert the name of the manufacturer (e.g.
Credit Points can be achieved: Aggregate Co.). At a later date, proof of
engagement of the elected manufacturer
Cell 1 Cell 2 Cell 3 Cell 4 Cell 5 Cell 2
• all aggregate used during mosque construction as base, supplying the particular recycled product will
sub-base or backfill must be 100% recycled. have to be provided to the Estidama Assessor for
review.
The contractor should contact suppliers that can provide 100% Insert the estimated volume (in m3) of recycled
recycled aggregate or crush material on-site. Cell 3
aggregate to be used on-site (e.g. 18 m3).

Proofs or formal documentation describing recycled aggregate Insert the estimated volume (in m3) of recycled
Cell 4
supplied for the project must be obtained by the contractor aggregate sources (e.g. 18 m3).
to comply with the requirements of Credit SM-10: Recycled
Materials - Recycled Aggregate. The output will show the total amount of
Figure 18: Extract from Recycled Materials Worksheet. Cell 5 recycled aggregate procured and used in
In order to demonstrate compliance with the requirements construction.
of Credit SM-10: Recycled Materials - Recycled Aggregate,
the project team must calculate the percentage of recycled
aggregate used for the project that meets the criterion above.
The following equation and calculation template must be used:
Recycled Aggregate Calculation
Percentage of recycled aggregates = (weight of recycled
aggregates / total volume of aggregates) x 100

Related Credits:
SM-10: Recycled Materials.

Estidama Page 50
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Cement Replacement By demonstrating the concrete mixes procured for the project Concrete manufactures will be able to provide the percentage
contain embodied Green House Gas (GHG) emissions within composition breakdown of the concrete mix provided. The
As part of the concrete manufacturing process cement (usually
the limits outlined in Table 10 below, 2 Credit Points can be contractor must request proofs or formal documentation
Old Portland Cement (OPC)) is mixed with other materials
achieved under Credit SM-10: Recycled Materials - Cement describing the post-consumer recycled content of the material
(aggregates) and water to form concrete.
Replacement. supplied for the project.
The construction industry is beginning to demand concrete with
a lower percentage of OPC and a greater percentage of what is The contractor must demonstrate using the Estidama Concrete
known as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) which GHG Calculator that the concrete procured and used within the
usually consist of fly ash, furnace slag and other materials. This construction of the mosque meets the requirements listed in
is due to the environmental impact of processing OPC and the Table 10 to achieve 2 Credit Points.
fact that SCMs are diverted from landfills.

Table 10: Green House Gas (GHG) Limits

Strength Grade and Embodied GHG

Estidama
Row Type
Credits
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60

Row B1 Cast in place 162 192 218 240 259 277 292 307 1 Credit

Row B2 Cast in place 121 144 163 179 194 206 218 229 2 Credits

Row C1 Precast 176 209 236 260 281 300 317 332 1 Credit

Row C2 Precast 149 176 199 220 237 253 268 281 2 Credits

Row D1 Stressed 183 217 245 270 292 312 329 345 1 Credit

Row D2 Stressed 162 192 218 240 259 277 292 307 2 Credits

Related Credits:
SM-10: Recycled Materials.

Estidama Page 51
Cement Replacement Calculation Template Table 11: Worksheet Process
The details of each individual concrete mix procured for the Cell Requirement
project will be inserted into the Concrete GHG Calculator
calculation template (see Figure 19). Select from a drop-down list of 3 types of
cement to be procured and used for construction
Cell 1
within the project: cast in place, precast, stressed
(e.g. precast).

Insert the volume (in m3) of concrete to be

Cell 2
procured for the project (e.g. 600m3).

The worksheet will output the total proportion of

Cell 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 cement used on-site.

Insert the 28-day strength (N/m2) of the cement

Cell 4
product.

Insert the material content of the particular

cement product. This information will be provided
11
to the contractor by the cement manufacturer. At
Cell
a later date, proof of engagement of the elected
17 5-10
manufacturer supplying the particular cement
product will have to be provided to the Estidama
Assessor for review.
12 13 14 15 16 The worksheet outputs will show the average
Cell
embodied energy within the concrete mix and
11-17
applicable Credit Points.

Figure 19: Extract from Concrete GHG Calculator.

Estidama Page 52
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Other Recycled Materials Other Recycled Materials Calculation Template Table 12: Worksheet Process
By demonstrating that any combination of materials with the The details of each individual recycled item procured for the
Cell Requirement
following characteristics constitutes at least 10% of the total project will be inserted into this calculation template (see Figure
material cost, 1 Credit Point will be achieved under Credit SM- 20). Insert the estimated total material cost for the
Cell 1
10: Recycled Materials - Other Materials: mosque project (e.g. AED 1 million).

Insert the material type of the elected recycled

• a minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content; Cell 2
product (e.g. wool).
• a minimum 80% post-industrial content; and
• 50% agricultural waste by-product. Insert the material name and the name of the
manufacturer (e.g. Wool Co.). At a later date,
Proofs or formal documentation describing the recycled content Cell 3 proof of engagement of the elected manufacturer
of the material supplied for the project must be obtained by the and 4 supplying the particular recycled product will
contractor to comply with the requirements of Credit SM-10:
Cell 1 have to be provided to the Estidama Assessor for
Recycled Materials - Other Materials. In order to demonstrate review.
compliance, the project team must calculate the percentage of The estimated cost of recycled product
recycled materials used on the project that meets the criteria Cell 5
(e.g. AED 50,000).
above. The following equation and calculation template must
be used: The output will be the percentage of compliant
Cell 2 Cell 3 Cell 4 Cell 5 Cell 6 Cell 6
content within the particular recycled product.
Other Recycled Materials Calculation
Percentage of recycled material = (cost of recycled - content Figure 20: Extract from recycled material worksheet.
materials / total material cost) x 100

Related Credits:
SM-10: Recycled Materials.

Estidama Page 53
5.5 Reused or Certified Timber Reused or Certified Timber Calculation Table 13: Worksheet Process

Reused timber is that which has been reused for the same Percentage of Certified Timber = (cost of certified or reused Cell Requirement
purpose that it was previously used for (e.g. concrete form timber products / total material cost of all timber products) x
work) for mosque construction. Certified timber is timber that 100 Insert the estimated total cost of wood products
Cell 1
is certified under any one or any combination of the following for the mosque project (e.g. AED 300,000).
certification schemes (with Chain of Custody Certification Reused or Certified Timber Calculation Cell 2 Insert the product name (e.g. doors).
(CoC)): Template
Cell 3 Insert the supplier name (e.g. Wood Co.).
The details of each individual timber product procured for the
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); or project will be inserted into this reused or certified timber Insert the product’s intended use (e.g. front
• Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification calculation template (see Figure 21). Cell 4
doors of rooms in mosque).
scheme (PEFC); or
• the following national schemes endorsed by PEFC: the Insert the proposed certification scheme (i.e.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the Sustainable FSC, PEFC, CSA, SFI or MTCS) and/or that the
Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Malaysian Timber Cell 5 timber is reused. A drop-down list is provided,
Certification Scheme (MTCS). and the mosque designer will have to select 1 of
the selections provided (e.g. SFI).
The project design and development team should demonstrate The output will indicate the cost of the
that all timber is legally sourced and not on the CITES (Convention nominated certified wood product that is in
on International Trade in Endangered Species) list of endangered Cell 6
compliance with the Credit requirements
species. Cell 1 Cell 2 Cell 3 Cell 4 Cell 5
(e.g. AED 19,265).
The contractor should reuse timber where possible on-site.
The contractor should procure certified timber and composite
wood products for use on the project, including temporary Figure 21: Extract from Reused or Certified Timber Template.
construction timber. The cost of certified timber and composite
wood products should constitute 70% of all timber products
used in construction.

By demonstrating the above requirements, 2 Credit Points can

be achieved under Credit SM-12: Reused or Certified Timber.

Related Credits:
SM-12 Reused or Certified Timber.

