Credit Section

PW: Precious Water

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 115 of 223
B ecause of Abu Dhabi’s limited annual rainfall, hot climate, and the significant energy embodied in
potable water due to desalinization, water conservation is a priority for Estidama. As discussed in the
April 2006 UAE Initial National Communication to the United Nations on climate change, it is a
distinct possibility that the UAE will become even drier due to the effects of global warming. Coupled with
projected population increases, the importance of accelerating water conservation and reuse efforts is
clear.

“One of the most important challenges for the Emirate is to balance water
supply and demand as efficiently as possible given that the per capita
consumption of fresh water is among the highest in the world and new
water supplies are expensive”
— Abu Dhabi Water Resources Master Plan, EAD 2009

The Precious Water section of the Pearl Building Rating System: Design and Construction includes the
Building Water Calculator that should be used throughout the entire design process. This calculator will
help the development team to assess inputs and flows of water to and from the project with a holistic
perspective, and assist in identifying how and where reductions in the use of potable water may be made.

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 116 of 223
 CREDITS COVERED IN THIS SECTION

PW Precious Water

Residential
General

School
Office

Retail

Multi-
Credit
Code Credit Title

PW-R1 Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction R R R R R

PW-R2 Exterior Water Monitoring R R R R R
PW-1 Improved Interior Water Use Reduction 15 15 15 15 15
PW-2.1 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping 8 8 8 8 10
PW-2.2 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Heat Rejection 8 8 8 8 8
PW-2.3 Exterior Water Use Reduction: Water Features 4 4 4 4 4
PW-3 Water Monitoring & Leak Detection 4 4 4 4 4
PW-4 Stormwater Management 4 4 4 4 4
TOTAL 43 43 43 43 45

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 117 of 223
PW-R1: Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction
Intent To develop and implement a comprehensive water strategy during the early stages of
design as a tool to minimize the project’s interior potable water consumption.

Credit GENERAL
Requirements Demonstrate that the project’s predicted interior potable water consumption will be no
greater than the baseline building water consumption using efficiency measures only.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT/CLARIFICATIONS
None

Requirement This is a requirement. There are no Credit Points awarded.

Achievement

Credit  Building Water Calculator confirming that the building’s predicted interior potable
Submission: water consumption will be no greater than the baseline building interior potable
Design Rating water consumption using efficiency measures only;
 Brief narrative describing all proposed water conservation strategies;
 Extracts from specifications for all proposed fixtures and fittings indicating flow
rates and flow regulation systems; and
 Extracts from specifications for all proposed appliances including information on
their water use.

Credit  Updated Building Water Calculator (if changed from design), confirming that the
Submission: building’s predicted interior potable water consumption is no greater than the
Construction baseline building interior potable water consumption using efficiency measures
Rating only;
 Brief narrative describing all installed water conservation strategies;
 Manufacturer information for all installed fixtures and fittings indicating flow rates
and flow regulation systems;
 Manufacturer information for all installed appliances including information on their
water use; and
 Photographic evidence confirming installation of specified fixtures and appliances.

Calculations and
The baseline and proposed building interior water consumption is determined using
Methodology the Building Water Calculator which serves as the foundation for numerous
calculations within the Precious Water section.

Interior water use is defined as the water demand that relates solely to fixtures,
fittings, and appliances.

Efficiency measures are all measures which reduce the overall demand for water
from the baseline requirement. Reductions in potable water cannot be claimed
through the use of any recycled water within this prerequisite.

Calculations are based on building occupancy and include all interior water use
relating to fixtures, fittings and appliances.

All tenant fit-out areas that are not under developer control must be modelled
identically in both the baseline and proposed building unless tenant guidelines
prescribing relied upon fixture flow rates etc are provided as part of IDP-R2 Tenant
Fit-Out Design & Construction Guide.

Baseline flow rates/volumes are based on the following:

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 118 of 223
 Fixture of Fixture Fitting Percentage Reduction
Bathroom Taps, private 6 liters/min at 417.7 kPa
Bathroom Taps, public 1.9 liters/min at 417.7 kPa
Shower Head 9.5 liters/min at 551.6 kPa
Kitchen Sink Faucet 6 liters/min at 417.7 kPa
Bidets 6 liters/min
Urinal 0.5 liters/flushing cycle
Toilets (Dual Flush) 6/4 liters/flushing cycle (full/low)

Occupancy

Non-Residential
o Occupancy is determined based on the number of Full Time Equivalent
(FTE) permanent occupants and transient visitors.
o The FTE is determined based on a typical 8 hour working day. The
permanent FTE is then calculated as follows :

o Transient occupancies must be input as daily totals.

