Sustainable Building Standards (11.4.8)

Implementation of national or international green building standards for new constructions.

Introduction:

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) integrates national and international green building standards across all new construction, renovation, and campus development projects.
This commitment is embedded in the Sustainable Building and Campus Planning Policy and the Sustainable Building Standards Procedure, ensuring that AAU’s built environment aligns with global sustainability benchmarks and supports SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

AAU’s sustainable building framework focuses on:
• energy-efficient architectural design,
• low-carbon construction materials,
• renewable energy integration,
• water-efficient systems,
• indoor environmental quality,
• green landscaping,
• climate-responsive building orientation.

This approach allows AAU to build a healthier, more resilient, and environmentally responsible campus while contributing to Jordan’s national sustainability agenda.

Centers and Departments:

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1. General Supplies & Services Department

Oversees construction projects, building maintenance, implementation of campus planning policies, and alignment with sustainable design standards.

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2. Faculty of Architecture & Design

Provides expertise in green architecture, energy-efficient design, passive cooling, and sustainable materials through research and student projects.

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3. Sustainability & International Ranking Center (SIRC)

Monitors SDG11 building indicators, evaluates compliance with sustainability procedures, and supports reporting of carbon-neutral construction goals.

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4. Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research (HCASR)

Contributes applied research related to building materials, energy systems, water-use efficiency, and environmental performance testing.

Activities:

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1. Scientific Visit to “Ezzat Marji Group” Green-Certified Building

AAU students and faculty participated in an educational visit to a nationally recognized green building, learning about sustainable systems, certification requirements, and environmental performance.

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2. Faculty Participation in National Housing & Planning Study

AAU contributed to the national advisory study on "Decent Housing in Jordan," incorporating sustainable building principles into policy recommendations.

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3. Educational Visit to the Southern Corniche Walkway Project (Aqaba)

Students examined climate-responsive urban design, energy-efficient lighting, and pedestrian-friendly sustainable planning elements.

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4. AI-Based Design Workshops for Sustainable Building Modeling

Students used AI tools to model climate-responsive buildings, simulate energy performance, and create sustainable construction solutions.

Impact Evaluation & Development Plan

A. Performance Evaluation

Structured Assessment Tools

AAU evaluates buildings using:
• sustainable building compliance checklists,
• energy-performance audits,
• water-use efficiency assessments,
• BMS environmental monitoring,
• passive design performance criteria.

2. Annual Assessment Cycles

Each year, AAU reviews:
• energy consumption of buildings,
• renewable energy integration,
• adherence to green building design principles,
• indoor air quality and lighting levels,
• water conservation system performance

Quantitative & Qualitative Indicators

% of new buildings meeting sustainability standards,
• kWh saved from energy-efficient design,
• m³ water saved through efficient fixtures,
• CO₂ emissions avoided,
• qualitative feedback from building users.

B. Integration with Curriculum & Research

Green building principles are integrated into:
• architecture design studios,
• environmental design courses,
• materials engineering research,
• landscape and urban design modules,
• AI-based building simulation workshops.

C. Transparency & Public Reporting

Sustainable-building performance is reported through:
• AAU Sustainability Report 2024–2025
• SDG11 Executive Sustainability Report
• AAU Sustainability Portal

B. Development Actions

Action 1: Green Building Compliance Framework

Adopt a mandatory compliance standard for all future AAU projects.
Target: 100% compliance by 2027.

Action 2: Renewable-Energy Integrated Buildings

Install rooftop solar systems in new and renovated buildings.
Target: expand solar integration to all new buildings by 2026.

Action 3: Low-Carbon Building Materials Initiative

Pilot research-based adoption of low-carbon concrete, recycled materials, and sustainable composites.
Target: implement in at least 3 major projects by 2027.

Action 4: Adaptive Building Design for Climate Resilience

Integrate passive cooling, shading, and thermal control systems in all architectural projects.
Target: full integration by 2028.

Action 5: Smart Building Dashboard

Deploy a campus-wide digital dashboard for building energy and water performance.
Target: operational by 2026.

C. Benchmarking & Best Practice

AAU benchmarks its building standards against:
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – USA)
• BREEAM (UK Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
• Estidama Pearl Rating System (UAE)
• Jordan Green Building Guide (local)

Best Practices Adopted:
• energy-efficient mechanical/electrical systems
• passive cooling and lighting strategies
• water-efficient fixtures
• indoor environmental quality monitoring
• renewable-energy integration

Localized to Jordan’s Context:
Aligned with:
• Jordan National Green Building Guidelines
• Ministry of Public Works and Housing specifications
• AAU Sustainable Building Standards Procedure
https://www.ammanu.edu.jo/Sustainability/Files/Sustainable%20Building%20Standards%20Procedure.pdf

Institutional Integration Summary

AAU’s application of sustainable building standards is driven by collaborative work across the General Supplies Department, SIRC, Faculty of Architecture & Design, HCASR, and the Computer Center.
Through advanced design methods, research-driven improvements، and a campus-wide sustainability mandate, AAU ensures that every new structure contributes to a healthier, more efficient, and sustainable built environment strengthening the university’s position as a national leader in green construction and SDG11 implementation.