Estidama Page 54
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

5.6 Hazardous Materials Adhesives and Sealants

During construction, the contractor should request a Material
It is important to ensure that selected materials used for In accordance with Credit LBi-2.1: Material Emissions:
Adhesives & Sealants, the mosque designer should demonstrate Data Sheet (MDS) for each of the materials procured. The
construction do not contain hazardous components excluded contractor should compile a list of all adhesives and sealants
by Credit SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination. The design that 100% of all adhesives and sealants used within the interior
spaces of the mosque do not exceed the prescribed Volatile used within the interior of the mosque, the targeted VOC limit
team should be aware of the Credit requirements while as described within this section, and the actual VOC limit for
designing all spaces. Organic Compounds (VOC) limits (see Figure 22).
the adhesive and/or sealants used within the interior of the
The mosque design and development team should specify that mosque. Where the mosque developer, designer and contractor
The prohibition of hazardous materials should also be written meet the requirements of Credit LBi-2.1: Material Emissions:
into the project specification documents during the design the contractor must meet the material emission requirements
within the contract tender documentation. Adhesives & Sealants, 1 Credit Point can be achieved.
stage and followed by the contractor during the construction
stage. The mosque designer must:
VOC Limit*, Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds in Grams per Litre
For adhesives, adhesive bonding primers, or any other primer not regulated by the
Architectural Applications Current VOC Limit above 2 tables and applied to the following substrates, the following limits shall
• specify that materials, including walls, insulation and Indoor Carpet Adhesives 50 apply:
Carpet Pad Adhesives 50
interior materials, will not contain asbestos and that all Outdoor Carpet Adhesives 150
Substrate Specific Applications Current VOC Limit
Wood Flooring Adhesive 100
asbestos containing materials have been removed from Rubber Floor Adhesives 60 Metal to Metal
Plastic Foams
30
50
Sub-floor Adhesives 50
refurbished buildings; and Ceramic Tile Adhesives 65 Porous Material (except wood)
Wood
50
30
VCT and Asphalt Tile Adhesives 50
Fibreglass 80
• specify that wood materials located in the mosque Dry Wall and Panel Adhesives 50

building and within human reach, such as shading Architectural Applications Current VOC Limit
If an adhesive is used to bond dissimilar substrates together the adhesive with the
highest VOC content shall be allowed.
structures, playgrounds and decking, will not be treated Cove Base Adhesives
Multipurpose Construction Adhesives
50
70
with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). Structural Glazing Adhesives
Single Ply Roof Membrane Adhesives
100
250 Sealants Current VOC Limit
Architectural 250
Marine Deck 760
Non-membrane Roof 300
The following sections focus on Credits that pertain to the Speciality Applications VOC Limits and Effective Dates **
Roadway 250
Current VOC Limit 1-1-05 7-1-05 1-1-07 Single-Ply Roof Membrane 450
materials utilised in the interior of the mosque project. PVC Welding 510 Other 420
CPVC Welding 490

5.7 Low Emissions ABS Welding

Plastic Cement Welding
400
350 250
325 Sealants Primers
Architectural
Current VOC Limit

250
Adhesive Primer for Plastic 650 550 Non Porous
The mosque design and development team should avoid the use Computer Diskette Manufacturing 350 Porous
775

of building products that contain Volatile Organic Compounds Contact Adhesive 80

Modified Bituminuos 500
(VOCs). These compounds react with sunlight and nitrogen Special Purpose Contact Adhesive
Tire Retread
250
100 Marine Deck 760
oxides in the atmosphere and form ground-level ozone which Adhesive Primer for Traffic Marking
150 Other 750
Tape
has a harmful effect on indoor air quality and occupant health. Structural Wood Member Adhesive 140
Sheet Applied Rubber Lining
850
Operations
Top and Trim Adhesive 540 250
* For low-solid adhesives or sealants, the VOC limit is expressed in grams per
litre of material as determined in paragraph (b) (32); for all other adhesives and
** The specified limits remain in effect unless revised limits are listed in subsequent sealants. VOC limits are expressed as grams of VOC per litre of adhesive or sealant
columns. less water and less exempt compounds as determined in paragraph (b) (31).

Related Credits:
Figure 22: Extracts illustrating the VOC limits. SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination.
LBi-2.1: Material Emissions: Adhesives & Sealants.

Estidama Page 55
Paints and Coatings the targeted VOC limit as described within this section, and the Emissions: Paints & Coatings, 1 Credit Point can be achieved.
In accordance with Credit LBi-2.2: Material Emissions: Paints & actual VOC limit for the paints and coatings used within the
Coatings, the mosque designer should demonstrate that 100% interior of the mosque.
of all paints and coatings used within the interior spaces of the
mosque do not exceed the prescribed VOC limits. A sample is Where the mosque developer, designer and contractor meet the
shown in Figure 23 and Table 14. requirements of Credit LBi-2.2: Material

Table 14: Maximum VOC Content Limit

The mosque developer should specify that the contractor must
meet the material emission requirements within the contract
tender documentation. During construction, the contractor Phase II (g/l(*))
Product Subcategory Type
should request an MDS for each of the materials procured. The (from 1.1.2010)
contractor must compile a list of all paints and coatings used WB 30
within the interior of the mosque, the targeted VOC limit as a Interior matt walls and ceilings (gloss<25@60°)
SB 30
described within this section, and the actual VOC limit for the
paints and coatings used within the interior of the mosque. WB 100
b Interior glossy walls and ceilings (gloss >25@60°)
SB 100
WB 130
c Interior trim and cladding paints for wood and metal
Date: Revision 1
LOW-EMITTING MATERIALS
Ref:
SB 300
Manufacturer's Name Product Name VOC data (g/L) Allowable VOC Limit (g/L)
WB 130
ADHESIVES & SEALANTS
d Interior trim varnishes and woodstrains, including opaque woodstains
SB 400
WB 130
e Interior minimal build woodstains
SB 700
WB 30
f Primers
PAINTS & COATINGS
SB 350
WB 30
g Building primers
SB 750
WB 140
h One-pack performance coatings
SB 500
WB 140
i Two-pack reactive performance coatings for specific end-use, such as floors
SB 500
WB 100
Figure 23: Illustration of the PBRS Material Tracking Sheet. j Multi-coloured coatings
SB 100
Related Credits: WB 200
SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination.
k Decorative effect coatings
LBi-2.2: Material Emissions: Paints & Coatings.
SB 200

Estidama Page 56
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Carpet and Hard Flooring Ceiling Systems Formaldehyde Reduction

In accordance with Credit LBi-2.3: Material Emissions: Carpet In accordance with Credit LBi-2.4: Material Emissions: In accordance with Credit LBi-2.5: Materials Emissions:
& Hard Flooring, the mosque designer should demonstrate that: Ceiling Systems, the mosque designer must demonstrate that Formaldehyde Reduction, the mosque designer should
suspended ceiling systems installed within a mosque comply demonstrate that 100% of all internal construction materials
• 100% of all carpets used within the interior spaces of with BS EN 13964: 2004 Section 4.5 and contain no asbestos, and all internal furniture do not exceed formaldehyde content
the mosque meet or exceed the Carpet and Rug Institute and where suspended ceiling systems contain formaldehyde, class E1 levels.
Green Label or Green Label Plus Program requirements, they must meet the requirements specified in Credit LBi-2.5:
or the Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification Material Emissions: Formaldehyde Reduction. The mosque developer should specify that the contractor must
Program for Carpets requirements; meet the material emission requirements within the contract
The mosque developer should specify that the contractor must tender documentation. During construction, the contractor
• 100% of all hard flooring systems and finishes have
meet the material emission requirements within the contract should request an MDS for each of the materials procured.
achieved a Floor Score Certification or completed the
tender documentation. During construction, the contractor The contractor must compile a list of all construction materials
Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification Program for
should request an MDS for each of the materials procured. The containing formaldehyde and provide the relevant certification
low emitting products; and
contractor must compile a list of all ceiling systems and provide demonstrating compliance with the above requirements.
• 100% of wood flooring products do not exceed class E1 the relevant certification demonstrating compliance with the
for formaldehyde content and do not exceed 5ppm for above requirements. Where the mosque developer, designer and contractor meet
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) content. the requirements of Credit LBi-2.5: Materials Emissions:
The contractor must provide technical data sheets showing Formaldehyde Reduction, 2 Credit Points can be achieved.
The mosque developer should specify that the contractor must compliance with the asbestos and formaldehyde restrictions as
meet the material emission requirements within the contract described above.
tender documentation. During construction, the contractor
should request an MDS for each of the materials procured. The Where the mosque developer, designer and contractor meet
contractor must compile a list of all carpets and hard flooring these requirements, 1 Credit Point can be achieved.
systems used within the interior of the mosque and provide the
relevant certification demonstrating compliance with the above
requirements.

Where the mosque developer, designer and contractor meet the

requirements of Credit LBi-2.3: Material Emissions: Carpets &
Hard Flooring, 1 Credit Point can be achieved.

Related Credits:
SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination.
LBi-2.3: Material Emissions: Carpet & Hard Flooring.
LBi-2.4: Material Emissions: Ceiling Systems.
LBi-2.5: Material Emissions: Formaldehyde Reduction.

Estidama Page 57
Table 15: Maximum VOC Content Limit

Table E.1 - Panel Product

Formaldehyde Class E1
Unfaced Unfaced Coated or overlaid

Particleboard, OSB, MDF, plywood, solid wood panels, fibre

Particleboard, OSB, MDF Plywood, solid wood panels
boards (wet process) cement bonded particleboard

Test method EN 717-1

Intial Type Testing *
Requirement Release ≤ 0.124 mg/m3 air

Test method EN 120 EN 717-2

Factory Production Control
Release ≤ 3.5 mg/(m2h) or ≤ 5mg/(m2h)
Requirement Content ≤ 8 mg/100g oven dry board Release ≤ 3.5 mg/m2h
within days of production

* For established products, initial type testing may also be done based on existing data from EN 120 or EN 717-2 testing, either from factory production control or from external inspection.

