Bulding & co magazine no8 final (2)

GREEN

Internet of Things / “Hanging Garden” of Lebanon’s Central Bank / Green Building Design / Green Building Certifications / A New Integrated Climate Control / Planting in a Skin / Turn Your Rooftop Into a Power Plant /Environmental Responsibility, a Must for Every Event / Toward Green Restaurants

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Bui lding & Co | SEPTEMBER 2014 3

GREEN

Internet of Things / “Hanging Garden” of Lebanon’s Central Bank / Green Building Design / Green Building Certifications / A New Integrated Climate Control / Planting in a Skin / Turn Your Rooftop Into a Power Plant /Environmental Responsibility, a Must for Every Event / Toward Green Restaurants

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14 Contents

Cover:“When the earth was young and the air was sweetAnd the mountains kissed the skyIn the great beyond, with many pathsMan and nature lived side by side”

“Great Spirit” composed and performed by Phill Collins

Using the Internet of Thingsto Build an Energy Efficient Home

P. 6

The “Hanging Garden” of Lebanon’s Central Bank in Hamra

P. 10

Green Building Design, Then and Now

P. 14

Green Building Certifications

P. 20

A New Integrated Climate Control

P. 24

Planting in a Skin

P. 30

Turn Your Rooftop Into a Power Plant

P. 34

Environmental Responsibility,a Must for Every Event

P. 38

Towards Green Restaurants in Lebanon

P. 40

Project Lebanon 2014

P. 44

Construction Products

P. 46

Green Players in Lebanon

P. 48

Tribune Libre

P. 50

Photo © Michel El Esta

4 Bui lding & Co | SEPTEMBER 2014 Bui lding & Co | SEPTEMBER 2014 5

Editorial

Green Buildings Can Help Preserve the Environment for the Coming Generations

There are between 100 and 400 billion planets in the Milky Way galaxy.* Planet Earth is one of them.

In an era of global warming and limited resources, humanity must pool its efforts toward nurturing and sustaining the planet for the sake of future generations.

One way to achieve this is through green buildings. But what exactly is a “green building”? Is it a wall painted green? Or a building with some plants in flowerbeds? Or one with solar panels? Is it about adopting “green” as a label for marketing campaigns only?

No. Green buildings are buildings that are integrated to and harmonious with their contexts. They are buildings that take into account the movement of the sun, the flow of the wind, and daylight requirements. Green buildings are built with environment-friendly materials and address the spaces between them. They are buildings that are more comfortable to their occupants and consume less energy.

Plagued by political instability and economic stagnation, Lebanon has been unable to pass the necessary laws and regulations for environmental construction, laws that adopt or impose ecologically sound strategies in planning, architectural engineering design, and execution methods.

The pioneering task of alerting architects, engineers, and professionals in the building industry, as well as the general public, to the urgency of sustainable and climate responsive design and construction now lies on the shoulders of a small number of dedicated individuals of modest means. The vision of these individuals, coupled with the efforts of academic institutions and NGOs, such as the Lebanon Green Building Council, will become reality when the means become available.

Since the one consistent urgency should be safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable design, I invite architects and other professionals in the building industry to join in this noble mission and pave the way for an ecologically sensitive environment.

*(Cassan, A. et al. (January 11, 2012). Nature 481

Aram YeretzianPresident, Lebanon Green Building Council

General ManagerNassib Nasr

Managing EditorDaniella Mazraani Aizarani

PhotographerMichel El Esta

Layout & DesignEcho s.a.r.l.

Copy-EditorRani Geha

ConsultantAlec Ibrahim

PrintingHaroun Printing

Edition ApavePublished quarterly

Special Thanks ToAntoine Kaldany

Distributed byMEDIAREPTel/Fax: 961 1 495395www.mediarep.ws

We appreciate your comments:Please contact us. We need your input with any suggestions or comments at:[email protected]: +961-1-283072Fax: +961-1-295010Check the online vesion of the magazine on our website at: www.apaveliban.com


Using the Internet of Things

to Build an Energy Efficient Home

Antoine KaldanyChairman & CEO - Yel lob lue sa l


HVAC system is operating within acceptable parameters.In home automation, the power of IoT is in capturing data, analyzing it, and acting on it without human input.

