Sustainable Building Standards

Building to Sustainable Standards

An-Najah National University is committed to designing, constructing and renovating its buildings to recognised sustainability standards. All new buildings and renovations at the University follow the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024, the national guideline for green buildings in Palestine, so that University facilities use energy and water efficiently, rely increasingly on renewable energy and keep their environmental impact to a minimum. This commitment is a central part of the University’s pathway to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2028.

The national standard we follow

The Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024 sets out the national requirements and best practices for green building design and construction in Palestine, covering energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality and site design. The University has adopted this guideline as the mandatory standard for all its construction and renovation projects.

• Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024 (English): https://www.paleng.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/GBGP-en-2024.pdf

• Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024 (Arabic): https://www.paleng.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/GBGP-ar-2024.pdf

A policy commitment

The University’s commitment to sustainable building is set out in its official policies:

• Sustainable Energy Policy: requires that all new constructions and renovations comply with the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024, integrating high-performance building envelopes, energy-efficient lighting, efficient HVAC systems and smart energy management, and commits the University to low-carbon and zero-carbon emissions across all its projects. https://www.najah.edu/en/about/policies/sustainable-energy-policy/

• Water Policy: requires all future constructions to adhere to green building standards and explores greywater reuse for irrigation and landscaping, mainly in new buildings. https://www.najah.edu/en/about/policies/water-policy/

• Water Reuse and Conservation Policy: requires all new and renovated buildings to meet the Palestine Green Building Guideline and to incorporate water reuse technologies. https://www.najah.edu/en/about/policies/water-reuse-and-conservation-policy/

• Purchasing Policy: supports green building practices by prioritising sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient systems in University procurement. https://www.najah.edu/en/about/policies/purchasing-policy/

What sustainable building means at An-Najah

In line with the national guideline and its policies, the University’s new and renovated buildings integrate:

• High-performance building envelopes and thermal insulation that reduce heating and cooling demand.

• Energy-efficient lighting, efficient HVAC systems and smart energy management.

• Renewable energy, particularly solar power, alongside other low- and zero-carbon technologies.

• Water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse for irrigation.

• Sustainable and locally sourced construction materials.

• Drought-tolerant landscaping with native plant species.

Who ensures compliance

Compliance with the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024 is ensured jointly by the University’s Construction Department, Facilities Management, the Office of the University Architect, the Sustainability Office and the Procurement Department. Together, they ensure that every new build and renovation meets the guideline, monitor energy consumption across campus facilities and integrate low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies into new and existing buildings.

Measuring our progress

The University conducts annual greenhouse gas assessments covering Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, to track the impact of its buildings and operations on the way to Net Zero 2028. https://www.najah.edu/en/about/sustainability/carbon-emissions-reporting/

Building knowledge for a greener future

Beyond its own campuses, the University prepares the next generation of professionals in sustainable construction. Its BA in Architectural Engineering emphasises sustainable building design and climate-responsive architecture, and its MSc in Sustainability and Building Technology specialises in green building certification, energy modelling, sustainable materials and low-carbon construction. University students also take part in events organised by the Palestine Green Building Council, such as the “Steps Toward Sustainability” conference and exhibition.