Feb 28 2010 | Pulkit Sharma
Going beyond the applicability of a rating system for the built environment, I am writing this piece to analyze briefly the story behind the growth of Estidama (Pearl) rating system and its coming role in shaping the built environment in the Middle East in a post-LEED era. Before coming to MIT whilst I was preparing for the LEED AP certification last year, I became intrigued and wanted to understand more about the applicability of the USGBC (US Green Building Council)-developed LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system to the dry and arid ecology of UAE, and of the Middle East in general. I think I have developed a little bit of understanding about it this past year. LEED falls flat, in my opinion, on most of these counts. Does Estidama (Pearl) do any better? (more…)
MIT Meydan 