There are other significant developments about the IoT and smarter homes. The Consumer Electronics Association recently approved a new standard (CEA-2047/CE-Energy Usage Information) that gives users a more detailed picture of device-specific energy consumption. Though not mandatory for CE device makers, the new standard sets up a framework for manufacturers to provide energy consumption data that could be fed to an energy management system or to an application and present it to consumers on TVs, PCs, or mobile devices. In essence, the standard enables devices to be energy self-aware and share that energy data with other devices. The new standard is also compatible with the Green Button initiative, an industry-led move to provide utility customers easier access to their energy consumption data.

Collecting consumption data and patterns will allow matching electricity demand to its supply, thereby minimizing cost while facilitating the safe incorporation of more variable suppliers onto the grid (such as solar energy sources). Management systems for in-home and in-building use will help consumers monitor their own usage and adjust their behavior. These systems will eventually auto-regulate by operating during off-peak hours and connect to sensors to monitor occupancy, lighting conditions, and more.

With all these applications, it’s easy to see how the IoT can lower your electricity bill. Furthermore, having smart homes would result in a smart grid that would optimize electricity production based on the data mentioned above. So beyond energy efficiency, IoT will have a major contribution throughout the energy production chain.

What could slow the Internet of Things?

The primary barrier to adopting IoT is finding applications with a clear return on investment. In cities, for instance, much of the infrastructure that can be instrumented with sensors is analog and thus expensive to upgrade. Also, the analytics that allow companies and cities to make sense of streams of data is complex and requires very specialized and rare data science skills. And as with any emerging technology, some IoT projects will succeed while others will fail. The technology and standards needed to ensure interoperability are relatively undeveloped compared to Web technologies or enterprise software systems.

Other barriers are the privacy and security issues associated with IoT. There’s also the concern that many connected devices, whether smart meters or medical equipment, may not be fully secure regarding personal data. The risk is that technology providers, in a rush to release products in a hot area, will neglect security and data privacy.

Imagine coming back home in the evening and your house wakes up. The garage door opens. The driveway gets lit. The window blinds are raised. And the alarm system is deactivated. This is not a futuristic dream. It’s already a reality and it’s called the Internet of Things.

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is all the buzz today. IoT is about devices interacting with each other, mainly home devices, with a particular emphasis on improving energy efficiency. Business Insider magazine estimates the number of connected devices worldwide at 1.9 billion and projects that this number will reach 9 billion by 2018.

Who are the main actors?

The blogosphere became very excited when Apple unveiled its HomeKit home automation software framework at the 2014 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). HomeKit is an underlying technology that enables users to connect in-home devices like light bulbs (Philips Hue), appliances (water heaters, dishwashers, fridges, etc.) and thermostats (Nest) with iPhones and iPads.

At the beginning 2014, Google bought Nest Labs, a company created and managed by Tony Fadell (a Lebanese-American known as the iPod’s grandfather). The $3,2 billion transaction signaled that IoT is more than a geek trend, but rather a tool with a promising future.

Nest is known for its innovative internet-connected thermostats, which enable users to remotely monitor their home energy usage. Google’s takeover convinced Nest to open its platform and enable third-party developers create software for its devices.

One of its more popular collaboration is with Mercedes to make your car’s GPS communicate your location to Nest so

that your home’s heating or cooling system turns on when you’re on your way home.

Starting July 2014, Nest channel was added to IFTTT platform. IFTTT (If This Then That) is a simple way to connect devices according to different scenarios. For instance, Nest sensors will instruct your Philips Hue bulbs to switch off when you’re away. In other words, If This (I am away) Then That (switch off the lightbulbs).

At the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Samsung introduced its platform “Smart Living and Beyond” service for home devices. The service allows you to whisper “going out” into your Galaxy Gear watch, which will trigger the “Away setup”: shutting down the AC, the lighting, and the washing machine.

