7.2.1 Does your university as a body have a policy in place for ensuring all renovations/new builds are following energy efficiency standards?(relevant standards to be indicated)

The Islamic University of Lebanon (IUL) is committed to sustainable development and ensuring that its infrastructure meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. The university’s policy regarding renovations and new builds includes adherence to national building codes, which encompass energy efficiency regulations. These regulations ensure that all new constructions and significant renovations are equipped with energy-efficient systems and materials, aiming to minimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact.

While specific details of IUL’s internal policy on energy efficiency might not be readily available, universities in Lebanon are required to comply with national regulations set forth by the Lebanese government. These regulations include the implementation of energy-efficient practices and technologies in construction to meet the evolving standards of sustainability.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Building Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all renovations and new buildings at the university adhere to energy efficiency standards, minimizing environmental impact and reducing operational costs. This policy aims to contribute to the university’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to meet global environmental targets.

Scope
This policy applies to all new construction projects and renovation works undertaken by the university, including both academic and administrative buildings.

Policy Statement

  1. Energy Efficiency Standards
    All new building designs and major renovations must adhere to recognized energy efficiency standards and environmental guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to, using energy-efficient materials, energy-saving technologies, and systems such as:
    • High-performance insulation
    • Energy-efficient HVAC systems
    • Solar power integration (where applicable)
    • Energy-efficient lighting systems (LED, motion sensors)
    • Smart meters for monitoring energy consumption
  2. Sustainable Building Design
    Buildings should be designed to optimize natural light, reduce heating and cooling demands, and integrate sustainable building materials. The use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind) should be prioritized wherever feasible. All new building projects should aim for at least a “Gold” rating in energy performance certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or equivalent.
  3. Implementation and Compliance
    • All renovation and construction projects must undergo an energy audit and comply with the Lebanese Code of Building Regulations, which includes considerations for energy efficiency and sustainability.
    • The university will work with contractors, architects, and engineers to ensure that building designs and materials meet or exceed the required standards for energy efficiency.
    • The university will engage with third-party experts to verify energy performance and recommend areas of improvement where necessary.
  4. Monitoring and Reporting
    • Energy consumption of renovated or newly constructed buildings will be tracked using smart meters and energy management systems.
    • A comprehensive energy audit will be conducted periodically to ensure the buildings maintain energy-efficient operations.
    • The university will report energy performance metrics annually and take steps to address any inefficiencies identified.
  5. Training and Awareness
    University staff involved in planning, building, and maintaining facilities will receive ongoing training in energy-efficient practices and sustainable building technologies. Awareness programs will also be conducted for students and faculty to highlight the importance of energy conservation.
  6. Funding and Incentives
    The university will allocate specific funds for the implementation of energy-efficient building projects and seek out available grants or incentives from government agencies or international bodies that support sustainable development.

Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually, and updates will be made to ensure that it remains aligned with new technological advances and national or international energy efficiency standards.

 

criteria for Green Buildings in Lebanon

The university has adopted the “criteria for Green Buildings in Lebanon” [1] issued by the Order of Engineers and Architects, as an energy policy to be used as a reference for future expansion of university buildings, especially the sections related to Energy Efficiency. The most important topics are the following:

Building Envelope

Buildings envelopes shall be in accordance with the requirements of the “Thermal Standard for Buildings in Lebanon” (TSBL) issued by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport – General Directorate of Urban Planning.

Reference code / standard: TSBL available for free download at:

Energy Efficiency

It specifies the requirements of the installation of the following HVAC and domestic water heating systems:

  • DX Air conditioners
  • Water chilling packages
  • Fuel Boilers
  • Service Water Heating

Reference code / standard: ASHRAE 90.1 – French regulation

Artificial Lighting

It specifies the allowed values of the average Lighting Power Density for the interior and exterior connected lighting load. Also all exterior lighting must be fitted with automatic controls to ensure that lights do not operate during daylight hours (i.e. daylight sensor or timer).

Reference code / standard: Ashrae 2007-90.1 or RT

Heat Recovery

It specifies the energy that can be recovered from the exhaust gas and / or from the radiator jacket cooling.

Reference code / standard: Ashrae 2007-90.1

Insulation on Pipes & Ducts

It specifies the thermally insulation of supply and return ducts installed as part of an HVAC air distribution system, also for piping used as part of cooling or heating water distribution system.

