Beirut Arab University Sustainable Standards for New Buildings

SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

THE Impact Rankings indicator 11.4.8 | Beirut Arab University, Lebanon

Question: Does the university build new buildings to sustainable standards, and which national or international standard or certifying body does it follow?

Assessment of the indicator

BAU documents sustainable construction commitments and a recent campus design incorporating environmental measures. However, the available evidence does not substantiate an unconditional Yes that completed new university buildings follow a named sustainable building standard. The strongest direct evidence concerns construction procurement policy, climate-resilient design requirements and the proposed Bekaa campus. A project-specific building standard, compliance assessment and certification award remain unconfirmed.

Evidence: BAU Sustainable Procurement Policy (sections 2 and 4, construction services and environmental responsibility)

Evidence: BAU Climate Action Policy (Climate Resilience and Adaptation)

Evidence: Original BAU Beqaa Campus project description (proposed masterplan, sections 3 and 8)

What the evidence establishes

A building certificate and a design standard are different forms of evidence. BAU may demonstrate compliance through approved project specifications and verified construction records even where certification is not claimed. If certification is claimed, the submission should identify the building, scheme, version, certifying organisation, rating and award date. Solar equipment, professional training and campus rankings cannot supply these details by themselves.

Evidence: USGBC explanation of LEED requirements and GBCI review (How LEED works)

Institutional requirements and the Bekaa development

Construction procurement and environmental criteria

BAU’s Sustainable Procurement Policy applies to works across the university and explicitly includes construction and facility services. It prioritises products and services carrying Energy Star, EcoLabel, FSC or equivalent certifications, favours recycled or lower-impact goods and considers lifecycle costs. The policy also provides for sustainability criteria in contract and vendor evaluation. These are relevant institutional purchasing requirements; the labels named in this procurement context do not establish certification of an entire BAU building.

Evidence: BAU Sustainable Procurement Policy (sections 2, 4, 5 and 6)

Beirut Arab University (BAU) – Sustainable Procurement Policy

1. Purpose

This Sustainable Procurement Policy establishes guidelines for responsible purchasing practices at Beirut Arab University (BAU) that prioritize environmental, social, and ethical considerations throughout the procurement process. The policy is designed to support BAU’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all goods, services, and works procured by BAU across all faculties, departments, research units, and administrative offices. It includes:

• Supplies and equipment

• Construction and facility services

• Technology and digital services

• Food and catering services

• Vendor selection and partnerships

3. Policy Objectives

BAU’s sustainable procurement efforts are guided by the following objectives:

• Reduce the environmental impact of purchasing decisions

• Support ethical sourcing and fair labor practices

• Minimize waste and promote circular economy principles

• Engage with suppliers who share the university’s sustainability values

• Encourage the use of local, eco-friendly, and socially responsible suppliers

4. Guiding Principles

a. Environmental Responsibility

• Prioritize products and services with certifications such as Energy Star, EcoLabel, FSC, or equivalents.

• Avoid single-use plastics and non-recyclable packaging.

• Favor goods with low carbon footprints, made from recycled or biodegradable materials.

• Consider the lifecycle cost (acquisition, use, maintenance, and disposal) instead of lowest upfront price alone.

b. Social Equity and Ethical Practices

• Engage suppliers who uphold human rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

• Support vendors that promote gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity in their workforce.

• Prioritize local and regional businesses, especially small and minority-owned enterprises.

c. Economic and Operational Efficiency

• Implement value-for-money practices while balancing sustainability goals.

• Reduce over-ordering and ensure efficient inventory management to prevent waste.

• Encourage long-term contracts that include sustainability performance criteria.

5. Supplier Code of Conduct

BAU suppliers and contractors are expected to adhere to a Sustainable Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines:

• Compliance with labor laws and anti-corruption policies

• Environmentally responsible production and transport

• Openness to sustainability audits and performance monitoring

• Non-compliant vendors may be subject to review, suspension, or termination of contract.

6. Implementation and Oversight

Sustainability & Procurement Committee (SPC):

A joint committee will oversee the implementation and periodic evaluation of sustainable procurement efforts.

Departmental Procurement Officers:

Will receive training on sustainable purchasing practices and will be responsible for applying these principles in daily operations.