In July 2014, Samsung and Nest created a low-powered radio network called Thread as a new standard for Smart Home to supplant Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.

How can IoT impact energy efficiency?

The above applications are useful but are only about using the IoT to do tasks remotely. They are largely binary, on or off. On the other hand, using computing intelligence to recognize a condition, interpret it, and act on it would allow in-home smart devices (such as water heaters, clothes dryers, dishwashers, fridges, etc.) to, for example, operate according to real-time electricity prices to lower the electricity bill. A smart thermostat would analyze outdoor and indoor conditions (temperature, humidity, and daylight) and instruct the raising or lowering of the blinds or sunscreens.

IoT can improve the performance and efficiency of residential HVAC systems. Inexpensive sensors can capture data about HVAC performance and ambient conditions. This data can be compared to a reference model from similar homes and systems to determine whether the

The internet of everything. (Source: BI Intelligence Estimates)

2004

2,000,000PCs

Smartphones

Tablets

Connected Cars

Wearables

Connected TVs

Internet of Things

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

18,000,000

2,000,000

20,000,000

Num

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f D

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es in

Use

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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E 2015E 2016E 2017E 2018E


The State of the Environment report published in 2001 shows that one third of the Lebanese population lives in Beirut and its suburbs, an area of 240 sq km. Beirut has 0.8 sq m of green space per person as opposed to the 9 sq m recommended by the World Health Organization. Beirut’s green space mostly consists of dilapidated public gardens, shown on the map.

In Beirut’s urban evolution, green spaces were taken out in the Ecochard Master Plan of 1954 (Ecochard is a renowned French architect and master planner) and reinstated in the 2005 CDR plan for Beirut. But the CDR plan called for “preserving” green spaces that already exist, not creating new ones.

Figure 1 shows Beirut’s built-up areas, which reflect the population density. Beirut’s municipality has launched a project to rehabilitate the city’s few existing green spaces. The project is waiting to be funded by the Lebanese government or by international sources. The Sanayeh Garden has already been renovated and the Metropolite Elias Audi garden is next.

Edgard ChehabAssistant Resident Representat ive - UNDP, Lebanon

The “Hanging Garden” of Lebanon’s Central

Bank in Hamra A BDL–UNDP Joint

Collaboration

Figure 2: Sanayeh Garden post renovation (left) and Metropolite Elias Audi Garden proposal (right).(source: GreenStudios)

Figure 1: Green Spaces in Beirut.(source: Daleel Madani)


Green roofs, or “hanging gardens” whereby the roof is covered with vegetation, used to be a common architectural practice. It was revived in the 21st century as a reaction to the increasingly dense cities and infrastructure. A green roof enhances a building’s aesthetics and energy performance and raises the green v/s built-up area ratio.

In collaboration with Lebanon’s central bank (the Banque du Liban in Hamra), the UNDP - CEDRO project has built a hydroponic-intensive green roof on top of Block B of the bank’s headquarters in Hamra. “Hydroponic” means a system of growing plants in a non-soil medium containing

mineral nutrients; and “hydroponic-intensive” is when the medium is at least 20 cm deep. The bank’s green roof was a first-of-a-kind demonstration. The green roof is 834 sq m and involves native flowers such as jasmine, rosemary, and lavender. The olive trees in the transitional space—a 118-sq-m connection between the 9th floor and the green roof—are of European, not native, origin because the roots of European olive trees are less detrimental to the roof structure.

A green space buffers nearby noise (from highways, roads, and the neighborhood), raises the surrounding real estate value (by 6 to 12%), and is nice to look at.

From an energy and environmental perspective, a green roof can reduce a building’s cooling costs by up to 10 percent. The added layers act as an insulator and the vegetation absorbs the heat. This reduces the need for air conditioning in the space immediately beneath the green roof. Lower floors are also affected but to a lesser extent.