Estidama Page 58
 6.0
Design of Building Systems
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

6.0 Design of Building Systems

Through principles of passive design, the design team must Credit RE-R2: Energy Monitoring & Reporting, requires the Potable water demand should be minimised through:
arrive at the optimal mosque envelope and massing design installation of easily accessible and clearly labelled energy sub-
based on the plot context. The design of the mechanical and meters to measure, at a minimum, 90% of the estimated annual • minimising landscaping water demands through
ventilation, electrical and lighting systems and associated energy consumptions of each fuel type (electricity, gas, etc.) effective plant selection, irrigation strategies and the
controls will have a large impact on the energy consumption for all energy end use categories, in both the Imam’s residence use of recycled water;
of the mosque. As a result of the IDP, the indoor space of the (and Mu’athen’s residence if applicable) and the public areas
• use of recycled water for heat rejection; and
mosque must be healthy, comfortable and functional. of a mosque. Metering is also required for all on-site energy
generating systems and large plant items. • minimising evaporative loss through the use of recycled
For all building systems, the mosque designer should meet all water in exterior water features.
the requirements detailed within the following sections of the Through the careful selection and specification of common
Abu Dhabi International Energy Conservation Code: building appliances and light fixtures (internal and external), Legionella
the mosque designer can reduce the energy consumption of The management of Legionella bacteria is discussed in
• Section 503 – Building Mechanical Systems; the mosque. The designer can also minimise the impact on the Credit LBi-R3: Legionella Prevention. The PBRS requires the
environment through careful selection of refrigerants and fire development and implementation of a Legionella Management
• Section 505 – Electrical Power and Lighting Systems;
suppression systems within the plot boundary. All refrigerants Plan for all relevant water-based systems and must be set
and
and gaseous fire suppression systems must have an ozone out in accordance with Part 1 of ‘Legionnaire’s Disease - The
• Section 506 – Additional Efficiency Package Options. depletion potential of zero. Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems’, Approved Code
of Practice and Guidance (L8), 3rd Edition 2000, UK Health and
Energy Water Safety Executive.
The design of the building HVAC and lighting systems is driven Efficient water fixtures and metering are required as per Credits
by the requirements outlined in the Abu Dhabi International PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction and PW-R2:
Energy Conservation Code - Sections 503 and 505. Compliance Exterior Water Monitoring.
with Credit RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance must be
demonstrated by either following a prescriptive path or by The Estidama PBRS Manual provides maximum flow rates or
dynamic simulation modelling of the proposed design as per quantities for water fixtures, fittings and appliances. Credit
the ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G Performance Rating Method. The PW-R2: Exterior Water Monitoring requires the installation
performance path must demonstrate a 12% improvement when of easily accessible and clearly labelled sub-meters for the
compared with a baseline case. building’s external water use. These sub-meters should have a
pulsed output and be capable of remote monitoring.

Related Credits:
IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.
LBi-R1: Healthy Ventilation Delivery.
LBi-R3: Legionella Prevention.
PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction.
PW-R2: Exterior Water Monitoring.
RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance.
RE-R2: Energy Monitoring & Reporting.
RE-R3: Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants & Fire Suppression Systems.

Estidama Page 61
6.1 Energy Systems Lighting
Good lighting design can reduce energy usage internally and
Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation externally. Internal lighting energy is restricted on a basis
of power used per unit area. External lighting energy is also
Although the cooling requirements of a mosque will be reduced restricted in a similar way. Energy allowances are outlined in
by minimising heat gain through windows, walls and roofs and section 9 of ASHRAE Standard 90.1:2007.
by reducing infiltration, energy is still required to condition
internal spaces. Efficient system performance is therefore a
critical factor in achieving reductions in energy usage (refer to
Section 7.0 in Volume 2 - Design).
Demonstrating Minimum Energy Performance
Compliance
For most buildings, the performance of the air-conditioning The mosque designer must demonstrate that the mosque
system is based on: energy performance is in compliance with the requirements of
Credit RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance. There are 2 paths
• the efficiency of energy conversion from electricity to to demonstrate compliance:
cooling, which is typically provided by localised units,
central chillers or district cooling; • Prescriptive Path: The mosque designer is required to
• the effectiveness of the fans providing air to the spaces fully comply with the design requirements outlined
(both fresh and re-circulated air); in Volume 2 - Design. Additional requirements on the
• the selection of appropriate sensors and controls for envelope, HVAC systems and lighting to comply with
various system elements in different zones (refer to Credit RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance are listed
Section 4.0); in Attachment A of this appendix.
• the response of the system to variation in thermal loads • Performance Path: The mosque designer is required
and occupant requirements (refer to Section 4.0); and to develop an energy model of the proposed mosque
design using dynamic simulation modelling software.
• the inclusion of energy recovery and other efficiency A minimum 12% performance improvement must
measures. be achieved when compared to a baseline building
performance as per the building performance rating
method outlined in Appendix G of ASHRAE Standard
90.1:2007.

Related Credits:
LBi-R1: Healthy Ventilation Delivery.
RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance.

Estidama Page 62
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

6.2 Energy Metering Residential Areas (e.g. Worshipper Areas

Metering facilities should be provided to allow the energy
Mosque Energy Use Imam’s and Mu’athen’s Ablution Multi- Qur’anic
performance of the mosque to be recorded (refer to Volume 3 Prayer Hall
- Operations). This monitoring will provide an understanding of
Residences) Area Purpose Hall Classroom
the use of energy within the mosque as well as providing useful
information to allow the identification of design improvements Cooling
and unexpected consumption patterns. Credit RE-R2: Energy
Monitoring & Reporting has the following requirements: Dehumidification

Service water heating

• all meters provided are to be clearly labelled and easily
accessible; Motor control centres (fans)
• 90% of the estimated annual energy consumption
of each fuel type is to be monitored. For the Imam’s Motor control centres (pumps)
residence (and Mu’athen’s residence, if required) and
public areas, the equipment and systems described in Lighting
Table 16 should be sub-metered;
• separate meters should be provided for plant exceeding Receptacle and process loads
the loads shown in Table 17; and
Other major energy consuming
• all meters must have the capability to provide hourly, items (kitchens, server rooms,
daily, weekly, monthly and annual energy consumption lifts, etc.)
for each end-use and compare consumption for the
different time frames. Table 16: Sub-metering Strategy
• All residential areas (e.g. the Imam’s residence) should
be metered separately from the public areas, as well as Plant Description Load kW
any on-site energy generating systems.
Cooling installations comprising 1 or more units feeding a common distribution circuit 20

Motor control centres providing power to HVAC equipment 10

Final electrical distribution boards (power/lighting) 10

Table 17: Requirements for Separate Meters for Plant with Specific Loads

Guidance:
GIL 65: Metering Energy Use in New Non-Domestic Buildings. Related Credits:
CIBSE TM39 2009: Building Energy Metering. RE-R2: Energy Monitoring & Reporting.

Estidama Page 63
6.3 Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy Efficient Appliances
Depending on the mosque typology, there will potentially be
2 residential areas within a mosque, the Imam’s residence and
the Mu’athen’s residence.These residential areas are expected
to have similar electrical appliances to the average home in Abu
Dhabi.
All appliances specified within the Imam’s or Mu’athen’s
residences should meet the requirements and be accredited
through 1 of the following schemes:

• Energy Star (http://www.energystar.gov/);

• EU Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (a minimum A
rating); and
• Comparable rating scheme where the appliance meets
the equivalent rating of 1 of the above listed schemes.
Each of the following appliances must comply, where present
within the mosque:

• dishwasher; • refrigerators and freezers;

• ovens; • ice machines;
• steam cookers; • fryers/griddles;
• televisions; • washing machines/dryers;
• computers; • copiers and fax machines;
• digital duplicators; • enterprise servers; and
• external power adapters; • monitors.
• printers and scanners;
• water coolers/heaters

By meeting the requirements of Credit RE-3: Energy Efficient Figure 24: Examples of energy efficient appliances.
Appliances, 3 Credit Points can be achieved (see Figure 24).

Related Credits:
RE-3: Energy Efficient Appliances.

Estidama Page 64
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

6.4 Lighting Fixtures When designing and specifying high frequency electronic
ballasts, the design team should engage with local supply chain
External Lighting Fixtures
The design team must ensure that all external lighting meets
professionals and together assess against the following criteria1:
Internal Lighting Fixtures the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1:2007. The key
parameters are referenced in Attachment A along with a
Incandescent lamps produce light by heating an internal • Starting method (e.g. rapid-start, instant-start, description of the requirements for external lighting controls.
filament to approximately 2,500-3,000°C, the temperature at programmed start);
which visible light is emitted. As a result, incandescent lamps
• Ballast factor;
generate a lot of heat which places significant demand on a
building’s air conditioning system. Today, incandescent lamps • Power factor;
are being phased out internationally in favour of more energy • Total harmonic distortion;
efficient lamps. • Lamp-ballast compatibility;
• Inrush current; and
Fluorescent lamps have gained in popularity since the middle of
the 20th century and are now commonplace in most buildings. • Ballast reliability.
Ever since fluorescent lighting was first introduced, there have
been negative health complaints relating to headaches, eye The design team should not specify the use of incandescent
strain and general eye discomfort. These complaints have been lamps in any part of the mosque building. In addition, all
associated with the light flicker from these lights. permanently installed fluorescent lighting installations should
incorporate high frequency electronic ballasts. Projects will
When compared to regular fluorescent lights, the use of high be eligible for 1 Credit Point in Credit LBi-6: High Frequency
frequency electronic ballasts (20-60kHz) in fluorescent lights Lighting. In addition, the design team must ensure that lighting
resulted in a significant drop in these complaints. power densities and controls are provided that meet the
requirements in Attachment A.

