Abu Dhabi will introduce a mandatory green building code this week that could see energy bills cut by 40 per cent in new homes to be built across the emirate. As of September 1, all new buildings must meet sustainability and urban design requirements to receive approval for construction to begin. The Estidama Pearl Rating System, developed by the Urban Planning Council, mandates that all buildings achieve at least a one-pearl rating. That should mean a 41 per cent cut in energy use and 26 per cent reduction in water use, according to the Council. There will also be a small increase in capital cost, but that is likely to be wiped out by lower utility expenses.

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