ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 269

(15.81%) to water efficiency. In spite of the fact that this percentage indicates the importance of
energy resources in this code , the discrepancy in majority with respect to category between this
code and ‘SABA’ should be investigated in deep, as ‘SABA ‘tool gives the majority to water category and assigns (27.7%) and (23%) for water and energy efficiency respectively (Fig.3 and Fig.4).
The Jordan Green Building Guide is distinct from the rest of the codes that divides the sustainable
and green requirements into three types; oblige, mandatory and optional requirements, the obligate requirements is to insure the minimum achievement of sustainable design.
Although LEED is the most followed and used system all over the world and it is the base that
the local systems depends on, it is not totally suited our region properties and requirements, and
it could not be the perfect standard that comply with local content in terms of some indicators,
credits, details and categories weight.
The two other local systems; Pearl Rating System (PRS) and the (Green Building Regulations and
Specifications) of Dubai Municipality, are more proper systems than LEED to be followed for sustainable performance in buildings and constructions sector in the UAE as it is in line with our
region characteristics.
Pearl rating system promoting the sustainability in two directions; firstly it’s the most balanced
system in terms of indicators, categories and weight of each category with respect to the region
content. On the other direction, it ensures sustainability through the mandatory of implementing
the minimum sustainable requirements on all buildings in the city by providing the (One Pearl
Building Consultant Guide) to be followed by designers and consultants as a reference guide
towards sustainable design and practices.
Pearl Rating System is the only system that added ‘Culture’ as a fourth pole of sustainability and
dedicated points complying with specific requirements within this matter. Further to certifying
all new buildings with Green Building Certificate, which is important if there is a tendency in any
city to be one of the World Sustainable Capitals -WSC, and seeking a positive impact on market
and economy.
Although no official or international document awarded for green and sustainable buildings, Dubai has a strict and detailed specifications and regulations guide with the respect of sustainable
developments.
The detailed practice guide of Dubai Municipality could be a good example in aspects of some
categories like; (Ecology and Planning) with regards to the (Enabled) access and services as it provides the (Responsibility Matrix) for each compliance and an Environmental Building Assessment
(EBA)which is mandatory for design approval and building permit submission.
This research had some limitations; one of which is the number of investigated systems, as only
three systems in the Middle East region were examined. Increasing the number of the explored
systems or including