Sustainable Energy Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is committed to integrating sustainability and energy efficiency into all aspects of campus operations, particularly in the construction and renovation of its buildings. In alignment with the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024, the University aims to lead the way in sustainable design and low-carbon development, with a firm commitment to achieving low-carbon and zero-carbon emissions across all university projects. Additionally, the University seeks to promote responsible investment strategies, prioritizing partnerships with industries that focus on low carbon-intensive energy sources, while phasing out reliance on fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

1. Ensure that all renovations and new constructions at An-Najah National University comply with the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024 to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
2. Commit the University to a path toward low-carbon and zero-carbon emissions, reducing its environmental impact while promoting a sustainable future.
3. Encourage investments in low-carbon technologies and industries, minimizing the University’s dependence on high carbon-intensive energy sources, particularly coal and oil.
4. Foster a culture of sustainability within the University community through the implementation of energy-efficient practices, awareness campaigns, and environmentally responsible decision-making.

 

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All new buildings and renovation projects undertaken by An-Najah National University.
• The planning, design, construction, and operation of university facilities.
• The procurement and investment decisions related to energy use and building materials.
• The management of energy consumption across the University, including operational efficiency and resource optimization.

 

Principles

1. Energy Efficiency Standards Compliance
   All renovations and new builds will adhere to the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024, which emphasizes the integration of energy efficiency measures such as high-performance building envelopes, energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and smart energy management systems.
2. Low-Carbon and Zero-Carbon Commitment
   The University is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by transitioning toward low-carbon and zero-carbon energy sources in line with global and national sustainability targets. This includes adopting renewable energy solutions such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, and implementing low-emission building systems.
3. Reduction of Carbon-Intensive Energy Use
   An-Najah National University will actively work to reduce reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources like coal and oil. The University will phase out carbon-heavy energy investments and operations and replace them with low-carbon alternatives, in alignment with national and international best practices.
4. Sustainable Procurement and Investment
   The University will prioritize procuring materials and services from suppliers that demonstrate a clear commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. Investment decisions will be guided by principles of environmental responsibility, with a focus on supporting low-carbon industries and renewable energy initiatives.
5. Design Integration for New and Renovated Buildings
   All new construction and renovation projects must incorporate energy-efficient design elements from the earliest stages of planning. These projects must seek to optimize natural light, ventilation, and incorporate technologies that minimize energy use. Projects must also include provisions for the integration of renewable energy sources whenever feasible.
6. Environmental Impact Mitigation
   The University will actively monitor and minimize the environmental impact of its construction and operational activities, particularly focusing on reducing harmful emissions and enhancing the energy performance of buildings.
7. Commitment to Education and Awareness

The University is dedicated to increasing energy awareness within the campus community by integrating sustainability topics into curricula, organizing workshops, and providing resources to promote energy-efficient behaviors among students, faculty, and staff.

8. Collaboration and External Engagement

The University will actively collaborate with government bodies, including the Palestinian Energy & Natural Resources Authority, and international organizations to advance sustainable energy initiatives. An-Najah will also participate in public-private partnerships to foster innovation in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies.

 

Responsibilities

The implementation of this policy will be led by the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Research Unit, in collaboration with:

• Engineering and Construction Department
• Facilities Management
• Office of the University Architect
• Sustainability Office Team
• Procurement Department

These teams will work together to:

• Ensure compliance with the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024 for all new builds and renovations.
• Monitor energy consumption across campus facilities and propose strategies for improving energy performance.
• Explore and integrate low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies in both existing and new campus infrastructures.
• Regularly review and update operational procedures to support continuous improvement in energy management.

 

Monitoring and Reporting

The University will implement a rigorous monitoring system to track energy consumption and carbon emissions. This system will be maintained by the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Research Unit, which will generate annual reports on the University’s energy performance, carbon footprint, and progress toward low-carbon and zero-carbon goals. These reports will include:

• Energy consumption data from all university buildings.
• Carbon emissions reduction progress in comparison to set targets.
• Renewable energy utilization rates.
• Energy efficiency gains achieved through renovations and new builds.

 

Conclusion

An-Najah National University is committed to achieving excellence in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on low-carbon and zero-carbon emissions. By adhering to the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024, prioritizing renewable energy, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the University will continue to serve as a model for responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Related Policies:

• Sustainability - Climate Action Policy
• Climate Action Plan for An-Najah National University
• Environmental Policy
• Sustainable Investment Policy

Effective Date: October 12, 2016

Review Date: Jun 17, 2024