The Faculty of Engineering conducts research that has relevance to Energy and Environment with a mission to support planning of environment-friendly energy systems in Lebanon and the Middle East region. For example, some research is concerned with the development of construction/structural materials that have lower carbon footprint (e.g. incorporating waste materials in construction). Other areas of research include new ways to reduce contamination and the treatment of contaminated soil/water. This can have a positive impact on the quality of air, water and soil that would be beneficial to health and wellbeing. Other research areas investigate different techniques to reduce carbon emissions originating from the operation of current wireless communication networks. This would have a direct impact on the reduction of greenhouse gases and thus contribute to the preservation of the environment. A main driver for this approach is the reduction of energy consumption through advanced energy management techniques. This would lead to the decrease in the use of non-renewable energy resources in favor of renewable resources such as solar and wind based.
Several research topics currently being tackled by researchers in the faculty of engineering fall under this theme. Examples of these topics are listed here below:
- Green wireless communications design,
- Green PV panels,
- Innovative construction material with low embodied energy,
- Reducing CO2 emission due to cement production,
- Extracting the dust coming from quarries and using it in the production of cement. This will reduce the air pollution and its direct effect on human health (e.g Asthma),
- Reducing traffic congestion which would reduce the travel time and the associated CO2 emission,
- Treatment of groundwater and reinjection in the aquifer which would reduce water pollution,
- Strengthening of existing structures. This will eliminate the demolition of existing structures and the associated dust emission and noise, and
- Wastewater and ground treatment of Litani basin.
Researchers in the Faculty of Engineering show their interest in these topics by conducting research and reporting the outcomes in prestigious international and national journals, magazines, symposia, conferences and meetings. More than 7 publications were reported during the last two years.
The Faculty has plans concerning this research point precisely because it is of extreme importance to Lebanon. For instance, electricity provision must have regard to minimizing environmental and public health effects, both directly from generation and indirectly from obtaining fuels and dealing with wastes. This issue and many others to be cited below are the faculty’s main concern as reflected in its short and long-term strategies.
iConnect