Related Credits:
LBi-6: High Frequency Lighting.
RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance.
1
Guide to Specifying High-Frequency Electronic Ballasts, NLPIP, 1996, http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/nlpip/

Estidama Page 65
6.5 Refrigerants and Fire Credit RE-R3: Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants & Fire Suppression
Systems, requires that refrigerants and gaseous fire suppression
An example of a gaseous fire suppression agent is Novec 1230.
It is an environmentally-friendly Halon replacement and has an
Suppression Systems systems installed within the plot have a zero ODP. ODP equal to zero.
The ozone layer protects the earth’s surface from damaging
radiation. Many of the refrigerants currently used in air This requires avoiding refrigerants such as HCFC-22, which will To further minimise impacts on the environment, refrigerants
conditioning systems cause damage to the ozone layer. This not be banned within the UAE until 2015, but should not be with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 10 and
environmental impact can be reduced by the appropriate used due to its ODP properties. Refrigerants with an ODP of fire suppression systems with a GWP of less than 1 should be
selection of refrigerants and fire suppression systems with a zero are required, such as HFC-134a. considered. In addition, refrigeration systems should consider
zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). leak detection and pump down systems to minimise refrigerant
leakages to the atmosphere.
Table 18: Refrigerants and Fire Suppression

Chlorofluorocarbon ODP GWP Common Building Applications

CFC - 12 1.0 10,900 Refrigerators, chillers
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
HCFC - 22 0.055 1,810 Air conditioning, chillers
HCFC -123 0.02 77 CFC-11 replacement
Hydrofluorocarbons
HFC - 134a 0 1,430 CFC-12 or HCFC-22 replacement
HFC - 2227a 0 3,500 Fire suppression refrigerant
HFC - 245fa 0 1,030 Insulation agent, centrifugal chillers
HFC - 407c 0 1,700 HCFC - 22 replacement
HFC - 410a 0 1,900 Air conditioning
HFC - 417a 0 1,950 HCFC - 22 replacement
Natural Refrigerants
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 0 1.0
Ammonia (NH3) 0 0
Propane (C3H8) 0 3
Isobutene 0 3
Air 0 0
Water 0 0
Related Credits:
RE-R3: Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants & Fire Suppression Systems.
RE-7 Global Warming Impacts of Refrigerants and Fire Suppression Systems.

Estidama Page 66
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

6.6 Water Fixtures and Appliances Table 19: Required Water Demand Rates Condensation Recovery
Fixture or Fitting Maximum Flow Rate or Quantity Condensate water comes from cooling systems such as Air
Optimising Interior Water Consumption Handling Units (AHU) and Fan Coil Units (FCU). The water which
Bathroom taps, 6 litres/min at 413.7 kPa (reference comes from these systems can contribute to further water
The interior water consumption within the mosque is related private pressure) savings to achieve Credit Points in Credit PW-1: Improved
to the efficiency of the water fixtures and appliances that Interior Water Use Reduction. This condensate water can be
are selected. The most significant interior water consumption Bathroom taps, 1.9 litres/min at 413.7 kPa used for flushing toilets and urinals within the mosque building,
patterns are likely to be attributed to ablution and toilet use so public (reference pressure) or any form of irrigation. If used for irrigation, treatment may
selecting units that improve upon the minimum requirements of be required.
the PBRS will have the biggest impact. 9.5 litres/min at 551.6 kPa
Showerhead
(reference pressure)
To comply with Credit PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Condensate recycling will require all the condensate from the
Reduction, the project must demonstrate that the proposed Kitchen sink 6 litres/min at 413.7 kPa (reference internal FCUs and AHUs to be piped back to a central storage
mosque’s interior water consumption is less than or equal to faucet pressure) area and then redistributed to the intended end use.
the mosque’s baseline interior water consumption. The baseline
Bidets/bidet 6 litres/min at 413.7 kPa (reference
water consumption is set at the performance figures in Table
sprays pressure)
19. The Mosque Water Calculator must be used to demonstrate
compliance with Credit requirements and can be obtained from Urinals 0.5 litres/flushing cycle
www.estidama.org.
Toilets (dual flush) 6/4 litres/flushing cycle (full/low)
The following pages contain screenshots of the tabs within
the Mosque Water Calculator (see Figure 25). This will help the Dishwashers 1.3 litres/place setting
design designer enter information correctly.
Washing machines 8.5 litres/kg of dry load
Water Demand Rates
‘Trade-off’ between water fixtures and fittings is not permitted,
meaning that each fixture must at least equal the performance
requirements shown in Table 19. Interior water consumption
savings that lead to Credit Points for Credit PW-1: Improved
Interior Water Use Reduction can only be obtained by using
higher performance water fixtures and by installing infra-red
or metering controls to selected fixtures. The mosque designer
must consider appropriate fixtures that meet these requirements
and document compliance through the Mosque Water Calculator
specifications that clearly list performance requirements, and/
or product data sheets.
Related Credits:
PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction.
PW-1: Improved Interior Water Use Reduction.

Estidama Page 67
 Baseline Proposed

Fixtures and
Fittings Controls

Step 1: Insert mosque project details.

Summary of
Performance

Step 2: Fill in detailed information regarding the mosque building (e.g. floor Step 3: Fill in detailed information on water fixture uses in the mosque and
areas and exterior uses). compare them with the baseline.

Figure 25: Mosque Water Calculator.

Estidama Page 68
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Step 4: Fill in detailed information on mosque plot irrigation, heat

rejection and water features.

Step 5: Summary of the different elements of the water balance.

Figure 25 (Continued): Mosque Water Calculator.

Estidama Page 69
Step 6: Summary of compliance with required Credits and number of
Points awarded in optional Credits as well as summary of water demands
for the different uses.

Step 8: Graphical and schematic summary of the water balance.

Step 7: Numerical and graphical summary of water demand

for different uses.

Figure 25 (Continued): Mosque Water Calculator.

Estidama Page 70
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

6.7 Water Metering

Credit PW-R2: Exterior Water Monitoring requires easily
accessible and clearly labelled water meters to be provided
that are capable of monitoring all exterior water consumption.
Where present, the following must be separately sub-metered
where present (see Figure 26): PM SM Ablutions

• ablutions;
• Imam’s residence;
• Mu’athen’s residence; SM Imam’s/Mu’athen’s Residence
• irrigation systems;
• heat rejection; and
• water features.
SM Irrigation Systems
The meters are also required to have data logging capabilities
and be connected to a central monitoring system so that the
exterior water consumption may be recorded. This, and a better
understanding of both interior and exterior water use, will Heat Rejection (where present)
SM
help determine areas of high water consumption and identify
unexpected consumption patterns, which may allow leaks to be
identified quickly and pursue opportunities to save water (refer
to Volume 3 - Operations).
SM Water Feature (where present)
It is important to note that utility companies will only provide
the primary metering for plots. All sub-metering shall be
provided by the design and development team.
PM Primary Meter
SM Sub-meter

Figure 26: Water metering strategy.

Related Credits:
PW-R2: Exterior Water Monitoring.

Estidama Page 71
6.8 Design for Legionella Prevention Since many critical decisions need to be made at the design
stage, the design team must consider the following when
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia developing the mosque and its facilities:
which can affect anybody, but which principally affects
those who are susceptible because of age, illness, immune-
suppression or smoking. People can catch Legionnaires’ disease • ensure water cannot stagnate anywhere in the system,
by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air e.g. remove redundant pipework and run taps/showers
which contain the bacteria. Legionella bacteria are commonly in unoccupied rooms;
encountered in water systems, such as cooling tower systems • keep pipework as short and direct as possible;
and hot and cold water systems, and other items which use or • keep water cisterns covered, insulated, clean and free
store water. of debris;
• adequately insulate pipework and keep away from
The bacteria are dormant below 20°C and do not survive above hot ducting and other hot piping to prevent excessive
60°C. Certain conditions increase the risk from Legionella temperature rises in the cold water supply; typically not
bacteria: more than a 2°C increase should be allowed;
• hot water storage cylinders (calorifiers) should store
• a suitable temperature for growth, 20 to 45oC; water at 60°C or higher;
• a source of nutrients for the organism, e.g. sludge, • hot water should be distributed at 50°C or higher
scale, rust, algae and other organic matter; and/or (thermostatic mixer valves need to be fitted as close as
• a way of creating and spreading breathable droplets, possible to outlets where a scald risk is identified);
e.g. the aerosol created by a cooling tower or spray • the pipe branches to the individual hot taps should be
nozzle. of sufficient size to enable the water in each of the hot
taps to reach 50°C within one minute of turning on the
To reduce the possibility of creating conditions in which the tap;
risk from exposure to Legionella bacteria is increased, it is
important to control the risk. Hot and cold water systems should • cold water storage tanks should be sited in a cool place
be designed to aid safe operation by preventing or controlling and protected from extremes of temperature by thermal
conditions which permit the growth of Legionella bacteria and insulation. Cold water should be stored and distributed
allow easy cleaning and disinfection. below 20°C;
• ensure that calorifiers are fitted with shunt pumps to
prevent thermal stratification within the calorifiers;
• advise maintenance staff working on the system about
the risks and how to minimise them; and
• advise tenants about the risks and the control
measures/precautions they can take, such as flushing
through showers following a period of non-use.
Related Credits:
LBi-R3: Legionella Prevention.