Residential
o Covers all primary spaces used for living and / or sleeping. Occupancy
is based on number and size of residential units within the building.

Mixed Use
o Where a building is mixed use i.e. contains occupancies with different
fixture uses, this will need to be documented within the building water
calculator. A maximum of 8 different fixture use occupancies may be
included (6 Non-Residential and 2 Residential).

Example :
A 40 storey building located in downtown Abu Dhabi includes ground floor retail, 20
office floors, 15 multi-residential floors and 4 penthouse floors. Only the penthouse
floors are supplied with baths.

Based on the above, 4 different fixture uses would be required as follows :

retail,

office

multi-residential

penthouse

References
Pearl Rating System Building Water Calculator

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 119 of 223
PW-R2: Exterior Water Monitoring
Intent To encourage the provision of metering facilities on all exterior water uses enabling
effective management of outdoor water consumption and prevention of leaks.

Credit
GENERAL
Requirements
Demonstrate that easily accessible and clearly labelled water meters are provided and
capable of monitoring the water consumption of, at a minimum, the following exterior
water uses (where present):

Heat rejection;

External hose bibs;

Irrigation systems;

Swimming pools; and

Water features.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT/CLARIFICATIONS
None

Requirement This is a requirement. There are no Credit Points awarded.

Achievement

Credit  Brief narrative describing how the requirements of the credit will be achieved;
Submission:
 Extracts from specifications and MEP drawings clearly indicating the type, extent
Design Rating and locations of all metering, and central monitoring system; and
 List of all exterior uses and corresponding metering equipment.

Credit  Updated narrative describing how the requirements of the credit have been met;
Submission:
 Manufacturer’s data and as-built drawings clearly indicating the type, extent and
Construction locations of all metering, and central monitoring system;
Rating
 Photographic evidence confirming the installation of specified meters and central
monitoring system; and
 Written commitment from the building owner to submit all exterior water
monitoring data to Estidama (if requested).

Calculations and
All meters must have data logging capability and be connected to a central
Methodology monitoring system so that information on the exterior water consumption can be
recorded. The monitoring system must have, at a minimum, the following capability:

Provide hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and annual water consumption for each
end-use;

Compare consumption to previous days, weeks, months and years for trend
analysis;

Determine ‘out-of-range’ values to alert building operators to unusually high
consumption; and

Record peak water consumption for each end-use.

The Building owner must provide a written commitment to supply all water
monitoring data to Estidama (if requested). All reported information will be treated
as confidential.

References None

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 120 of 223
PW-1: Improved Interior Water Use Reduction
Intent To promote further reductions in the project’s interior potable water consumption
through the use of efficient fixtures and appliances, and the use of recycled water.

Credit
Requirements GENERAL

1-15 Credit Points: Demonstrate using the Building Water Calculator that the
proposed building has achieved the following reduction in potable water consumption
compared to the baseline building:

Points Percentage
Achieved Reduction
1 4%
2 8%
3 12%
4 16%
5 20%
6 24%
7 28%
8 32%
9 36%
10 40%
11 44%
12 48%
13 52%
14 56%
15 60%

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT/CLARIFICATIONS
None

Awarding Credit
Points CREDIT POINTS REQUIREMENTS
15 Design Rating
(maximum)
Achieve further reductions in the proposed building
1-15 potable water consumption compared to the baseline
building.
15 Construction Rating
(maximum)
Achieve further reductions in the proposed building
1-15 potable water consumption compared to the baseline
building.

Credit  Completed Building Water Calculator confirming the percentage reduction in

Submission: potable water consumption compared to the baseline;
Design Rating  Brief narrative describing all proposed water conservation strategies;
 Extracts from specifications for all proposed fixtures and fittings indicating flow
rates and flow regulation systems;
 Extracts from specifications for all proposed appliances including information on
their water use; and
 A composite utility schematic illustrating routing of recycled water mainline and

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 121 of 223
 laterals to all interior non-potable demands (where applicable).

