SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable development has become a flagship of development in Jordan. Such development offers an opportunity to create environmentally efficient built environment by using an integrated approach to design so that the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants is reduced. It uses energy and water efficiently; as it is constructed from sustainable materials that are renewable resources - can be reused or have been recycled; applies efficient systems and creates a healthy, comfortable and attractive indoor environment. Sustainability relates to a set of concepts other than environmental performance; it considers environmental, social and economic-, and requires thinking long-term and assuming responsibility to the future. Sustainable development is one of the most important opportunities for improvement; so the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Plan of Implementation suggested that governments are required to implement sustainable development. Therefore, sustainability has become a priority area for research in Jordan. Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) sustainable development programme aims to establish a roadmap towards a green built environment, which will promote sustainable growth in Jordan.

AL-Ahliyya Amman University is a leading, internationally recognized higher education institution whose core business is the generation and spreading of knowledge. As a higher education institution, we are committed to making a positive impact through responsible sustainability performance. We transform our own university to be both prosperous and sustainable, and to produce new generations of graduates and staff that are ambassadors of positive social and environmental change. AAU Sustainability Policy supports the delivery of our Strategic Plan (2019-2023) and applies to all activities and services carried out by AL-Ahliyya Amman University, across our campus we will involve sustainability principles into our operations, wherever applicable and possible. Furthermore, AAU will work with its partners and other institutions to adopt a policy in accordance with the commitments laid out within this Sustainability Policy.

Vision of the programme

AL-Ahliyya Amman University aspires to achieve the highest possible standards of sustainability on its campus and in its daily activities through its academic practices, operational activities, and by its outreach strategies.

Mission of the programme

The Mission of this programme is to express AAU’s commitment to advancing its sustainability ambitions as an organization that models institution-wide excellence by embedding sustainability principles and practices throughout learning and teaching, research and operational activities.

Goals of the programme

1. Engage the university in sustainability matters.
2. Sustain our commitment to effective learning and active research
3. Maintain that the students and their well-being is a core value in our university.
4. Consider that staff members are crucial and it is important to support them to excel.
5. Consider our sustainability activities with an international and global perspective.
6. Focus on quality.
7. Value diversity and promote equality.

Action plan for AAU sustainable program

The AAU programme aims to facilitate sustainable development objectives- whether social, ecological, or economical- in Jordan and provide public recognition of AAU for leadership in sustainability. This concept introduces a methodology consists of four main components. These are technical procedure, capacity building, public awareness and joint projects. Under each of the components is a list of objectives relating to that component.


Context


Al-Ahliyya Amman University is located between the capital Amman and the city of Al-Salt in a Mediterranean climate. The campus has a suburban setting, with an area of 185,000 m². Accademic Activties Occupy around 100,000 m². Additionally, the total main campus building footprint is around 22,476 m². The total number of regular students (part time and full time) is 5828. Furthermore, the number of academic and administrative staff is 646. Regarding finances, the university has a budget of around $31,664,714.

1. Setting And infrastructure

The total area on campus covered in forest vegetation exceeds 35% of its total area.
- Total area on campus covered in planted vegetation is around 15000m²
- Percentage of University budget for sustainability efforts within a year is between 5-10%

2. Energy And Climate Change

Courtyards:
Courtyards which ​enhances social integration between students and acts as a ventilation for the buildings surrounded.
Green Belt:
Trees surrounding the university's campus in order to minimize the flaws and the dust of the un-favored wind through filtration, cooling the wind breeze while being used as a shadow source for students to walk under it on sunny days, and it operates as an isolation from the cars nearby.
Solar Panels:
The university has a solar power plant that generates more than 1500 kw of electricity.
Smart Features:
• 100% of lighting fixtures installed in the campus are LED lights.
• Smart features include smart identification cards for students entrance through smart gates.
• Smart card readers on lecture halls doors.
• Smart stickers for staff cars which allows them to enter the campus.
• Presence sensors in lecture halls.
• Indoor/Outdoor surveillance cameras installed all around the university.

