What is DSM and Al Sa'fat?

What it is

Dubai's demand side management strategy aims to reduce electricity and water demand through building retrofits, efficient cooling, efficiency standards, tariffs and awareness programs. DEWA leads it, with Etihad Energy Services, a DEWA subsidiary, supporting retrofits through energy performance contracts.

Al Sa'fat rates new buildings on energy, water, materials and environmental criteria. It has tiered levels, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, with a base level required for new buildings and higher levels for some building types. Check current Dubai Municipality requirements for the level that applies.

Who it applies to / where it is used

DSM programs reach owners and operators of existing commercial, government and residential buildings in Dubai. Al Sa'fat applies to new building permits in Dubai, so developers, architects and MEP consultants work with it during design and construction.

How it is measured / what evidence it needs

DSM results are typically shown as measured reductions in electricity, water and cooling demand. Al Sa'fat is assessed through design and construction documentation.

• Metered electricity, water and district cooling consumption
• Baselines adjusted for weather and occupancy for retrofit projects
• Design submissions showing efficiency and metering provisions
• Records that installed controls and meters operate as specified

How Aqueduct helps

Aqueduct supports demand management on existing sites and supplies specified-in controls and metering evidence for new builds.

• Weather-normalized energy baselines for hot climates through aQ EnergySmart
• Water balance and leak detection through aQ WaterGuard
• Peak demand management where control is enabled, with owner approval
• Build-in delivery with architects and MEP engineers at design stage