Energy-Efficient Buildings Policy

Policy ensuring that all new constructions and renovations comply with energy efficiency standards.

Introduction

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) implements a comprehensive Energy-Efficient Buildings Policy that ensures all new constructions, renovations, and facility upgrades adhere to advanced sustainability and clean-energy standards. The policy is fully aligned with SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy and supports the University’s strategic transition toward a zero-carbon, fully renewable-powered campus.

Energy efficiency is embedded into every stage of AAU’s infrastructure planning, including architectural design, engineering development, material selection, heating and cooling systems, water-use mechanisms, lighting frameworks, and building-automation technologies. All campus buildings are equipped with smart-energy features such as LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, natural daylighting strategies, zonal and automated lighting controls, air-quality monitoring, occupancy sensors, and seamless integration with renewable-energy systems.

The policy operates in full synergy with other core sustainability frameworks, including:

Energy Efficiency Standards for New Builds & Renovations Procedure

Carbon Management and Emissions Reduction Policy

Sustainable Building & Campus Planning Policy

Water Consumption & Efficiency Policies

Together, these instruments ensure that AAU’s built environment achieves exceptional performance in energy conservation, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability, reinforcing the University’s leadership in clean-energy transformation.

Centers and Departments

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01Sustainability and International Ranking Center (SIRC)

The Sustainability and International Ranking Center leads AAU’s clean-energy initiatives, smart-building programs, carbon-neutrality strategy, and SDG reporting. It is the primary unit overseeing renewable-energy achievements and compliance with UI GreenMetric and THE Impact criteria.

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02Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research (HCASR

HCASR supports applied research in solar photovoltaic systems, wind-energy integration, hydropower applications, and energy-efficient building technologies. It provides laboratories, equipment, and scientific expertise for clean-energy innovation.

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03Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)

The CIE fosters low-carbon entrepreneurship and supports startups focused on renewable energy, sustainable technologies, electric-vehicle innovation, and smart-energy solutions. The center engages students and researchers in developing clean-tech prototypes.

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04Computer Center

The Computer Center provides digital infrastructure for smart-building systems, IoT-based energy monitoring, predictive-analytics dashboards, and automation tools that enhance campus energy efficiency.

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05Faculty of Architecture and Design

This faculty integrates green-building design, daylighting optimization, passive cooling strategies, and sustainable construction techniques into teaching and research. It leads field visits to certified green buildings and supports the implementation of energy-efficient design standards.

Activities

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01MoU Between AAU and KIA Jordan – Electric Vehicle Education

AAU signed a major MoU with KIA Jordan to enhance practical education in electric-vehicle technologies, promoting clean mobility and supporting the transition toward low-carbon transportation systems.

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02Women on the Green Path – National Workshop Participation

The Faculty of Architecture and Design participated in the “Women on the Green Path” national workshop, focusing on sustainable design, green energy awareness, and empowering women in sustainability-related fields.

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03Scientific Visit to the Green-Certified Ezzat Marji Building

AAU’s Department of Architecture organized a scientific visit to the Ezzat Marji Group building, accredited as a Green Building. The visit exposed students to real applications of energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible construction practices.

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04AAU Participates in the Entrepreneurship Forum ENGx 360

AAU took part in the 2025 ENGx 360 Entrepreneurship Forum, presenting innovative projects related to renewable energy, climate technology, and sustainable business solutions.

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05Engineering Students Win 3rd Place in Arab Water Week Competition

AAU engineering students achieved third place in the Jordanian Universities Water Competition during Arab Water Week, showcasing innovative solutions in water-energy nexus efficiency.

Impact Evaluation & Development Plan

Performance Evaluation

The Energy-Efficient Buildings Policy is fully documented and operational across all new constructions and renovations.
AAU’s campus buildings integrate smart-energy systems (LED, BMS, VRF, motion sensors, daylight harvesting, zonal lighting).
Renovations strictly follow the Energy Efficiency Standards Procedure, ensuring consistency across all facilities.
Renewable-energy readiness (PV rooftop integration) is included in all engineering designs.
The policy is publicly accessible, supporting full institutional transparency.
Compliance is overseen by the Engineering Department, Sustainability Center (SIRC), and the Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research.
All standards align with Jordanian construction codes and global sustainability benchmarks.

Development Actions

Action 1: Digitize and automate the building-efficiency compliance process (submission, review, approval). Action 2: Publish an annual Energy-Efficient Buildings Compliance Report detailing renovations, new buildings, and efficiency upgrades. Action 3: Conduct mandatory training workshops on green-building design, BMS optimization, and low-carbon construction methods. Action 4: Launch a digital platform enabling faculty, engineers, and students to contribute feedback to new building designs. Action 5: Introduce performance indicators to measure building energy savings, HVAC efficiency, lighting performance, and water-efficiency outcomes.
Benchmarking & Best Practice
Adopted Global Best Practices
- Aligned with ASHRAE, LEED, and UNEP sustainable building standards
- Integration of renewable energy in building design, matching IRENA recommendations
- Use of smart-building technologies consistent with international efficiency benchmarks
Localization to Jordan’s Context
- Compliant with Jordanian national building standards
- Supports the Ministry of Higher Education’s sustainability requirements
- Reinforces national clean-energy and zero-carbon goals
Future Goal (By 2028) AAU aims to achieve full energy-efficiency certification for all campus buildings and become the first Jordanian university with a fully smart, zero-energy-ready campus. Institutional Integration Summary Energy-Efficient Buildings Policy is fully integrated into AAU’s planning, construction, and facility-management culture. It guides engineering decisions, informs renovation projects, and ensures that each building contributes to energy reduction, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Through continuous review and advanced smart-building technologies, AAU guarantees that its infrastructure supports SDG7 and reinforces the University’s role as a national model in energy-efficient higher-education buildings.