3. Waste Management

At the AAU campus, There are many programs followed in waste treatment such as:
• Recycling Program for University Waste
• Program to Reduce the Use of Paper and Plastic on Campus
• Organic Waste Treatment
• Inorganic Waste Treatment
• Toxic Waste Treatment
• Sewage Disposal

Click To Read policy

4. Water Management

• Conserving more than 75% of water, through water conservation program implementation.
• Recycling more than 75% of water, through water recycling program implementation.
• Installation of more than 60% of water efficient fixtures.
• More than 75% of treated water is consumed.

5. Transportation

• A shuttle service is provided by University, regular, and free.
• Zero Emission Vehicles are available, but not provided by university.
• Bus service as an initiative to decrease private vehicles in campus.
• Pedestrian paths are available in campus.
• Number of buses :- (2) buses , each bus has a round every 30 minutes.
• Number of students subscribed in the bus service 2018/2019 :-
- First Semester (650) students.
- Second Semester (500) students.
- Summer Semester (200) students.
• Number of Employees subscribed in the bus service 2018/2019 is (55).

6. Education And Research

• Funds dedicated towards sustainability research in 2018/2019 140,000 $ :
• Number of courses with sustainability principles embedded within it : (32) course.
• Several events related to sustainability held in campus.

GALLERY

EVENTS

Formal Introduction To AAU Sustainable Programme

  • Teaching And Learning Center
  • 30 November 2019

You are cordially invited to attend the lecture on "Formal Introduction To AAU Sustainable Programme" in Nizar Qabbani Auditorium @ 10.30 AM organised by Teaching And Learning Center.

What Does Sustainability Mean To You?

  • Department of Architecture
  • 15 December 2019

You are cordially invited to attend the lecture on "What Does Sustainability Mean To You?" in HEC Center @ 11.00 AM organised by Department of Architecture.

How To Be Sustainable?

  • Department of Architecture
  • 16 March 2020

You are cordially invited to attend the lecture on "What Does Sustainability Mean To You?" in HEC Center @ 11.00 AM organised by Department of Architecture..

Sustainability Course List


University Selective Courses


No
Course title
Description
1
Environmental and Public Safety
The concept of the environment, its laws and relation to other sciences, primary and secondary components, cycle of elements in the natural environment, environmental problems, pollution of the environment, the problem of the depletion of environmental resources, principles of public health and diseases: the concept of public health, pathogens, viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, insects. The environment and pathology: organic, genetic, reproductive and psychological pathology. Nutrition and public health: types of food, malnutrition diseases, undesirable eating habits. The environment and public health from an Islamic perspective: Quranic verses and sayings of the Prophet.

Faculty of Engineering - Civil Engineering


No
Course title
Description
2
Transportation Engineering
Introduction to transport and transportation engineering; types passenger and freight transportation; transportation systems and elements) highway, railway, airport and harbours); design criteria for transportation systems; traffic flow theory and queuing theory; introduction to capacity analysis and quality of service; logistic in transportation; transportation environmental impact; introduction to transportation planning.

3
Environmental and Sanitary Engineering
Definitions of the environmental engineering concepts; Pollution sources and types; Pollution prevention; Air pollution, sources and causes; Principles of water chemistry and Microbiology; Design of water distribution systems; Drinking water treatment; Wastewater characteristics and treatment. Contemporary issues.

4
Treatment of Liquid and Solid Wastes
Wastewater conveyance systems; Design of sewers; Wastewater management; Advanced wastewater treatment and reuse; Sources, types, and composition of solid wastes; sanitary landfills; landfill techniques for domestic, industrial, and hazardous wastes; landfill rehabilitation. Contemporary issues.

5
Public Transportation Engineering
Role of public transportation; urban public passenger modes; transport network types; methods of estimating public transportation demand; public transport facility capacity and quality of service; network and route planning and design; terminal design.

6
Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation
Introduction to pavement maintenance management process; pavement networks definitions and classifications; pavement distress evaluation and rating procedure; Pavement testing types (destructive and non-destructive tests); pavement condition forecasting; overview of maintenance and rehabilitation techniques; network level management; project level management; computer applications in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation.