Vendor Evaluation Metrics:

All tender and procurement evaluations will include sustainability scoring (e.g., 20–30% of evaluation weight).

7. Monitoring and Reporting

Procurement reports will include sustainability indicators such as:

1. % of eco-friendly products purchased

2. % of contracts with local or sustainable vendors

3. Waste reduction or resource-saving outcomes

An annual Sustainable Procurement Summary Report will be prepared and submitted to the Sustainability Office and University Council.

Climate considerations in new construction

The Climate Action Policy calls for climate-resilient design principles in new construction and campus development. Its wider programme includes energy audits, efficient lighting, HVAC and insulation, renewable energy, water efficiency and rainwater harvesting. This gives environmental objectives a place in university facilities planning. The policy does not specify a mandatory LEED, BREEAM or ARZ rating for all new buildings, or identify a completed project assessment against one of those schemes.

Evidence: BAU Climate Action Policy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Water Conservation; Climate Resilience and Adaptation)

Climate Action Plan for Beirut Arab University

Introduction:

Beirut Arab University recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts on Lebanon and the global community. As a responsible institution committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, BAU is dedicated to implementing a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP) aligned with the university's rules and regulations and in harmony with Lebanon's environmental priorities. This plan outlines the key strategies and initiatives that BAU will undertake to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, and promote sustainability across its campuses and operations.

Goals and Objectives:

• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implement measures to reduce BAU's carbon footprint and transition towards a low-carbon campus.

• Enhance Climate Resilience: Strengthen BAU's resilience to climate change impacts, including extreme weather events and sea-level rise.

• Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage sustainable behaviors among students, faculty, and staff members, and integrate sustainability principles into all aspects of university operations.

• Engage the Community: Foster partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to address climate change collectively.

• Lead by Example: Serve as a model for sustainable practices and climate action within Lebanon's higher education sector.

Strategies and Initiatives:

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

• Conduct energy audits to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.

• Retrofit buildings with energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and insulation.

• Install solar panels and other renewable energy systems to generate clean electricity on campus.

Sustainable Transportation:

• Encourage the use of public transportation, carpooling, cycling, and walking among students and staff.

• Provide incentives for electric and hybrid vehicle owners, such as preferred parking spots and charging stations.

• Promote telecommuting and flexible work schedules to reduce commuting-related emissions.

Waste Reduction and Recycling:

• Implement a campus-wide waste reduction and recycling program, including segregation at source and proper disposal of recyclable materials.

• Minimize single-use plastics and promote reusable alternatives, such as water bottles and coffee cups.

• Compost organic waste generated on campus and use compost in landscaping and agriculture.

Water Conservation:

• Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances in buildings, such as low-flow toilets and faucets.

• Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses.

• Raise awareness about the importance of water conservation through educational campaigns and outreach activities.

Climate Resilience and Adaptation:

• Conduct vulnerability assessments to identify climate risks and develop adaptation strategies for infrastructure and facilities.

• Enhance green spaces and urban forests on campus to mitigate heat island effects and improve air quality.

• Incorporate climate-resilient design principles into new construction projects and campus development plans.

Environmental design of the proposed Bekaa campus

The architect’s masterplan describes north–south building orientation for solar control and passive heating, with patios, courtyards and voids intended to support natural ventilation and respond to seasonal winds. It favours durable exposed concrete with limited finishes, and integrates the existing building and landscape into the development. These are specified design strategies, rather than independently measured energy savings or a verified embodied-carbon assessment.

Evidence: AKL Architects BAU Beqaa Campus masterplan (sections 1, 3 and 8)

BEIRUT ARAB UNIVERSITY BEQAA CAMPUS

BEIRUT ARAB UNIVERSITY BEQAA CAMPUS

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Gallery

Project summary

“The campus arrival sequence is conceived as a gradual transition from academic life to institutional representation. Visitors are first welcomed by the Health Sciences faculty, expressing the university’s human-centered values, before arriving at the main administrative building articulated around a central piazza and drop-off. This sequence reinforces openness, orientation clarity, and social interaction while anchoring the administrative core as a visible yet non-dominant institutional landmark.”