Estidama Page 72
 7.0
Mosque Construction
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

7.0 Mosque Construction

After completion of design and award of the PBRS Design The procurement procedure must ensure that compliance is
Rating, the mosque design and development team must ensure achieved from specification, throughout tender and through
that all PBRS performance criteria targeted during design are to delivery and installation. In addition, the contractor is
adequately addressed and implemented during construction. responsible for minimising the negative impact of construction
Appropriate handover and integration between the design and operations throughout the duration of the project in relation to
construction team is required as per the requirements of Credit the following:
IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.
• Credit IDP-3: Construction Environmental Management;
During construction, it is essential that the design and
• Credit NS-R2: Natural System Protection; and
development team establishes a robust procurement procedure
to ensure that the materials and products used meet the • Credit SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management.
requirements of the recommended optional Credits (e.g. RE-R1
Minimum Energy Performance, PW-R1 Minimum Interior Water
Use Reduction, SM-9 Regional Materials and SM-10 Recycled
Materials).

Related Credits:
IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.
IDP-3: Construction Environment Management.
SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management.
SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination.
SM-5: Modular Flooring Systems.
SM-6: Design for Durability.
SM-9: Regional Materials.
SM-10: Recycled Materials.
SM-12 Reused or Certified Timber.
LBi-2.1: Material Emissions: Adhesives & Sealants.
LBi-2.2: Material Emissions: Paints & Coatings.
LBi-2.3: Material Emissions: Carpet & Hard Flooring.
LBi-2.4: Material Emissions: Ceiling Systems.
LBi-2.5: Material Emissions: Formaldehyde Reduction.

Estidama Page 75
7.1 Construction Environmental Developer Requirements
The Environmental Permit Application should be submitted to
Management the EAD by the mosque developer prior to construction works
Works undertaken by the mosque contractor during the commencing on site. After reviewing the EPA, the EAD will
building stage may adversely impact amenities, traffic or issue a response to the mosque developer, either issuing a
the environment of the surrounding area if site-specific and ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) or requesting the preparation
implementable procedures and mitigation measures are not put and implementation of an Environmental Study to issue the
in place to monitor and control these environmental impacts necessary permit.
throughout the construction phase.
To comply with the requirements of Credit IDP-3: Construction
The Federal Environment Law No. 24 of 1999 for the Protection Environmental Management, the mosque developer should
and Development of the Environment (Federal Law 24) include within the tender documentation the requirement that
stipulates the need to evaluate the environmental impacts of all contractors tendering for the mosque construction develop
all development projects undertaken in the UAE. In accordance and implement a CEMP that meets the Credit requirements.
with the Law, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD),
is responsible for determining the environmental permitting
Contractor Requirements
requirements for all new developments within the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi. Similarly, the mosque contractor should take into account the
requirement to prepare and implement a CEMP for the mosque
They are also responsible for evaluating Environmental Permit development prior to any construction works commencing on-
Applications (EPA) for all new construction projects prior site.
to commencing any construction works. Following this and
depending on the complexity, location and existence of sensitive In the case that the EAD issues a formal request to prepare a
receptors in the proximity of the proposed mosque, the EAD CEMP for the mosque development, the contractor should have
may require various studies to be prepared and submitted for a CEMP prepared by an EAD-approved and registered consultant
review and approval (more details on these can be found at: in accordance with the EAD’s Technical Guidance for CEMP and
http://www.ead.ae/en/portal/environmental.permitting.aspx) obtain EAD’s approval on the CEMP.
before issuing the contractor with the building permit.
In the case that the EAD does not require a CEMP to be prepared
Amongst the required studies, the EAD may require the for the mosque development, the contractor should still have a
mosque developer and contractor to prepare and implement CEMP prepared by an EAD-approved and registered consultant
a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) in in accordance with the EAD’s Technical Guidance for CEMP and
accordance with the EAD’s Technical Guidance for CEMP. submit this to the UPC for approval.

The PBRS also requires that the design and development team In both cases, if the above is fulfilled to the requirements of
assess the impact of construction and recommend that a CEMP Credit IDP-3: Construction Environmental Management, 1 Credit
is completed. Point can be achieved.
Related Credits:
IDP-3: Construction Environmental Management..

Estidama Page 76
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

7.2 Construction Waste Landfilled Construction & Demolition Waste Calculation in Tonnes
Management Landfill Material Description Landfill Haulier or Location
Quantity of Landfilled Waste
Before starting any demolition or construction, it is necessary
(Tonnes)
to develop a Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste General waste, March 2010 Al Dhafra Landfill 15
Management Plan (see Figure 27). This should incorporate: General waste, April 2011 Al Dhafra Landfill 31
General waste, May 2011 Al Dhafra Landfill 70
• estimates of waste generation. The Building Waste General waste, June 2012 Al Dhafra Landfill 65
Calculator (see figure 28) will help to estimate the type Pallets, April 2010 LANDFILLED C&D WASTE
Al DhafraCALCULATION
Landfill IN TONNES 10
and amount of waste expected for the project. This can Landfill material description
Pallets, May 2010 General waste March 2010
Landfill hauler or location
Al Dhafra Landfill
Quantity of landfilled waste
5
Al Dhafra Landfill 15
be downloaded from the Estidama website;
Pallets, June 2010 General waste April 2010 Al Al Dhafra Landfill
Dhafra Landfill 31 15
• a destination for each waste type leaving the plot. For General waste May 2010 Al Dhafra Landfill 70
example, specify that aggregates will be transported Diverted Construction
General waste& Demolition
June 2010 Waste Calculation in Tonnes
Al Dhafra Landfill 65

to the municipal C&D recycling facility, or that fit-out Pallets April 2010
Diversion/Recycling Haulier or
Al Dhafra Landfill 10
Quantity of Diverted/Recycled
Diverted/Recycled Pallets
Material Description
May 2010 Al Dhafra Landfill 5
leftovers will be disposed to landfill; Pallets June 2010 Location
Al Dhafra Landfill 15 Waste (Tonnes)
• identification of materials to be salvaged or recycled. At Concrete from demolition, March 2010DIVERTED C&D WASTE Municipal C&D plant
CALCULATION IN TONNES
150
least 30% of the estimated waste generation by weight Concrete from demolition, April 2010 Municipal C&D plant 200/
Quantity of diverted
Diverted/recycled material description Diversion/recycling hauler or location
has to be salvaged or recycled; and Metal, March 2010 Concrete from demolition March 2010 Local metal recycler
recycled waste
4
Municipal C&D plant 150
• a location for storing waste on site during construction. Metal, April 2010 Concrete from demolition April 2010 Local
Municipal metal recycler
C&D plant 200 3
This should be conveniently located near the area Metal, May 2010 Metal March 2010 Local metal recycler
Local metal recycler 4
1
where construction materials are delivered and has Metal April 2010 Local metal recycler 3
Metal, June 2010 Metal May 2010 Local
Local metal metal recycler
recycler 1 1
to be large enough to allow for separating, at least, Metal June 2010 Local metal recycler 1
aggregates and other waste streams. Salvaged Construction & Demolition Waste Calculation in Tonnes
SALVAGED C&D WASTE CALCULATION IN TONNES
Diversion/Recycling Haulier or Quantity of Diverted/Recycled
It is important for a contractor to ensure that the rates Diverted/Recycled Diverted/recycled
Material Description Quantity of diverted /
material description
Location recycled waste Waste (Tonnes)
Diversion/recycling hauler or location
of diverted waste are as high as possible early on in the
Spandrel panels fromSpandrel
façades,panels from façade June 2010
June 2010 Reused in new building
Reused in new building 15
15
construction process, where typically, larger volumes of waste
are generated. If this is not achieved, it may be difficult to Construction and Demolition Waste:
achieve the diversion rates required to be diverted to meet 585 tonnes

Credit SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management. Total waste generated: 585 tonnes
36.1%
Landfilled
Total waste landfilled: 211 tonnes (36.1%)
Salvaged/
Total waste diverted: 374 tonnes (63.9%) Recycled

63.9%

Figure 27: Schedule of items reclaimed/recycled.

Related Credits:
SM-R2: Basic Construction Waste Management.