7
Water Resources
Hydrologic and hydraulic design concepts for water resources systems; Functions and design of hydraulic structures; Storm water systems design; Groundwater occurrences and Darcy's law; Equations of groundwater flow; Well hydraulics; Flow in confined and unconfined aquifers; Engineering economy concepts in planning and management of water resources systems; Computer applications in water resources; Contemporary issues.

8
Irrigation, Drainage, and Dam Engineering
Sources of irrigation water; Long term storage; Design of dams and reservoirs; Design of irrigation structures and drainage canals; Design of culverts and measurement structures; Contemporary issues

Faculty of Engineering - Electronics & Communications Engineering


No
Course title
Description
9
Power & Power Electronics Lab.
This course teaches how to work with high voltage power elements and power electronics components.

Faculty of Engineering - Electrical Engineering


No
Course title
Description
10
Design of Lighting and Electrical Installations
Residential and Commercial building wiring: blueprint reading, branch circuit and feeder installations, service entrance installations; Lighting: Illumination basic concepts, parameters and units, types and characteristics of lamps and luminaries, Indoor lighting design and public road lighting design; Low-voltage installations with TT earthling system of panels and boards; Single line diagram electrical safety; Special electrical installations: Fire alarm systems, Closed-Circuit Television.

11
Design of Lighting and Electrical Installations Lab.
Identify structural equipment; Training on domestic and industrial installations; Fault detection; safety systems and electrical protection installations; phone system for the entrances of buildings combinations; Fire alarm systems; Closed-Circuit Television; Lighting design and evaluation of lighting devices combinations.

12
Renewable Energy Systems
Conventional and renewable energy sources; Possible approaches for conversion of sunlight into electricity; Statistics on world installations of renewable energy systems and costs; Environmental considerations; Wind turbines (WTs) and Wind characteristics: Types of WTs, Power in the wind, Impact of tower height, Maximum rotor efficiency, Average power in the wind; WT generators: Review of induction generators, Fixed- and Variable-speed WTs, Types of Control systems, Typical wind generation configurations, Estimates of produced electrical energy, WT power curve, WT economics, Environmental impacts of WTs; Solar radiation: Properties of light, Solar Radiation in Space and the Earth's Surface, Solar angles, solar radiation measurements, calculation of average monthly insolation on a tilted surface, Peak Sun Hours; Physics and electrical characteristics of solar PV Cells: Basic semiconductor physics, Equivalent circuit for a solar cell, The I–V curve under STC, Bypass diodes and blocking diodes, Types of PV cells; Grid-connected PV systems: Principal components, Configurations of inverters and PV arrays, Interfacing with the Utility, DC and AC rated power, STC efficiency of PV module or array, Estimating PV energy production, PV System sizing (Design), PV System economics; Computer applications to all studied topics using Matlab.

13
Distributed Generation and Smart Grids
Traditional and new concepts of power systems; Possible benefits and drawbacks of Distributed Generation; DG definitions; Types of DG; Interface with the grid; Point of common coupling (PCC); Hosting capacity of DG; Impact of DG on power flow: Steady state voltage rise, Voltage profile for multi-bus radial feeder, Methods for steady state voltage regulation, Estimation of hosting capacity, Evaluation criteria, Power losses; DG impact on hosting grid under fault conditions: DG impact on balanced fault levels, DG impact on unbalanced fault levels, Behaviour of DGs under fault conditions; Power Quality in presence of DG: Long duration voltage variation, Short duration voltage variation, Harmonics, Harmonic producers, Individual and total harmonic Distortion, Effect of harmonics on power system components; DG and Smart Grids: Definitions, Structure, Advantages, Smart grids worldwide, Microgrids, Smart grids and information technology; Computer applications to all studied topics using Matlab. Prerequisite: 0875318 Renewable Energy Systems.

Faculty of Engineering - Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Master Program Course


No
Course title
Description
14
Fundamentals of ITS
This course will provide the basic knowledge regarding the definition of ITS, function, impacts, benefits and challenges, ITS architecture, the historical development of ITS from policy and market economic perspectives. Also, it will cover the different applications of ITS and Advanced Traffic Management and Traveller Information, vehicle location and route navigation and guidance concepts, traffic and incident management, planning and human factor issues for ITS. The course will also cover ITS and road safety in addition to environmental issues related to ITS.

15
Road Traffic Flow and Control
This course will cover the topics of traffic flow theory, mathematical modelling of traffic, deterministic and probabilistic relations, queuing theory, arrival analysis, traffic delay models, traffic stream shockwaves, gap acceptance models, traffic signals, traffic control measures, traffic signal timing plans.

16
Traffic Modelling and Simulation
This course will provide students with the basics of transportation modelling and simulation. It will cover theory for car-following, lane-changing, speed adaptation, Microscopic, Mesoscopic and Macroscopic traffic simulation approaches, the mathematical simulation framework, Network Supply Models, computer simulation techniques, O-D estimation, cell transmission models. It will also cover on-line simulation and simulation based optimization, calibration and validation of traffic simulation models, and the applications of traffic simulation models.

17
ITS Architecture and Standards
This course will cover the topics of introduction to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), architecture and standards for selected ITS subsystems, such as a connected vehicle, automated driving, and security.

18
Analytical Techniques in Transportation Engineering
This course will cover the topics of introduction to transportation systems analysis, experimental design, analysis of variance, probability models, regression analysis, representation of transportation problems, discrete choice analysis

19
(Advanced) Transportation Planning
This course will cover the topics of fundamentals of transport systems, introduction to transportation planning, transportation planning and decision making, characteristics of urban travel, data availability and travel surveys, travel demand analysis, introduction to traffic flow theory and simulation approaches, introduction to transportation network models, prediction of origin to destination flows, users' response to ITS and applications for real-time systems. In addition, this course will address the topics of transport policy and multi-modal transport studies, intermodal integration planning, accessibility and mobility planning.

20
Communication Systems in ITS
This course will provide a summary of the components and functions of automotive sensors and mobile communications systems. It will cover an overview of RADAR sensor technology, radio channel modelling, smart antenna, medium access control, routing protocol, data dissemination, handover, security, mesh networking, road traffic estimation, and location-based services.

21
GIS Applications in ITS
This course will provide the required background related to the geographic information technology and the application of geo-informatics in transportation engineering. It will cover the topics of basic concepts of GIS, RS, GPS, and land-use and transportation data, Cartography, Coordinate & Reference systems, map generation and analysis, transportation network development and algorithms, in addition to transportation models and their applications in GIS.

22
Traffic Safety
This course will cover the following topics in detail; accident definition and types, accident cost, factors affecting road accidents, roadway safety appraisal techniques, road safety measures, accident data collection, roadway design standards, traffic education, and law enforcement, before and after studies.

Faculty of Law


No
Course title
Description
23
Environmental law
This course focuses on : fundamental objective which is to study the preservation laws of the environment , as the physical environment in which human live, including water, air and space, soil and living organisms , and various industrial facilities established to satisfy human needs ; And in this course we examine the legal rules established by the legislator to prevent any human behaviour that would endanger public health as a result of pollution of the environment surrounding citizens , such as factory waste and trespassing on agricultural land or causing to be less produced in addition to reducing noise pollution or cutting forests and trees ; This course shows the opinion of Islamic law from environmental pollution , and environmental laws in Jordan with the study of regulations and instructions issued there under ; The course presents the liability , aiming to protect all different kinds of environment from pollution.

Faculty of Architecture and Design - Architecture


No
Course title
Description
24
Environmental Control
This course focuses on : fundamental objective which is to study the preservation laws of the environment , as the physical environment in which human live, including water, air and space, soil and living organisms , and various industrial facilities established to satisfy human needs ; And in this course we examine the legal rules established by the legislator to prevent any human behaviour that would endanger public health as a result of pollution of the environment surrounding citizens , such as factory waste and trespassing on agricultural land or causing to be less produced in addition to reducing noise pollution or cutting forests and trees ; This course shows the opinion of Islamic law from environmental pollution , and environmental laws in Jordan with the study of regulations and instructions issued there under ; The course presents the liability , aiming to protect all different kinds of environment from pollution.

25
Landscape Architecture
The study of the elements and principles of coordination of sites; studying the Theoretical: coordinate systems of the sites; studying the plant species and forestation used in Jordan and its suitability and effectiveness for the proposed site, the urban furniture and the gardens. Practical : Research and analysis of different site design projects; selection of sites within the urban environment in Jordan, study of location and climate and its impact on the nature of the selection of elements of the site (trees and plants, site furniture, water bodies), specifying the function and activities of the project, presenting exercises and design projects.

26
Lighting & Acoustics
Theoretical: The main theoretical and applied principles of lighting and acoustics for architectural designed spaces, the technical aspects of natural and industrial lighting, their technical and architectural effects, the requirements of visual comfort, how to calculate the lighting required in interior and exterior architectural design spaces, and the selection of lighting units and their specifications, As well as study the most important design considerations for the vocal aspects, and study sound effects in some spaces of special use such as museums and theatres. different site design projects; selection of sites within the urban environment in Jordan, study of location and climate and its impact on the nature of the selection of elements of the site (trees and plants, site furniture, water bodies), specifying the function and activities of the project, presenting exercises and design projects.

27
Sustainable and Green Architecture
Theoretical: A comprehensive introduction to the history of sustainable architecture, its techniques and applications in the various elements of the built environment; Design strategies, environmental and social methods to be considered for the sustainability of sites and buildings; International and local applications of sustainable design methodology; Expansion of energy modelling and simulation systems for buildings. Practical: An application project for the principles of sustainability at the level of building or urban content, using building modelling and simulation programs.

28
Advanced Building Technology
Theoretical: New building materials; Modern building systems, construction technology for metal structures, wood structures; Advanced concrete structures, precast or prefabricated construction, and the role of the engineering sector and other sectors in developing new building materials.

Faculty of Architecture and Design - Interior Design


No
Course title
Description
29
Technology of Materials
PROPERTIES AND SPECIFICATIONS: Standards & Metrology Organizations, Natural Properties, Mechanical Properties, and Loads.

30
Lighting and Acoustics in Design
The physics of light: The Spectrum of Light, Daylight, Artificial Light, A Brief History of Architectural Lighting, Light Qualities & Features: Quantity of Light, Diffuse Light & Directed Light, Modelling, Brilliance, Glare, Luminous Colour & Colour Rendering, Terms & Units.

31
Behavioural sciences and environmental design
The Nature of Behavioural Sciences, The Nature of Environmental Design, Behavioural Sciences Problems & Concerns, Concepts of Praxis in Environmental Design, The Legacy of Modern Movement.

32
Environmental & Administrative Interior Design
Fundamentals of Interior design in administrative and office spaces, Emphasis on basic design, functional and expressional requirements, Office and/or Administrative Design project from initial client conference through final presentation, Professional presentation techniques, codes, symbols, energy conservation and problem solving are applied with an emphasis on design creativity.

33
Plants and Gardens in Interior Design
THE TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL SITE: Houses & Homes, Architectural Character; Outdoor Rooms, Outdoor Space; GARDENS HISTORY & MAJOR DESIGN STYLE: Formal, Cottage, Mediterranean Gardens, Modernist, Japanese, Foliage, Fusion, Productive, Family Gardens, Sustainable, Urban Gardens, Country Gardens, Concept Gardens.


Students Sustainability Clubs


  1. Greenhouse Learning Community - The Greenhouse Learning Community for students who are passionate about the relationship between people and nature. Students explore ways in which we can all use fewer natural resources and learn how to become agents of change for a more sustainable society.
  2. Jordan Culture and Heritage Innovation Club - has formed to provide information's and insights about Jordan Rich Cultural Heritage from the history.
  3. Beginning Farmers Network - that works on urban agriculture initiatives to grow food on campus and provide students and community members with space and opportunities to learn.
  4. Environmental Education Club - is open to all students that have a passion for the environment. This club aims to educate students about environmental issues, inspire them to pursue issue they care about, and serve the community through local environmental service projects.
  5. GoGreen Club - which is dedicated to spread awareness among the people regarding conservation and protection of the environment by organizing green events.
  6. Sustainable Food Club - to educate more students about the sustainable food and sustainable living.
  7. Sustainability Network Club - is to provide professional development, education, and community engagement related to the three pillars of sustainability: the environment, the economy, and social equity.


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