Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs organizes a workshop on sustainability

As a part of the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA)’s efforts to highlight projects and initiatives in different sectors and divisions, the Strategic Planning & Performance Management Office (SPPM) organized a workshop on Sustainability report & Common set of Municipal-Level Sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPI’S) for the year 2010 which was produced by the Municipal Regulation Division in the DMA. 

Mr. Matthew Plumbridge Consultant – Environmental and Sustainability Planning at the DMA said that the Department of Municipal Affairs is a founding member of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG) which was established in 2008 and works as a partnership between private & public sector towards sustainability in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Sustainability report which is the DMA’s first combined report for the Municipal System in Arabic & English says that the role of the Municipal System is crucial to the Emirate’s journey towards sustainability and the 2030 Vision, as Mr. Plumbridge referred to the Building codes regulating sustainability in the building & construction sector and which will reduce energy consumption by up to 70% from current standards (to align with UN targets), 30% reduction in water consumption and ensure longevity of constructions through QA.

The Sustainability report mentions that there are 5 elements which make up a sustainable Emirate, Thriving economy - economic viability for the long term, Vital & natural ecology - resource optimization and reducing the Emirates negative ecological impacts, Practical & efficient infrastructure -premium infrastructure to provide a foundation for sustainable cities, Healthy and vibrant society -enhancing quality of life and ensuring the needs of the people are met, and Government excellence - exemplify excellence in administration, delivery of service, financial management and governance for sustainability.

A survey about Quality of life was conducted for the sustainability report, showed 91% believe the government actively trying to raise quality of life, and Abu Dhabi came out in the 77th place out of 215 around the world and in 2^nd place in the Middle East in terms of Quality of life and living standard.

The report referred to the feeling safe factor in our cities and the public places and parks in the Emirate in addition to the enhanced Municipal services to meet resident’s needs mentioning TAMM as one-stop-shop for different and quality government services.