Credit  Updated version of the Building Water Calculator (if changed from design),
Submission: confirming the percentage reduction in potable water consumption compared to
Construction the baseline;
Rating  Updated narrative describing all installed water conservation strategies;
 Manufacturer information for all installed fixtures and fittings indicating flow rates
and flow regulation systems;
 Manufacturer information for all installed appliances including information on their
water use;
 As-built composite utility schematic illustrating routing of recycled water mainline
and laterals to all interior non-potable demands (where applicable);
 Photographic evidence confirming installation of specified fixtures and appliances;
and
 Photographic evidence confirming recycled water pipes have been separately color
coded from pipes containing potable water (where applicable).

Calculations and
The methodology is the same as PW-R1 Minimum Interior Water Use Reduction,
Methodology except that further reductions in the building interior potable water consumption
within this credit may be achieved through the use recycled water.

All pipes containing recycled water must be color coded in order to easily
distinguish them from potable water pipes.

References
Pearl Rating System Building Water Calculator

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 122 of 223
PW-2.1: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping
Intent To minimize landscaping water demands through effective plant selection, irrigation
strategies, and promoting the use of recycled water.

Credit
GENERAL
Requirements
Plant Selection
Demonstrate that the average irrigation requirement for all landscape areas (as
outlined within the Calculations and Methodologies section) meets the following:

2 Credit Points: Average landscape irrigation demand < 4 liters/m2/day

4 Credit Points: Average landscape irrigation demand < 2 liters/m2/day

Irrigation System

1 Credit Point: Demonstrate that a Water Efficient Irrigation System has been
incorporated into the landscape design.

Irrigation System Management

1 Credit Point: Demonstrate that an Irrigation Operation and Maintenance Plan has
been developed.

Recycled Water

2 Credit Points:
o Achieve at least two credit points related to Plant Selection; and
o Demonstrate that 100% of the exterior irrigation demand can be served using
the Exterior Water Allowance (as outlined in the Calculations and Methodology
section); and
o Where recycled water is not immediately available, demonstrate that a
recycled water mainline loop has been installed which allows for the future
switch from potable to recycled water for exterior irrigation demands when it
becomes available; and
o All pipes containing recycled water must be color coded in order to easily
distinguish them from potable water pipes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT/CLARIFICATIONS
Schools

2 Credit Points: Where playing fields are present onsite demonstrate that non-
water turf substitutes are installed in place of turf.

Awarding Credit CREDIT POINTS REQUIREMENTS

Points
8-10
(maximum)
Design Rating
Demonstrate that the average irrigation requirement for all
2-4
landscaped areas has been minimized.
Demonstrate that a water efficient irrigation system has
1
been incorporated into the landscape design.
Demonstrate that best practices for ongoing system
1
management and operation have been established.
Demonstrate that 100% of the exterior irrigation demand
can be served using the Exterior Water Allowance, and that
2
a recycled water mainline loop has been installed where

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 123 of 223
 recycled water is not immediately available.

Schools only: Demonstrate that non-water turf substitutes

2
are installed in place of turf.
8-10
(maximum)
Construction Rating
Demonstrate that the average irrigation requirement for all
2-4
landscaped areas has been minimized.
Demonstrate that a water efficient irrigation system has
1
been incorporated into the landscape design.
Demonstrate that best practices for ongoing system
1
management and operation have been established.
Demonstrate that 100% of the exterior irrigation demand
can be served using the Exterior Water Allowance, and that
2
a recycled water mainline loop has been installed where
recycled water is not immediately available.
Schools only: Demonstrate that non-water turf substitutes
2
are installed in place of turf.

Credit Plant Selection

Submission:  Low Water Use Landscaping Strategy including:
Design Rating  Completed Building Water Calculator;
 Site plan illustrating landscape areas, highlighting areas of hardscape and
softscape along with their irrigation requirements, as well as water feature /
swimming pool areas;
 Calculations detailing how the total annual average irrigation demand of all
external softscape areas (liters/day) is determined; and
 Plant schedules for the development’s landscape program that includes the
following key data:

Plant names (common and botanic); and

Annual water demand at third year of growth.