Estidama Page 77
 Enter operational waste
management procedures.
Step 2 - Construction and Demolition Waste Estimation
Enter details of
existing building
Home Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Summary 1 Summary 2 Summary 3
Default capture rates can be
overridden if required.
Existing Building Details

(if applicable). Are there any existing building(s) in the plot? No

Existing building Override default demolition waste values? No

Attribute

Gross floor area

Unit

sqm
Value Demolition waste generated in m3 per 100 m2 of building:
Please write the source reference of this figure:
50.0
Enter construction and
Proposed Building Details
demolition waste management
procedures.
Proposed building
Attribute Unit Value Override default construction waste values for Hotel? Yes

Enter details of Building use

Total Gross Floor Area
n/a
sqm
Hotel
10,000
Construction waste generated for new Value in m3 per 100 m2 of building:
Please write the source reference of this figure: Data from previous projects
12.5

proposed building. Use In mixed use buildings, how many different uses will there be? 2

the ‘mixed-use’ option Building use 1

Gross Floor Area of building use 1
n/a
sqm
Office Override default construction waste values for Office?
Construction waste generated for new Office in m3 per 100 m2 of building:
No
18.4

for buildings with more

Please write the source reference of this figure:
Building use 2 n/a Residential Override default construction waste values for Residential? Yes Step 4 - Salvage/Reycling Capture Rates
Gross Floor Area of building use 2 sqm Construction waste generated for new Residential in m3 per 100 m2 of building: 25.0

than 1 use. Building use 3 n/a Retail

Please write the source reference of this figure:
Override default construction waste values for Retail? No Home Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Summary 1 Summary 2 Summary 3
Gross Floor Area of building use 3 sqm Construction waste generated for new Retail in m3 per 100 m2 of building: 17.9
Please write the source reference of this figure:
Construction and Demolition waste recycling and salvage rates
Building use 4 n/a School Override default construction waste values for School? No
Gross Floor Area of building use 4 sqm Construction waste generated for new School in m3 per 100 m2 of building: 17.6 NOTE:
Salvage and recycling of Construction and Demolition waste
Please write the source reference of this figure: Capture rates represent the expected salvage/recycling rates of the project for
Building use 5 n/a Hotel Override default construction waste values for Hotel? No Non-technical factors construction and demolition waste at the design stage or those achieved during
Will a construction and demolition waste management plan be written? (Required SM-R2) Yes the construction stage.
Gross Floor Area of building use 5 sqm Construction waste generated for new Hotel in m3 per 100 m2 of building: 19.9
They are not the final salvage/recycling rates that will be achieved in the
Please write the source reference of this figure: Will waste education be provided to construction contractors? Yes projects. These which are shown in the Summary 2 worksheet.
Will waste education be provided to demolition contractors? No Capture rates are always <100% because they represent are a combination of non-
technical factors such as education and management as well as technical factors,
Will waste be adequately segregated and temporarily stored on-site during construction? No e.g. only aggregates can be reprocessed.
Previous Home Next
Will waste be adequately segregated and temporarily stored on-site during demolition? No
Will there be a person responsible of C&D waste management? No Construction Demolition
Salvage rate - 0%
Technical factors Non-technical capture rate 45% 0%
What percentage of material from existing building will be reused in the new one? 0% Technical capture rate 90% 0%
List of items reused: Overal capture rate 41% 0%
Will construction waste be segregated in a recycling plant? Yes
Which plant(s)? Municipal C&D plant Al Dhafra

Will demolition waste be segregated in a recycling plant? No

Enter waste Step 3 - Operational Waste Estimation

Which plant(s)?

generation details
Override automatic values and enter Construction Demolition Please insert the source reference for these figures:
No
customised capture rates? 41% 0%
Home Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Summary 1 Summary 2 Summary 3

for the building use. Proposed Building Details Operational waste diversion from landfill rates

Default values can be Office

Attribute

Office Gross Floor Area

Unit

sqm
Value

0
Non-default waste composition and generation for Offices
Paper/Cardboard
59.0%
Metal
1.0%
Glass
2.0%
Plastic
9.0%
Organic
19.0%
Other non-haz.
10.0%
General
Will an operation waste management plan be written? (Required SM-R3) Yes
NOTE:
Capture rates represent the percentage of each waste stream expected to be
diverted from landfill, either by reusing it, recycling, composting, or treating it in

overridden if required.
Will adequate access be provided for refuse collection vehicles? (Required SM-R3) Yes a biological or thermal treatment plant not including incineration.
Office Net Floor Area sqm Quantity 80.0 kg/m2/year
Will landscape waste be collected? No The rates can be estimated during the desing stages or be based in actual data
Override default operational waste values for offices? No Please insert the source reference for the value used: gathered during construction. They are not the final diversion from landfill rates
Will landscape waste be treated on-site within 50m of other waste and recycling storage areas? No that will be achieved in the building which are shown in the Summary 3
worksheet.
Retail Non-default waste composition and generation for Retail
Capture rates are always <100% as they represent residents and tenant's attitudes
Attribute Unit Value Paper/Cardboard Metal Glass Plastic Organic Other non-haz. Non-residential towards recycling as well as the technical feasiliby of diverting each waste
Retail Gross Floor Area sqm 0 62.0% 1.5% 0.0% 28.0% 3.5% 5.0% stream from landfill through the alternatives mentioned.
Non-technical factors
Retail Net Floor Area sqm Quantity 40.0 kg/m2/year Will waste education be provided to staff, guests, students, etc., e.g. leaflets? No
Override default waste values? No Please insert the source reference for the value used:
Will non-residential non-organic waste be stored and collected as separate streams? (Required SM-R3) Yes
Will organic waste from all building uses be stored and collected separately? No NOTE: If organic waste is collected from some building uses but not from others
School Non-default waste composition and generation for School
Will there be a facilities manager responsible for waste in the building? No please enter customised capture rates below
Attribute Unit Value Paper/Cardboard Metal Glass Plastic Organic Other non-haz.

School Gross Floor Area sqm 0 55.0% 2.0% 4.0% 17.0% 18.0% 4.0% Non-organic Organic

Number of students students Quantity 70.0 kg/student/year Technical factors Non-technical capture rate 15% 0%
Override default waste values? No Please insert the source reference for the value used: Will non-organic recyclable waste be segregated manually on-site or mechanically in a recycling plant? No Technical capture rate 0% 0%
Will organic waste be composted, and if so will it be done on-site or off-site? No Overal capture rate 0% 0%
Residential Non-default waste composition and generation for Residential
Attribute Unit Value Paper/Cardboard Metal Glass Plastic Organic Other non-haz.
Residential
Residential Gross Floor Area sqm 0 15.0% 5.0% 5.0% 15.0% 50.0% 10.0%
Non-technical factors
Total number of residents person Quantity 532.9 kg/person/year
Will waste education be provided to residents, e.g. leaflets? No Non-organic Organic
Override default operational waste values for Residential? No Please insert the source reference for the value used:
Will non-organic residential waste be stored and collected as separate streams? (Required SM-R3) No Non-technical capture rate 0% 0%

Other types: Hotel Non-default waste composition and generation for Hotel
Will organic residential waste be stored and collected separately? No Technical capture rate 0% 0%
Attribute Unit Value Paper/Cardboard Metal Glass Plastic Organic Other non-haz. Will the distance to the nearest waste storage point be less than 30m for residents? (Required SM-R3) No Overal capture rate 0% 0%
Hotel Gross Floor Area sqm 10,000 37.2% 7.5% 0.9% 11.4% 35.3% 7.7%

Number of rooms rooms 150 Quantity 900.0 kg/room/year Technical factors

Override default waste values? No Please insert the source reference for the value used: Will non-organic recyclable waste be segregated manually on-site or mechanically in a recycling plant? No
Will organic waste be composted, and if so will it be done on-site or off-site? No
Previous Home Next

Override automatic values and enter customised capture rates…

Capture rates for offices

for offices? No Paper/Cardboard Metal Glass Plastic Organic Other non-haz. Please insert the source reference for the value used:
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Capture rates for retail

for retail? No Paper/Cardboard Metal Glass Plastic Organic Other non-haz. Please insert the source reference for the value used:

Figure 28: Building Waste Calculator.

0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Capture rates for school

for school? No Paper/Cardboard Metal Glass Plastic Organic Other non-haz. Please insert the source reference for the value used:
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Capture rates for residential

for residential? No Paper/Cardboard Metal Glass Plastic Organic Other non-haz. Please insert the source reference for the value used:
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Capture rates for hotel

for other-hotel? Yes Paper/Cardboard
75%
Metal
75%
Glass
75%
Plastic
50%
Organic
0%
Other non-haz.
25%
Please insert the source reference for the value used:
Benchmarks from other hotel of the same operator
Estidama Page 78
Previous Home Next
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Summary of
construction and
demolition as well Summary of compliance
as operational waste with required Credits in
estimates and diversion the Stewarding Materials
from landfill and Section of the PBRS.
incineration rates.

Summary of operational waste estimates

in numerical format.

Summary of construction
and demolition waste
estimates in numerical
format.

Summary of construction
and demolition waste
estimates in graphical
format.

Summary of operational waste

estimates in graphical format.
Figure 28 (Continued): Building Waste Calculator.

Estidama Page 79
7.3 Procurement During • Materials that come from sustainable sourcing, such as:
Step 1: Receive the project specification from the mosque
- SM-8: Material Reuse;
Construction - SM-9: Regional Materials;
designer and check that it includes performance criteria for
all material categories related to the targeted Credit Points
The construction materials chosen will require dedicated for the mosque.
- SM-10: Recycled Materials;
attention during the procurement process to ensure compliance
with the requirements of the targeted Credits including: - SM-11: Rapidly Renewable Materials; and
- SM-12: Reused or Certified Timber. Step 2: Prepare tender documents and include PBRS
requirements as part of the selection criteria. Highlight
• Materials required to meet certain performance that the contractor is responsible for procuring compliant
standards (e.g. SRI values of a reflective material, COP The mosque contractor should consider implementing the steps
outlined in Figure 29 during the procurement process to ensure products and documenting compliance.
of chillers, U-value of walls, etc.), such as:
suitable materials have been procured for constructing the
- RE-R1: Minimum Energy Performance;
mosque. Step 3: Consider PBRS requirements as part of tender
- PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction; selection and evaluate the impact of different options
- LBo-R3: Outdoor Thermal Comfort Strategy; on the overall project rating. Contractors should require
- LBo-1: Improved Outdoor Thermal Comfort; and product suppliers to fill out compliance questionnaires.
- RE-2: Cool Building Strategies.
• Materials whose elimination is essential to avoid Step 4: Require suppliers to provide product sheets and
harmful effects on worshipper and environmental applicable certificates as well as any other evidence
health, such as: required to illustrate compliance before proceeding with the
- LBi-2.1: Material Emissions: Adhesives & Sealants; product purchase.
- LBi-2.2: Material Emissions: Paints & Coatings;
- LBi-2.3: Material Emissions: Carpet & Hard Flooring; Step 5: Establish a staging area and verification procedure
to double-check compliance at product delivery. Keep a
- LBi-2.4: Material Emissions: Ceiling Systems; log of delivered products and associated delivery notes and
- LBi-2.5: Material Emissions: Formaldehyde Reduction; receipts.
- RE-R3: Ozone Impacts of Refrigerants & Fire
Suppression Systems; Step 6: Ensure performance integrity during storage.
- SM-R1: Hazardous Materials Elimination; and
- SM-1: Non-Polluting Materials. Step 7: Ensure effective installation according to
manufacturer’s requirements and document the installation
process using photographs (where relevant).