Reference code / standard: Ashrae 2007-90.1

 

SDG 7.2.1: Policy for ensuring all renovations/new builds are following energy efficiency standards

Criteria of Green Buildings in Lebanon issued by the Order of Engineers and Architect

The most important topics are the following:

Building Envelope

Buildings envelopes shall b e in accordance with the requirements of the “Thermal Standard for Buildings in Lebanon” (TSBL) issued by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport – General Directorate of Urban Planning – in year 2005. Included buildings are all air conditioned or heated buildings, residential and non-residential, except for the following: l Buildings and parts of buildings that are intended for uses other than basic human occupancy, such as manufacturing, industrial processing, storage, etc.; l Buildings and parts of buildings that require particular indoor environmental conditions such as greenhouses, warehouses, etc.; l Places of worship; These requirements shall apply to: l External walls, roofs, and floors (where one side of the floor is exposed to ambient conditions) l Glazed elements The characteristics and altitude thresholds of the climatic zones, as well as the administrative districts related to each climatic zone are presented in the “Technical Guide for the application of the Thermal Standard for Buildings in Lebanon”.

Reference code / standard: TSBL 2005 available for free download at:

Thermal standard for buildings in Lebanon

Energy Efficiency

All buildings installing one or more of the following HVAC and domestic water heating systems shall comply with the requirements below, as applicable: a) DX Air conditioners: For all DX air conditioned buildings, DX air conditioning equipment shall comply with the minimum energy efficiency requirements and test procedures as indicated in Table 1.1. b) Water chilling packages: Water chilling packages shall comply with the minimum energy efficiency requirements and test procedures as indicated in Tables 1.2 and 1.3. Note: Equipment types not listed in Tables 1.1,1.2 and 1.3 should not be greater than the values presented in ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Table 6.8.1 (where applicable, values for before 1/1/2010). Equivalent “Eurovent” certified ratings are acceptable. c) Fuel Boilers: Boilers shall comply with the minimum energy efficiency requirements and test procedures as indicated in Table 1.4. Note 1: Boilers compliant with the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Table 6.8.1F are acceptable. Note 2: Gas boilers and biomass boilers, when used, are exempted from the minimum energy efficiency requirements request indicated in Table 1.4. d) Service Water Heating: Hot water heaters shall comply with the maximum energy losses per 24 hours as indicated in Table 1.5 depending on heater volume V in liters.

Reference code / standard: ASHRAE 90.1 2007 – French regulation RT 2005. Available for free download at.

Artificial Lighting

It specifies the allowed values of the average Lighting Power Density for the interior and exterior connected lighting load. Also all exterior lighting must be fitted with automatic controls to ensure that lights do not operate during daylight hours (i.e. daylight sensor or timer).

Reference code / standard: Ashrae 2007-90.1 or RT 2005. Available for free download at.

Heat Recovery

It specifies the energy that can be recovered from the exhaust gas and / or from the radiator jacket cooling.

Reference code / standard: Ashrae 2007-90.1. Available for free download at.

Insulation on Pipes & Ducts

It specifies the thermally insulation of supply and return ducts installed as part of an HVAC air distribution system, also for piping used as part of cooling or heating water distribution system.

Reference code / standard: Ashrae 2007-90.1. Available for free download at.

Webinar on Climate Action in Construction and Building Industry.

As part of the efforts to enhance climate action among arab youth, the Islamic University of Lebanon, Yarmouk University, and Tanta University in collaboration with the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA), are organizing a Webinar on Climate Action in Construction and Building Industry. The Webinar will convene experts on climate change, green urban planning, and Construction material with university students from Arab countries.

In the webinar the speakers will go over:

➢ Improve understanding on the importance of addressing climate change in the Construction and Building Industry and the role of Arab youth in enhancing climate action in the region.

➢ Promote a science-policy interface through showcasing a comprehensive scientific assessment of the impacts of climate change on key sectors in the Arab region, based on findings from RICCAR, and how it supports climate-informed policymaking.

➢ Highlight the role of climate-responsive, green economy policy frameworks at the national and city levels, with examples from Jordan.

➢ Raising awareness about the impacts of construction materials on climate change and discussing ways to mitigate the environmental footprint of construction materials using innovative methods and technologies.