1. Campus Identity: Human, Nature, and Continuity Between Existing and New

The campus identity is defined through a strong relationship between human activity, landscape, and spatial continuity, extending beyond the limits of the new plot.

A main pedestrian pathway — conceived as a colonne vertébrale — structures the entire campus and physically and symbolically links the new development to the existing Beqaa campus located on the adjacent plot.

This spine:

• connects all academic buildings, services, and exterior spaces

• crosses the existing road in a controlled and safe manner

• extends seamlessly into the garden of the existing L-shaped building

Through this gesture, the existing building is fully integrated into the new campus masterplan, allowing both plots to function as a single academic entity.

A strategic inversion of the existing building’s entrance transforms an underused rear courtyard into a new entrance piazza, aligned with the spine.

This smart intervention:

• upgrades the existing building without heavy structural alteration

• redefines its orientation and hierarchy

• reactivates its outdoor spaces as a social and welcoming interface

The existing campus is therefore not treated as a leftover or secondary element, but as an active and requalified component of the new academic landscape.

2. A Free-From-Car Campus Strategy

To preserve the agricultural character of the site and prioritize pedestrian experience, the campus is conceived as a car-free environment.

The plot is divided into two complementary zones:

• A vehicular access zone aligned with the Boundary Road, extending its linear logic and accommodating parking, drop-offs, and service access.

• A green landscaped academic zone, entirely dedicated to buildings, outdoor spaces, and student life.

This clear separation enhances safety, comfort, and calmness, reinforcing the campus as a walkable, human-scaled environment.

3. Sustainability, Climate, and Environmental Intelligence

Environmental performance is a fundamental design driver.

All buildings are oriented north–south to:

• optimize solar control

• reduce heat gain in summer

• allow passive heating in winter

A system of patios, courtyards, and voids is strategically introduced within the buildings, responding to dominant wind patterns

• promoting natural ventilation during summer

• offering protection and controlled air movement in winter

This passive climatic strategy reduces energy consumption while enhancing indoor comfort and reinforcing the connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.

4. The Central Void: Well-Being and Collective Life

At the heart of the campus, a large open area is deliberately preserved, hosting the sports facilities and main football field.

This central void:

• keeps the core of the site open and breathable

• acts as a catalyst for collective life and informal interaction

• reinforces a human-centric approach focused on student well-being and experience

The empty space becomes an active academic ground, where physical activity, social encounters, and campus events naturally converge.

5. The Main Cluster and Institutional Representation

The main cluster of buildings is organized around the administrative core, positioned to incubate the existing mature trees and the open landscape.

The main administrative building:

• opens toward nature

• frames a large outdoor space dedicated to events, ceremonies, and graduation

• establishes a direct dialogue with the site

Rather than imposing itself, the building breathes with the landscape, connects visually with the scenery through an open urban gate.

Its unicity remains legible from afar through its location, scale, and architectural treatment, ensuring institutional visibility without domination.

6. A Clear Political and Social Message

The spatial hierarchy of the campus conveys a deliberate political and social message.

By positioning the Faculty of Health Sciences as a primary building along the main spine, the project:

• places people, care, and well-being at the forefront

• affirms the university’s commitment to society and public health

• reinforces the idea that human life and knowledge precede administration

While the administrative building maintains its symbolic role and visibility, the campus narrative clearly prioritizes people over institutions.

7. Phasing, Flexibility, and Long-Term Growth

The campus is conceived as a phased, adaptable, and scalable system, capable of evolving over time in response to academic growth and demand.

Beyond the global phasing of the campus, large-scale faculties are themselves subdivided into distinct functional zones. This internal zoning strategy allows:

• the construction of major faculties in two or more successive stages

• progressive investment without compromising academic functionality

• immediate operation of the first phase while future extensions remain structurally and spatially anticipated

Each faculty is therefore designed as a complete self-sufficient yet expandable entity, where initial construction delivers full academic autonomy, and subsequent phases can be seamlessly integrated without disrupting campus life or altering the overall architectural coherence.

This allows future expansions to be smoothly “plugged in” without disrupting campus life, ensuring architectural continuity and controlled growth aligned with demand and resources.

8. Material Strategy and Durability

Material choices are guided by durability, sustainability, and low maintenance.

