ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 264

This system assigning points to classify the sustainability of buildings, and the scale ranging
among three levels: fully satisfied, not fully satisfied, and not satisfied. Although there is a similarity in categories between different systems, including developed and developing countries, there
are differences in weighting of each category depending on local contents and priorities. For
SABA, a maximum of 100 points is available, the collected points is multiplied by the weighting
coefficient developed according to Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)(a mathematical technique
for decision making) for each category, the certification of greenness according to percentage
results is within these ranges:
• Very Green (100-80%);
• Green (79-50%);
• Not Green (less than 50%);
• No official certification requirements or process are available for this tool.

Methodology
Comparing the international and local systems, a literature review method was used in addition to reviewing official documents and published studies. The comparison of the international
systems and local green building systems focused on the general aspects; Vision and Structure,
Categories, Weightings, Levels and Certification Process. LEED and BREEAM, the mostly used systems around the world, have been chosen in this study for comparison with the other three local
Middle East systems; ESTIDAMA Pearl Rating System of Abu Dhabi, Dubai Green Building Guide
and Regulations, Jordan Green Building Guide, and SABA. It should be noted that since LEED and
other codes have deferent versions for all building types, the one used in this study is the New
Construction (NC) code for residential buildings.

Results and Discussion
Generally, all of the outlined systems are seeking one target; Sustainability, which could be
achieved mainly through recourses efficiency (Energy, Water, and Materials).In addition to reducing or eliminating environmental impact and carbon emissions, enhancing human health, productivity and efficiency, develop and drive up economy are some of the green system objectives.
The comparison conducted between the illustrated systems from different aspects as listed below.
Vision and Structure
Some differences between all the mentioned systems could be noticed, while LEED and BREEAM
are voluntary systems of the developed countries. Dubai’s government decided to apply the
green tool and regulation as a (Regularity Framework) which is mandatory for all governmental
and public buildings in the emirates in order to comply with Dubai’s vision of seeking uniqueness
and leadership in sustainable developments and communities.
Furthermore, Abu Dhabi’s vision of being one of the Word Sustainable Capitals (WSC) by 2030,
inspire Urban Planning Centre (UPC)of Abu Dhabi to find the local characterized system ‘Pearl
Rating System (PRS)’to be implemented in all developments in Abu Dhabi. Although all the systems shared most of their aims and main sustainable categories, there are some differences in
categories’ weighting according to the local requirements, properties and characteristics of their
countries and regions, some categories have slight differences in the covered indicators as well.

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ZEMCH 2015 | International Conference | Bari - Lecce, Italy