Figure 29: Procurement process.

Estidama Page 80
 8.0
Performance Verification
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

8.0 Performance Verification

The key to ensuring the sustainable performance of a mosque
is to verify that the building performs according to the design
criteria.

As per the requirements of Credit IDP-R3: Basic Commissioning,

an independent commissioning agent must verify that the
building performs as designed to protect occupant health and to
ensure on-going building efficiency. This agent must be engaged
from the beginning of design through to the completion of
construction and commissioning. The design and construction
documentation must be reviewed by the commissioning agent
prior to the start of construction works.

Information collected from the energy and water sub-meters,

required by Credits RE-R2: Energy Monitoring & Reporting and
PW-R2: Exterior Water Monitoring, must be used to inform the
Awqaf-appointed maintenance contractor of any performance
problems. As per the Integrated Development Process
implementation strategy, the Awqaf-appointed maintenance
contractor must take remedial action and ensure optimum
operations as per the design intent.

A noise field test should be conducted to ensure that acoustic

conditions are compliant with the requirements of Credit LBi-9:
Indoor Noise Pollution.

Related Credits:
IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.
IDP-R3: Basic Commissioning.
LBi-9: Indoor Noise Pollution.

Estidama Page 83
8.1 Commissioning • summary of areas/occupancy; 8.2 Acoustic Verification
Basic commissioning aims to ensure that the building performs • summary of main MEP plant;
as designed to protect occupant health, provide comfort • overview of controls/BEMs; The purpose of a mosque is to provide a quiet and comfortable
and ensure ongoing building efficiency. An independent • builder user information (requirement dependent on place for worshippers to pray without distractions from the
commissioning agent, reporting to the project owner, with at building typology); outside world. It is also imperative that the words from the
least 2 years commissioning experience, must be engaged as Imam can be heard clearly.
• metering, monitoring and targeting strategy;
part of the project design team from the beginning of design
through to the completion of construction and commissioning • building performance records; The contractor should submit testing results of noise monitoring
(see Figure 30). • summary of maintenance requirements; that demonstrate the following:
• major alterations;
The commissioning process must check, at a minimum, the • Internal ambient noise levels do not exceed 50 dB(A)
• results of in-use investigations; and
following systems: Leq within the public prayer areas; and
• appendices – all relevant certificates/tests.
• Internal ambient noise levels do not exceed 35 dB(A)
• heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration; Leq (8-hour) and 45 dB(A)Leq max in the bedrooms of
A commissioning plan should include the following:
• on-site energy generation (including co-generation); the Imam’s and Mu’athen’s residences and less than 40
• Building Management Systems; • commissioning programme overview; dB(A)Leq in all other areas of the residences.
• lighting and lighting controls; • list of systems and assemblies included in During testing, only noise from building services and external
• domestic hot and cold water systems; commissioning process and activities; noise sources should be included and the test should represent
• on-site water treatment systems; and • commissioning team and responsibilities; the noisiest area of the buildings. This testing process must be
• automated control features such as blinds. • management, communication and reporting of signed off by a qualified acoustics engineer.
commissioning process;
Within the mosque Operations and Maintenance Manuals, the • overview of commissioning process activities through
following sections would normally be expected: the design, including:
- design and construction document review;
• annual review and updates to the manuals;
- basis of design review;
• purpose and responsibilities;
- owner’s (donor/Awqaf) project requirements;
• links to other key documents;
- submittals documentation and process; and
• main contacts;
- functional performance test development and
• commissioning, handover and compliance; implementation.
• overall building design;

Related Credits:
IDP-R3: Basic Commissioning.
LBi-9: Indoor Noise Pollution.

Estidama Page 84
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Commissioning Responsibility Matrix

Construction Contractor
Completion
Documents Appointed

Detailed Construction
Construction Occupancy
Design Design

Appoint CX Agent
Developer review commissioning plan inc: Final commissioning report including:
• Owners’ project requirements; and • Owners’ project requirements;
Client

• Basis of design narrative • Project commissioning specifications;

– Review design and construction documentation and make • Verification of installation; and
recommendations to the design team; and • Operations Manual and Maintenance Manual.
– Review and approve the results of commissioned systems.

Review and approve submittals from relevant subcontractors

Design Team

during construction:
• Visually review the results of selected commissioned
systems; and
• Review final commissioning documents, including but not
limited to, the Operations and Maintenance Manuals and
staff training materials.
Contractor

Must employ an independent commissioning contractor to

commission the installed systems indicated on page 62 and
commence the development of a Building Log Book (BLB).

Figure 30: Commissioning responsibility matrix.

Estidama Page 85
Estidama Page 86
 9.0
Mosque Operation
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

9.0 Mosque Operation

This section addresses the operations and maintenance aspects
related to the mosque. Once the mosque has been built according
to the sustainability features established during design, it is
important to ensure that these sustainability measures are
maintained for the life of the mosque to ensure that the mosque
continually operates efficiently.

The operation and maintenance of the mosque is likely to be

undertaken by 2 parties: the Imam and the Awqaf-appointed
maintenance contractor. It is important throughout the design
process that a representative from the Awqaf-appointed
maintenance contractor is made aware of any major design
considerations that are likely to have specific operation and
maintenance requirements for the mosque (refer to Volume
3 - Operations).

The operation of the mosque must follow the principles of

Estidama in the following key areas:

• communication of sustainable design features and

operational requirements;
• management of natural systems according to the
Natural Systems Design and Management Strategy;
• waste management; and
• Legionella management.

There may be documents or processes which have been

produced or followed for Estidama submission. The following
section outlines these for the mosque operators.

Related Credits:
IDP-R1: Integrated Development Strategy.
IDP-6: Sustainability Communication.
NS-R3: Natural Systems Design & Management Strategy.
LBi-R2: Smoking Control.
SM-R3: Basic Operational Waste Management.
SM-14: Improved Operational Waste Management.
LBi-R3: Legionella Prevention.

Estidama Page 89
9.1 Sustainability Communication The digital feedback system should be located in prominent
areas with high visibility to all worshippers (e.g. the mosque
In order for the mosque to operate efficiently and perform to entrance) but must not distract or interfere with prayer (refer
the criteria set out in the design stage for mosque development, to Volume 2 - Design).
it is vital that the mosque occupants are made aware of the
effect they have on the performance of the mosque. Water The provision of a digital feedback system will communicate the
usage through ablution and waste generation are some of the performance of the mosque to worshippers and empower them
key areas that are impacted by worshipper behaviour. to change their behavioural attitudes when it comes to energy
and water saving. If a worshipper sees that their mosque is
Approach performing below a pre-established benchmark, they should be
It is expected that all mosques will provide a form of encouraged to positively alter their behaviour.
communication to worshippers regarding the building
performance. The developer should propose a medium which
allows the performance of the mosque to be communicated to
worshippers.

Digital Feedback System

To obtain Credit Points under Credit IDP-6: Sustainability
Communication, the mosque developer can, install a digital
feedback system with a dashboard display which communicates
the following to worshippers:

• mosque energy consumption: separating out the usage

against targets of the separately metered areas (e.g.
prayer halls, a/c, as required by Section 6.2 energy
metering); and
• mosque water consumption: separating out the usage
against targets of the separately metered areas (e.g.
ablutions, Imam’s/Mu’athen’s residences and irrigation).

Related Credits:
IDP-6: Sustainability Communication.