The project favors the use of exposed concrete with minimal or no added finishes, ensuring:

• long-term resistance

• reduced maintenance costs

• architectural honesty and clarity

The materiality reinforces the campus’s relationship with the land, expressing permanence, sobriety, and resilience within the agricultural context of the Beqaa Valley.

On 29 April 2026, AKL Architects announced the masterplan contract, reported approval by BAU’s Board and President and stated that design was beginning. The announcement describes a car-free layout and 86% of the site retained as open green landscape. This dated evidence establishes a recent development commitment. The source presents the design phase; it does not announce construction completion or a sustainability certificate.

Evidence: AKL Architects masterplan contract announcement (29 April 2026, date recorded in the original page metadata)

Recent delivery and expertise supporting sustainable buildings

Implemented renewable energy in Beirut

The study Towards Energy Sustainability in University Campuses A Case Study of Beirut Arab University, published on 8 May 2023, documents implementation of a roof-mounted solar system at Beirut Campus, coupled with existing diesel generators. The implementation section includes photographs of the array and inverters and a controller reading from December 2022. It provides concrete evidence of a delivered energy project. It concerns existing campus energy infrastructure and supplies no whole-building sustainability certification for a new building.

Evidence: Original 2023 study in Sustainability (section 4, PDF pages 12 to 14, Figures 17 to 19)

A specialized control system is used to turn the generators on and off properly, based on both the changes in the load and the power generated by the solar system. This system, as shown in Figure 16, is placed inside a metal compartment to protect it from external factors and interference.

Reported infrastructure improvements in 2025

BAU’s 2025 SDG 9 report, hosted by the International Association of Universities, reports Beirut solar capacity rising from 310 kW to 435 kW through maintenance and optimisation, LED replacement progress and an artificial lake storing rainwater for irrigation at Debbieh. It also identifies end-2026 targets for solar systems at Debbieh and Bekaa and wider LED coverage. These targets should retain their planned status until completion is documented. The report supports resource-efficient campus operations, while providing no certificate or named new-building assessment scheme.

Evidence: BAU 2025 infrastructure report hosted by IAU (PDF page 1, Campus Sustainability Initiatives)

Research on building codes and LEED in 2024

BAU’s 2024 to 2025 publication record includes a study of building energy code enforcement in Tripoli. It examines municipal permitting and recommends design integration, inspections and compliance checks. This establishes research expertise in implementation of standards, without demonstrating that BAU’s own new buildings passed those checks.

Evidence: BAU original record of the building energy code study (abstract and DOI 10.37868/hsd.v6i2.675)

A separate 2024 BAU engineering paper develops a LEED-oriented strategy for the Lodge in the Green resort project. The case concerns a resort, and the authors’ assessed points are not a GBCI certificate for a university building. Its appropriate role here is supporting evidence of technical capacity.

Evidence: BAU Journal original 2024 resort certification research (Volume 5, issue 2, article 6)

Sustainability design education in March 2024

The Faculty of Architecture’s Sustainability Day on 6 March 2024 addressed RIBA-related design approaches, sustainable housing, green building fire safety, zero-energy houses and site selection. It demonstrates education and practical discussion. RIBA-related teaching and academic accreditation should be distinguished from environmental certification of campus construction.

Evidence: BAU original Sustainability Day event record (6 March 2024)

The Faculty of Architecture Design and Built Environment s Sustainability Day on March 6th packed a powerful punch

The Faculty of Architecture, Design and Built Environment's "Sustainability Day" on March 6th packed a powerful punch. From Dr. Mona Salem's intro to UN SDGs, along with practical methods for integrating them into projects using RIBA standards, followed by Dr. Samer Al Sayary's dive into sustainable housing. Mr. Abu Shaqra tackled green building fire safety, and Dr. Maged Youssef capped off the lectures with insights into Lord Norman Foster's sustainable strategies. The day didn't end there – an interactive discussion, a student vision board for a sustainable city, and workshops on zero-energy houses (led by Dr. Al Sayary) and eco-friendly location selection (led by Dr. Mona Salem) provided hands-on learning. Professor Dr. Abdel Salam's closing message sent students off with a powerful call to action: build a balanced and sustainable future.