Irrigation System
 Irrigation Strategy including:
 Narrative describing the project’s irrigation approach, technology to be used
and anticipated irrigation efficiency;
 System schematic indicating mainline routing, laterals, irrigation controller and
meter locations as well as proposed landscape/hydrozones;
 System specifications including cut sheets and/or manufacturer’s specifications
for the following equipment:

Master controller(s);

Valves; and

Monitoring equipment including moisture sensors, wind sensors etc.
 Soil Amendment Strategy including:
 Narrative describing moisture retention approach for soil amendments
including type, location, extent of application, and frequency of reapplication
(if needed) to maintain effectiveness; and
 Techniques to be used to reduce plant evapotranspiration identified on a site
plan.

Irrigation System Management

 Monitoring Strategy including:
 Brief narrative describing the monitoring strategy and how it is integrated into

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 124 of 223
 the overall landscaping plan;
 System specifications including cut sheets and/or manufacturer’s specifications
for the following equipment:

Override sensors;

Backflow valves; and

Separate meters.
 Drawings showing the location of each device on a site plan.

Recycled Water
 Completed Building Water Calculator confirming that 100% of the exterior irrigation
demand can be served using the Exterior Water Allowance; and
 A composite utility schematic illustrating routing of recycled water mainline and
laterals.

Schools Only
 Confirmation that all playing fields use turf substitutes requiring no irrigation
water;
 Site plans indicating location and size of playing fields; and
 Specification/manufacturer’s details of turf substitutes.

Credit  Revised As-Built documentation as per Design Rating; and

Submission:
 Photographs of the installed irrigation systems, landscaping, school playing fields
Construction (where applicable), water recycling systems (where installed) and routing of
Rating recycled water mainline and laterals indicating their color code.

Calculations and Plant Selection

Methodology
Landscaped area refers to the plot area excluding the building footprint and all
water feature / swimming pool areas, and is made up of all hardscape and
softscape areas. Where communal rooftop amenities are provided (e.g.
podium/skylight gardens), any landscape associated with these spaces must also be
included in the calculation.

The average irrigation demand for all landscaped areas is calculated as follows:

AP = Plot Area,
AB = Building Footprint Area,
AS = Softscape Area (grade level)
AW = Water Feature/Swimming Pool Area (grade level),
ARA = Roof Amenity Area
ARS = Softscape Area (roof level),
ARW = Water Feature/Swimming Pool Area (roof level)

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 125 of 223
 IS=Total annual average irrigation demand of all external softscape areas (liters/day)

Note: Areas associated with school playing fields are excluded from the average
landscape irrigation requirement calculation.

Irrigation System
A water efficient irrigation system must:

Eliminate all surface spray components (except in public parks or playing fields);

Irrigate only during non-daylight hours (except if sub-surface);

Include moisture sensors that control the irrigation system to irrigate only when
required;

Provide irrigation zones, with independently controlled valves, segregated by plant
water needs; and

Utilize mulch and/or soil amendment techniques to reduce evapotranspiration.

Irrigation System Management

An Irrigation Operation and Maintenance Plan should include:

Regular maintenance and operation efficiency performance monitoring;

Procedures for alerting operator and shutting system down when flows exceed
design range due to mainline, lateral, valve or emitter failure or there is a leak
detected; and

Irrigation systems must demonstrate that they incorporate sensors and valves
connected to a central system by:

Providing override sensors tied to a centralized computer controller with a
feedback loop to shut down zones that are malfunctioning; and

Including separate meters and backflow prevention at point of mainline
connection.

Recycled Water
The Exterior Water Allowance, EWA, is based on achieving a water balance between the
building wastewater and the project’s exterior uses (irrigation, heat rejection and
water features). It is a notional value that represents the amount of water that is
allowed for exterior uses. Although recycled water may not physically be used for the
project’s exterior demand, it is offsetting the potable demand of exterior uses within
the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and therefore the focus is placed on achieving this balance
irrespective of whether recycled water is physically used.
Note: This offset approach only applies to exterior uses. To document reductions in
potable water within the building (as in PW-1), recycled water must physically be used
within the building in order to achieve reductions attributed to recycled water.

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 126 of 223
 The EWA that is available to serve the projects exterior water demand is determined as
follows:
Case 1 : Project not connected to onsite or private offsite wastewater treatment
facility

BW = Total Building Wastewater

EM = Municipal recycled water supply efficiency
RMB = Volume of recycled water received from municipal supply that is supplied to the
building

Case 2 : Project connected to onsite or private offsite wastewater treatment facility

Exterior Water Allowance is based on the proportion of onsite/offsite recycled
water used for exterior purposes and any remaining building wastewater sent for
municipal treatment as follows:

BW = Total Building Wastewater

BOT = Volume of BW sent to onsite/private offsite treatment
BM = Volume of BW sent to municipal system = B W – BOT
RMB = Volume of recycled water received from municipal supply that is supplied to the
building
EM = Municipal recycled water supply efficiency
ROB = Volume of onsite/private offsite recycled water supplied to building
EOT = Onsite/private offsite wastewater treatment plant efficiency

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 127 of 223
 ROE = Volume of onsite/private offsite recycled water supplied to exterior uses

EWA must not be ‘double counted’ towards other uses such as heat rejection and/or
water features. The design team must decide upon the most appropriate use of the
Exterior Water Allowance in order to balance their building wastewater volume with
their exterior water demand. The overall water balance must be documented in
the Building Water Calculator.

Example Calculation: Plant Selection

A multi-residential building has a building footprint of 6,000 m 2 and is located within a
16,000m2 plot. It has a 500m2 sky garden located on the roof which contains 100m 2 of
softscape requiring 6 l/m2/day and a 10m2 water feature. At the base of the building
there is softscape requiring 8l/m2/day which covers an area of 3,000m2. Adjacent to
the ground level softscape is a 150m2 water feature.

Plot Area, AP 16,000 m2

Building Footprint, AB 6,000 m2
Softscape Area (grade level), AS 3,000 m2
Softscape Irrigation Demand (grade level), IS 8 l/m2/day
Water Feature Area (grade level), AW 150 m2
Roof Amenity Area, ARA 500 m2
Softscape Area (roof level), ARS 100 m2
Softscape Irrigation Demand (roof level), IRS 6 l/m2/day
Water Feature Area (roof level), ARW 10 m2
Total annual average irrigation demand of all 24,600 Liters / day
external softscape areas, IS

References
Pearl Rating System Building Water Calculator

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 128 of 223
PW-2.2: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Heat Rejection
Intent To reduce potable water use for heat rejection by promoting the use of recycled water
and/or alternatives to water-based heat rejection.

Credit
GENERAL
Requirements
Water-Based Heat Rejection
Demonstrate that the following percentage of the projects cooling tower/district
cooling water make-up requirements can be served using the Exterior Water Allowance
(as outlined in the Calculations and Methodology section):

2 Credit Points: > 25%

3 Credit Points: > 50%

4 Credit Points: > 75%

5 Credit Points: 100%

AND

Where cooling towers are installed onsite and recycled water is not immediately
available, demonstrate that a recycled water mainline loop has been installed which
allows for the future switch from potable to recycled water in onsite cooling towers
when it becomes available. All pipes containing recycled water must be color coded in
order to easily distinguish them from potable water pipes.

OR

No Water Used for Heat Rejection

8 Credit Points: Demonstrate that the project uses no water for heat rejection

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT/CLARIFICATIONS
None

Awarding Credit
Points CREDIT POINTS REQUIREMENTS
8
(maximum)
Design Rating
Demonstrate that a percentage of the projects cooling
2-5 tower/district cooling water make-up requirements can be
served using the Exterior Water Allowance.
8 Demonstrate that no water is required for heat rejection.
8
(maximum)
Construction Rating
Demonstrate that a percentage of the projects cooling
2-5 tower/district cooling water make-up requirements can be
served using the Exterior Water Allowance.
8 Demonstrate that no water is required for heat rejection.

Credit Water-Based Heat Rejection

Submission:  Building Water Calculator confirming the percentage of the projects cooling
Design Rating tower/district cooling water make-up requirements that can be served using the
Exterior Water Allowance; and
 A composite utility schematic illustrating routing of recycled water mainline and

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 129 of 223
 laterals.
No Water Used for Heat Rejection
 Confirmation that no water is used for heat rejection.

Credit Water-Based Heat Rejection

Submission:  Updated Building Water Calculator confirming the percentage of the projects
Construction cooling tower/district cooling water make-up requirements that can be served
Rating using the Exterior Water Allowance;
 As-built composite utility schematic illustrating routing of recycled water mainline
and laterals; and
 Photographs of the installed cooling towers/district cooling plant, water recycling
systems (where installed) and routing of recycled water mainline and laterals
indicating their color code.
No Water Used for Heat Rejection
 Confirmation that no water is used for heat rejection.

Calculations and The projects cooling tower/district cooling water make-up requirements must be based
Methodology on the proposed buildings cooling demand determined within RE-R1 Minimum Energy
Performance / RE-1 Improved Energy Performance.

The Exterior Water Allowance, EWA, that is available to serve the projects exterior
water demand is determined as per the Calculations and Methodology section of PW-
2.1: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping

EWA must not be ‘double counted’ towards other uses such as irrigation and/or water
features. The design team must decide upon the most appropriate use of the Exterior
Water Allowance in order to balance their building wastewater volume with their
exterior water demand. The overall water balance must be documented in the Building
Water Calculator.

References
Pearl Rating System Building Water Calculator

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 130 of 223
PW-2.3: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Water Features
Intent Reduce potable water use in exterior water features by minimizing evaporative loss and
through the use of recycled water.

Credit
GENERAL
Requirements
2 Credit Points: Demonstrate that the water make-up requirements for all exterior
water features can be served using the Exterior Water Allowance (as outlined in the
calculations and methodology section); and

Where recycled water is not immediately available, demonstrate that a recycled water
mainline loop has been installed which allows for the future switch from potable to
recycled water for exterior water feature demands when it becomes available. All pipes
containing recycled water must be color coded in order to easily distinguish them from
potable water pipes.

1 Credit Points: Demonstrate that all external swimming pools are supplied with
permanently installed retractable pool blankets.

Or

4 Credit Points: Demonstrate that there are no exterior water features or swimming
pools.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT/CLARIFICATIONS
None

Awarding Credit
Points CREIDT POINTS REQUIREMENTS
4 Design Rating
(maximum)
2 Demonstrate that the water make-up requirements for all
exterior water features can be served using the Exterior
Water Allowance.
1 Demonstrate that all external swimming pools are provided
with adequate pool blankets.
4 Demonstrate that there are no exterior water features or
swimming pools.
4 Construction Rating
(maximum)
2 Demonstrate that the water make-up requirements for all
exterior water features can be served using the Exterior
Water Allowance.
1 Demonstrate that all external swimming pools are provided
with adequate pool blankets.
4 Demonstrate that there are no exterior water features or
swimming pools.

Credit
Site plans highlighting locations of all water features and swimming pools including
Submission: their associated areas;
Design Rating
Building Water Calculator confirming that the water make-up requirements for all
exterior water features can be served using the Exterior Water Allowance;

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 131 of 223
  A composite utility schematic illustrating routing of recycled water mainline and
laterals; and
 Specification of proposed retractable pool blankets.
OR
 Site plans confirming that there will be no exterior water features or swimming
pools.

Credit  As-built site plans highlighting locations of all water features and swimming pools
Submission: including their associated areas;
Construction  Updated Building Water Calculator confirming that the water make-up
Rating requirements for all exterior water features can be served using the Exterior Water
Allowance;
 As-built composite utility schematic illustrating routing of recycled water mainline
and laterals;
 Photographs illustrating routing of recycled water mainline and laterals indicating
their color code, water recycling systems (where installed) and pool blankets.
OR
 As-built site plans confirming that there are no exterior water features or
swimming pools.

Calculations and
Exterior water features: Include any open surface water associated with fountains,
Methodology ponds etc (excluding swimming pools).

The water loss from all external water features is determined using the Building
Water Calculator and based on the total surface area of water features and
catchment area of fountains; and the evaporation loss of surface water, E L, as
follows:

AWF = Water Feature Area

AFC = Fountain Catchment Area
FL = Fountain loss factor
EL = Evaporative Loss of surface water = 2,200 liters/m2/yr

The Exterior Water Allowance, EWA, that is available to serve the project’s exterior
water demand is determined as per the Calculations and Methodology section of PW-
2.1: Exterior Water Use Reduction: Landscaping
EWA must not be ‘double counted’ towards other uses such as irrigation and/or heat
rejection. The design team must decide upon the most appropriate use of the Exterior
Water Allowance in order to balance their building wastewater volume with their
exterior water demand. The overall water balance must be documented in the Building
Water Calculator.

References
Pearl Rating System Building Water Calculator

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 132 of 223
PW-3: Water Monitoring & Leak Detection
Intent To encourage the provision of metering facilities that allow the water consumption of
the building to be recorded and monitored to allow future improvement and
understanding of the use of water in buildings.

Credit
GENERAL
Requirements
Monitoring
2 Credit Points: Demonstrate that easily accessible and clearly labeled water meters
are provided and capable of monitoring the water consumption of, at a minimum, the
following major uses (where present):

Bathroom/Toilet Facilities;

Kitchen/Catering Facilities;

Swimming Pools (indoor); and

Ablution Facilities.

Leak Detection
2 Credit Points: Demonstrate that a leak detection system has been installed that
covers all main water distribution pipes within the project.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT/CLARIFICATIONS
None

Awarding Credit
Points CREDIT POINTS REQUIREMENTS
4
(maximum)
Design Rating
Demonstrate that metering facilities that monitor the water
2
consumption of major individual interior uses are installed.
2 Demonstrate that a leak detection system has been installed.
4
(maximum)
Construction Rating
Demonstrate that metering facilities that monitor the water
2
consumption of major individual interior uses are installed.
2 Demonstrate that a leak detection system has been installed.

Credit Monitoring
Submission:  Design drawings showing locations of monitoring equipment;
Design Rating
 Narrative describing monitoring strategy relating to all major uses; and
 Extracts from specifications and MEP drawings clearly indicating the type, extent
and locations of all metering, and central monitoring system
Leak Detection
 Design drawings and narrative showing the location of all equipment and describing
the leak detection strategy. The narrative must address how the system deals with
different leakage rates, the alarm mechanism, and how false alarms are avoided;
and
 Extracts from specifications of leak detection systems.

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 133 of 223
Credit Monitoring
Submission:  As-built drawings showing locations of monitoring equipment;
Construction
 Updated narrative describing monitoring strategy relating to all major uses;
Rating
 Manufacturer’s information and as-built drawings clearly indicating the type,
extent and locations of all metering, and central monitoring system;
 Photographic evidence confirming the installation of specified meters and central
monitoring system; and
 Written commitment from the building owner to submit all exterior water
monitoring data to Estidama (if requested).
Leak Detection
 As-Built drawings showing locations of leak detection equipment;
 Drawings and narrative showing the location of all equipment and describing the
leak detection strategy. The narrative must address how the system deals with
different leakage rates, the alarm mechanism, and how false alarms are avoided;
 Manufacturer’s information of installed leak detection systems; and
 Photographic evidence confirming the installation of the leak detection system.

Calculations and Monitoring

Methodology
All meters must have data logging capability and be connected to a central
monitoring system so that information on the interior water consumption can be
recorded. The monitoring system must have, at a minimum, the following capability:

Provide hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and annual water consumption for each
major use;

Compare consumption to previous days, weeks, months and years for trend
analysis;

Determine ‘out-of-range’ values to alert building operators to unusually high
consumption; and

Record peak water consumption for each major use.

The building owner must provide a written commitment to supply water monitoring
data to Estidama (if requested). All reported information will be treated as
confidential.
Leak Detection

The leak detection system must be capable of:
- Sounding an alarm when a leak is detected;
- Identifying varying leakage rates; and
- Being programmed to fit the projects water consumption requirements.

For buildings that include tenant fit-out areas not under developer control, Credit
Points are only achieved where tenant guidelines prescribing the Monitoring and Leak
Detection requirements are provided as part of IDP-R2 Tenant Fit-Out Design &
Construction Guide.

References None

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 134 of 223
PW-4: Stormwater Management
Intent To minimize peak stormwater discharge and protect the stormwater drainage system
and receiving water bodies from pollutant loading during and after storm events.

Credit GENERAL
Requirements
Quantity Control

Demonstrate that the project has developed a stormwater management system
that prioritizes infiltration, sustainable urban drainage systems, and utilizes
structural solutions when necessary.

1 Credit Points: Demonstrate that the post-development peak runoff rate and
quantity from the 2-year 24-hour design storm does not exceed the pre-
development peak run-off rate and quantity through structural methods, or a
combination of both structural and non-structural methods.