Estidama Page 90
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

9.2 Indoor Waste and Recycling Collection

The collection and transportation of waste from waste storage
Storage bins to the external recycling storage area must be undertaken
as follows:
Internal Waste Storage
Mosques have 2 separate ‘areas’ in relation to waste storage • Public Areas: The Awqaf-appointed maintenance
and the type of waste generated (see Figure 31). There are contractor will be responsible for the operation and
the public prayer areas, and the Imam’s/Mu’athen’s residences. maintenance of the mosque and therefore will be
responsible for the collection and transfer of all waste
• Public Areas: A suitable number of waste storage bins from the public areas of the mosque to the external
must be provided in appropriate locations (e.g. away recycling storage area. The mosque developer/designer
from prayer areas or near the mosque entrance) within must discuss the waste management for the mosque’s
the public areas. These waste storage bins must only public areas with the Awqaf-appointed maintenance
provide for the collection of light personal waste and contractor and develop an appropriate Operational
must be signed appropriately. Waste Strategy.
The mosque designer must provide an adequately • Imam’s/Mu’athen’s Residences: The collection and
sized and accessible external recycling storage area transfer of waste from the Imam’s/Mu’athen’s
with clearly labelled bins which allow for segregation residences to the external recycling storage area will
of waste. This area must be appropriately signed be the responsibility of the occupants (e.g. Imam/
as described within Section 3.5 External Waste and Mu’athen). They will be responsible for the segregation,
Recycling Storage. collection and transfer of waste into the appropriate
• Imam’s/Mu’athen’s Residences: In relation to the PRS labelled storage bins located in the external recycling
structure, the Imam’s and Mu’athen’s residences are storage area.
subject to the requirements of the Pearl Villa Rating
System (PVRS). The management of operational waste
in the Villa Guidelines is covered under Credit SM-R3:
Storage and Collection of Waste and Recyclables. The
provision of adequately sized cupboard space in the
kitchen area of the private residences is required for
a minimum of 3 litter bins, or 1 combi-litter bin, with
a minimum of 3 compartments, to facilitate source-
segregation.

Figure 31: Example of waste segregation at source.

Related Credits:
SM-R3: Basic Operational Waste Management.
SM-R3: Storage & Collection of Waste and Recyclables (1 Pearl Villa Rating System).

Estidama Page 91
9.3 Legionella Management Ablution and Toilet Fixtures
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia All ablution and toilet fixtures within the mosque must contain
which is caused by Legionella pneumophila, a waterborne a spray tap to optimise water consumption. Spray taps however
bacterium that grows in slow moving or still water. present a potentially high risk of harbouring Legionella bacteria.
The design team must specifically address these items in the
HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8: Legionnaires‘ Legionella Management Plan.
Disease - The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems
(see Figure 32) applies to plant and water systems which may Roles and Responsibilities
present a particular potential risk by releasing a spray or aerosol The design engineers should support the client in developing
during operation or maintenance. a Legionella Management Plan including the design intent and
Operations Manual.
Relevant water-based systems include, but are not limited to:
HSE ACoP L8 requires the appointed operations manager (in
• water systems incorporating a cooling tower or an this instance the Awqaf-appointed maintenance contractor)
evaporative condenser; to ensure that all responsibilities are clearly defined, formally
• hot and cold water systems; allocated and control procedures are carried out to prevent the
growth of Legionella bacteria through the implementation of
• other plant and systems containing water which is the Legionella Management Plan.
likely to exceed 20ºC and which may release a spray or
aerosol during operation or during maintenance;
• humidifiers;
• air washers;
• wet scrubbers;
• fountains and water features (indoor and outdoor);
• sprinkler and hose reel systems; and
• spray nozzles on water fixtures.

Figure 32: Control of Legionella bacteria.

Source: Appendix 1, HSC - Legionnaires’ Disease. The control of Legionella bacteria
Related Credits: in water systems. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance.
LBi-R3: Legionella Prevention.

Estidama Page 92
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Legionella Management Plan 4. Records need to be kept of the Plan and who is responsible
for managing it, these should also be kept with the results
At all stages of the mosque development, adequate measures
of the routine monitoring.
should be implemented to minimise the risk of contamination.
A Legionella Management Plan must be developed at the outset 5. Ensure that information from manufacturers, suppliers and
of the project and should address the following (see Figures 33 installers provides guidance and includes risks to users.
and 34):

1. Identify and assess the level of risk associated with water

systems in the design and operation of the mosque. If the
risks are insignificant, no further action needs be taken,
other than periodical reassessment in case of changes in
the system.
2. If a risk is identified, proper controls must be introduced
and documented within the Legionella Management Plan. Figure 33: Typical Legionella bacteria risk report.
Risks can be controlled by careful planning, management
policy, competent staff and adherence to proper control
strategies.
3. Prevent or control the risk of exposure to Legionella
bacteria. Consideration should be given to:
• Ensure that the release of water spray is properly
controlled;
• Keep the system and the water in it clean;
• Avoid conditions that favour the growth of Legionella
bacteria and other micro-organisms, water stagnation
and materials encouraging growth;
• Treat water to either kill Legionella bacteria (and other
micro-organisms), limit their ability to grow, or use a
biocidal treatment if applicable; and
• Continually monitor all water systems where sources of
Legionella could occur.
• Ensure easy access for inspection, draining, dismantling
and cleaning of all systems. Figure 34: HSC - Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems:
audit checklist.
Related Credits:
LBi-R3: Legionella Prevention.

Estidama Page 93
Estidama Page 94
 Attachment A:
Energy Prescriptive Method Parameters
Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations
Appendix 1 - Estidama

Attachment A: Energy Prescriptive Method Parameters

Internal Set Point Temperature Vertical Windows Option 1 Internal Lighting Controls
• Recommended: 23°C Component Requirement Limit • All multi-occupant spaces must have occupancy-based
lighting controls.
Internal Set Back Temperature Frame (with thermal
Maximum U-value 4.0 External Lighting Maximum Power Densities
• Recommended: 28°C break)
• Building façades: 2.2 W/m2 for each illuminated wall or
Internal Relative Humidity Maximum Centre
1.8 surface or 16.4 W/linear metre for each illuminated wall
Pane U-value
• Recommended: RH 50% +/- 10% or surface length.
Maximum Window (Glass and Frame) Area per Façade Maximum Solar Heat • Main entrances: 98 W/linear metre of door width.
Glass 0.40
Orientation Gain Coefficient
• Other doors: 66 W/linear metre of door width.
• The maximum area of all windows in the mosque’s Minimum Light • Building grounds.
0.55
façades shall not exceed 16%. A maximum window Transmission
1. Walkways less than 3 m wide: 3.3 W/linear metre
area of 30% is permitted on any individual façade when
traded off, so that the sum of all window areas does 2. Walkways 3 m wide or greater: 2.2 W/m2
Option 2
not exceed 16%. 3. Plaza areas: 2.2 W/m2
Component Maximum U-value U-value
Horizontal Windows - Skylights 4. Special feature areas: 2.2 W/m2
• Not permitted. Window (Glass and
Maximum Window 5. Stairways: 10.8 W/m2
Frame) averaged 2.2
Infiltration Air Changes per Hour U-value
over all windows 6. External parking: 1.6 W/m2
• 0.35 Air Changes per Hour (ACH) Maximum Solar Heat 7. Canopies and overhangs: Canopies (free standing and
Glass SHGC 0.40
Opaque Element U-Value   Gain Coefficient attached and overhangs) 13.5 W/m2

Glass Light Minimum Light External Lighting Controls

0.55
Maximum Average U-value Transmission Transmission • All external lighting, except safety and security lighting
Construction Type
(W/m2.K) must be controlled by photocell with time-based
Internal Lighting Maximum Power Densities controller overrides.
Roof 0.22
• Imam’s/Mu’athen’s residences: 8.6 W/m2 Fresh Air
Wall 0.32
• Office/library: 10.76 W/m2
• Refer to Table 6: Mechanical Ventilation System.
• Religious prayer space: 10.0 W/m2
• Toilets/ablution areas: 9.0 W/m2

Estidama Page 97
Energy Efficiency – HVAC Equipment and Heat Recovery
Systems Individual fan systems that meet the following criteria shall
have an energy recovery system with at least 50% efficiency:
Plant Efficiency – COP
The air conditioning plant shall have a minimum COP of 3.4. • Supply air rate above 2400 l/s; and

System Fan Power • Fresh air rate of at least 70% of the total supply air.

Central mechanical ventilation, including

1.8 W/l/s Demand Control Ventilation
heating and cooling
Required in all multi-occupant spaces including prayer halls,
Zonal supply system where fan is Qur’anic classes, multi-purpose halls and crèches.
remote from zone, i.e. ceiling or roof 1.2 W/l/s
mounted
Solar Hot Water
Zonal extract system where fan is Solar hot water system sized to provide hot water-based upon
0.6 W/l/s
remote from zone the following consumption rates:
Zonal supply and extract ventilation
units such as ceiling void or roof units • Worshippers: 3 l/person/day (recommended); and
2.0 W/l/s
serving single room/zone with heat • Residences: 50 l/person/day.
recovery

Local supply and extract ventilation HVAC systems controls

units such as wall/roof units serving 1.8 W/l/s The systems shall be capable of controlling each thermal zone
single room/zone with heat recovery independently.
Local supply and extract ventilation
units such as window/wall/roof units
0.4 W/l/s
serving single area (e.g. toilet extractor
unit)

Other local ventilation units 0.6 W/l/s

Fan coil units (weighted average) 0.6 W/l/s

Estidama Page 98
Acknowledgements
Mosque Development Committee
H.E. Falah Mohamed Al Ahbabi – Chairman of the Committee
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
H.E. Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouei – Member
General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments
H.E. Hamad Al Shamsi – Member
Ministry of Interior
H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Shareef – Member
Department of Municipal Affairs
H.E. Khamis Sultan Al Soweidi – Member
General Secretariat of Executive Council

Project Management Team

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council

Government Agencies
General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments (Awqaf)
Department of Municipal Affairs
Municipality of Abu Dhabi City
Al Ain Municipality
Western Region Municipality
Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada)
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research
National Centre for Documentation and Research

Other Contributors
The Mosque Development Committee would like to thank all other
organisations, universities and individuals who have participated in
the development of the Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations.