Sustainable Energy Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is committed to energy efficiency, responsible resource use, and reducing the environmental impact of its buildings and operations. All University new builds and renovations must follow the applicable energy efficiency provisions of the Palestine Green Building Guideline, second edition (2025). Energy performance shall be considered throughout planning, design, procurement, construction, renovation, and operation.

The University also supports the use of renewable energy, the reduction of carbon emissions, and investment and procurement decisions that advance a lower-carbon future.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

1. Ensure that all new buildings and renovations follow applicable energy efficiency standards.

2. Improve the energy performance of existing University buildings.

3. Integrate energy efficiency and, where feasible, renewable energy into building projects.

4. Define responsibilities for applying and checking energy efficiency requirements.

5. Support continuous improvement through monitoring and reporting.

Scope

This policy applies to all University-managed buildings and facilities and to all new construction and renovation projects undertaken by the University. It covers project planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance. Its requirements apply to University departments and to consultants, contractors, and suppliers engaged in relevant projects.

For a renovation affecting only part of a building, the applicable requirements shall be addressed for the building elements or systems within the project’s scope.

Energy Efficiency Standard

The University adopts the Palestine Green Building Guideline, second edition (2024), issued by the Palestinian Engineers Association and the Palestine Higher Green Building Council, as its principal reference for sustainable building design. In particular, projects shall address the relevant provisions of Chapter 4: Energy Efficiency, including building energy planning, minimum energy performance, building envelope design, efficient equipment and systems, renewable energy, and energy simulation where applicable. Any additional applicable building requirements shall also be observed. (www.paleng.org)

Where an additional recognized standard is used for a project, the project documents shall identify the standard, its edition, and the requirements applied.

Requirements for New Buildings and Renovations

Planning and Design

Energy efficiency shall be incorporated from the earliest practical stage of each project. Designs shall consider the applicable measures in the Palestine Green Building Guideline, including:

• Building orientation, shading, natural lighting, and ventilation.

• The thermal performance of roofs, walls, windows, and other building envelope elements.

• Energy-efficient lighting and appropriate controls.

• Efficient heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and other energy-consuming systems.

• Opportunities to incorporate renewable energy and monitor building energy use.

The project team shall identify the guideline provisions relevant to the project and show how they have been addressed in the design.

Procurement and Construction

Applicable energy performance requirements shall be included in project specifications and procurement documents. Changes or substitutions that could affect energy performance shall be reviewed against the approved requirements before acceptance.

Completion and Operation

Before handover, the responsible project team shall document the energy efficiency measures installed and complete the relevant checks of energy-consuming systems. Facilities Management shall receive the information needed to operate and maintain these systems efficiently.

Existing Buildings and Energy Management

The University shall monitor energy consumption across its facilities and use the findings to identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve building performance. Energy efficiency shall be considered when planning maintenance, equipment replacement, and future renovations.

The University will promote energy-conscious practices among students, faculty, staff, and building operators through appropriate information, training, and awareness activities.

Renewable Energy and Carbon Reduction

The University shall consider renewable energy and low-emission technologies in new buildings and renovations where technically and financially feasible. It shall monitor energy use and related emissions to inform its climate action efforts and progress toward low-carbon and zero-carbon operations.

Procurement and investment decisions related to energy shall be guided by the University’s applicable sustainability, procurement, and investment policies, with preference given to energy-efficient and lower-carbon solutions where appropriate.

Responsibilities

The Energy, Environment and Climate Change Research Unit shall coordinate implementation and review of this policy in collaboration with the:

• Engineering and Construction Department;

• Facilities Management;

• Office of the University Architect;

• Sustainability Office Team; and

• Procurement Department.

These units shall work together to incorporate the applicable energy efficiency requirements into building projects, review compliance at relevant project stages, monitor building energy performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Monitoring and Records

For each new building or relevant renovation, the responsible units shall retain a record of the project scope, the energy efficiency requirements applied, the measures included in the approved design, and the relevant completion checks.

The University shall use available energy data to report on building energy consumption, renewable energy use, carbon emissions, and improvements achieved through new construction and renovations. Public examples of project implementation may be published after the underlying information has been verified.

Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed periodically and when relevant standards or University requirements change. Each formal review shall be recorded with its actual date, and any approved revision shall be published on the University’s policy website.

Related Policies

• Sustainability and Climate Action Policy

• Climate Action Plan for An-Najah National University

• Environmental Policy

• Sustainable Investment Policy

• Sustainable Procurement and Purchasing Policy

Effective Date: 12 October 2021
Review Date: 17 June 2025