2 Credit Points: Demonstrate that the post-development peak runoff rate and
quantity from the 2-year 24-hour design storm does not exceed the pre-
development peak run-off rate and quantity through the use of non-structural
methods only

Quality Control

1 Credit Point: The proposed stormwater management system is capable of
collecting and treating a minimum of 90% of stormwater and that the treatment
process is capable of achieving the following minimum standards for quality
control:

80% removal of Total Suspended Solids (TSS);

Minimum 95% removal of litter (gross pollutants, >1mm);

Minimum 90% removal of hydrocarbons; and

Use of petrol interceptors or suitable permeable paving for car parks of more
than 4 bays

Operation & Maintenance Plan

1 Credit Point: Achieve a minimum of 1 credit point in either Quantity or Quality
Control; and

Demonstrate that an Operation & Maintenance Plan (OMP) is in place that shows
how all systems will be maintained throughout the life of the development. The
plan should include at a minimum:

Protocol for maintaining regular system checks and maintenance;

Methods for ensuring neighboring developments will not be adversely affected
by the project’s stormwater strategy; and

Strategies to prevent onsite erosion.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT/CLARIFICATIONS
None

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 135 of 223
Awarding Credit
Points CREDIT POINTS REQUIREMENTS
4
(maximum)
Design Rating
1-2 Stormwater management system is designed to meet
Quantity Control criteria as per Credit Requirements.
1 Stormwater management system is designed to meet
Quality Control criteria as per Credit Requirements.
1 An OMP has been developed.
4
(Maximum)
Construction Rating
1-2 Stormwater management system components are
constructed to meet Quantity Control criteria as per
Credit Requirements.
1 Stormwater management system components are
constructed to meet Quality Control criteria as per
Credit Requirements.
1 An OMP has been updated.

Credit
Narrative describing the stormwater management system developed for the project
Submission: including:
Design Rating  Drawings showing locations of components of the stormwater management
system;
 Civil engineering calculations describing and quantifying the stormwater
management strategies, specifically addressing the pre-development and post-
development peak runoff rate and quantity; and
 Extracts from specifications and product data sheets describing the
components specified, confirming that the system is capable of collecting 90%
of stormwater and is able to treat to the required quality standards.

OMP for ongoing site best management practices to uphold system integrity. The
plan shall include:
 An inspection schedule for the stormwater management system to assure its
continued operation as designed;
 The proposed person(s), organization, or entity responsible for the continued
operation and maintenance of the stormwater management system;
 Operating budgets and funding mechanism for the support of continued
maintenance of the stormwater management system;
 Methods for ensuring neighborhood developments will not be adversely
affected by the project’s stormwater strategy; and
 Erosion plan to prevent excessive onsite erosion and to any receiving water
courses.

CV of qualified Civil Engineer

Credit
As built drawings showing locations of the applied components of the stormwater
Submission: management system;
Construction
Updated civil engineering calculations describing and quantifying the stormwater
Rating management strategies, specifically addressing the pre-development and post-
development peak runoff rate and quantity; and

Manufacturers product data sheets for the purchased components, confirming that
the system is capable of collecting 90% of stormwater and is able to treat to the
required quality standards;

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 136 of 223
  Updated OMP; and
 Photographic evidence confirming the installation of the stormwater management
strategies.

Calculations and
For buildings within a Pearl Rated Community that has earned credit points under
Methodology both Quantity and Quality Control for PW-2 Stormwater Management, the community
wide stormwater system may be utilized to help earn this credit. In this case, plans
must be provided showing how the building and community stormwater strategies are
integrated. At least 50% of the difference between the post- and pre- development
peak runoff rate and quantity from the 2-year 24-hour design storm must be
contained and / or treated onsite (consistent with quantity and / or quality credit
points pursued). The remainder must be sent to the community stormwater system.

Non-structural stormwater management solutions include sustainable urban drainage

systems (SUDS) such as ponds, vegetated swales, wetlands, etc.

Structural stormwater management solutions include engineered structures such as
tanks, pipes, concrete channels, etc.

All water infiltrated through SUDS is considered to be 100% treated, achieving all the
required quality control standards.

Calculations must be signed off by a qualified civil engineer.

A qualified Civil Engineer is an individual with:

A degree in a relevant subject, and

A minimum of five years relevant work experience and a proven track record on
working on similar projects in the region.

References
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, www.ead.gov.ae

CSIRO Urban Stormwater Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines
(2006)

Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010 137 of 223