Plants on a green roof absorb atmospheric CO2 and release O2 by photosynthesis. A green roof requires less irrigation because rainwater is retained in drainage elements, as shown in the above diagram. And green roofs in congested areas increase biodiversity.

Just like any garden, a green roof requires regular checking, uprooting, and weeding. But the nutrients in a hydroponic green roof don’t allow for as much weed growth as for a regular soil. The roof is connected to the BMS. This allows for regular checking of fertilizers, which are injected in the irrigation system. A sensitive issue for green roofs are drainage outlets. They must be regularly cleared of debris, especially in autumn and winter.

A demonstration project

Viewed from all neighbouring buildings Pleasant space, welcoming and dynamic center of the closed haven

Vegetation*

Intensive Semi - Intensive Extensive

Drainage layer

Insulation

Root Barrier

Waterproofing

Growing medium*

*The main difference between all three types

the one corner through which the main Hamra area is visible

main entrance through a glass door

the dunes with 60 and 90 cm heights create the dynamic landscape

Summer

Equinox

WinterClamping profile

evaporation

transpiration 79o

56o

33o

evaporation

the addition of a green roof provides four additional barriers

for the irradiations

reflection

Substrate - 20cm

Filter sheet SF

FD40 - Drainage element

Separation membrane

Foam board - isolation - 10cm

EPDM - waterproofing + antiroot

Existing waterproofing

Types of green roof.(source: singleply.co.uk)

Concept design.(source: GreenStudios)

Design master plan and detail.(source: GreenStudios)

Typical section with environmental benefits.(source: GreenStudios)


Green Building Design,

Then and Now

Antoine DammousManaging Partner at P ierre Dammous and Partners

Vernacular Architecture as inspiration for Green Buildings Designers


“Green building design” is simply courteous building design… now with regulations. A “green building” is not only acknowledged to be sustainable, but healthy too, taking the indoor environment as a concern, and comfort (or “well-being” for the scholars) as a necessity.

If we translate Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to buildings then instead of the physiological, safety, and other human needs, buildings need to be, in that order:

1. Safe: buildings shouldn’t collapse over the heads their inhabitants!

2. Useable: suitable for living and conducting business, easily accessible, etc.

3. Green: efficient in using resources and cause little impact on their surroundings.

4. Aesthetic: Pleasant looking, elegant. 5. Intelligent: flexible, responsive, connectable, automated,

etc.

Safety is regulated by national standards and codes, engineering societies, etc.

Usability is dictated by owner’s needs and limited by municipal regulations.

Green is now regulated, first, by partial energy codes (Ashrae Standard 90.1 or the French RT 2000), second, by comprehensive rating systems (LEED is probably one of the firsts), or by the Lebanese ARZ! And beyond that rating, it is regulated by real codes and standards that may become compulsory, such as Ashrae 189.1. You can follow the developments on green building codes development and applicability in US law on www.greenbuildinglawupdate.com.

Intelligence, no. 5 in this hierarchy, is yet to come, though there is currently some kind of Building Intelligence Quotient. Yes, you can check your building’s IQ on www.buildingiq.com.

Some architects, “signature” ones, ignore this natural hierarchy of building needs. What they do is start with no. 4 (aesthetics) and design a monument… for themselves, as a statement, or for self-expression, then they call it a Building. Only after that do they start thinking about usability and safety, try to fit in some ducts and cables, and, nowadays, as the trend is overwhelming, try to integrate photovoltaics or other “Green” features, employ

a skilled sustainability consultant, and get a green building certification thanks to a proficient manipulation of credit points. This is legal manipulation, similar to tax accountants who help their clients outsmart the fiscal system.

The widespread interest in sustainable buildings really took off in the 1990s. Namely because of:

- Climate change and the rising fear of carbon emissions (remember the polar bear drowning between the melted icebergs photo!).

- The economy and the realization that it costs more to operate a building than to build it.

- The limited resources (water, oil and gas) although more keep getting discovered.

- Health and indoor environmental concerns, the spread of the “sick buildings” syndrome in the West, and the realization that a comfortable employee is a more productive one.

Green buildings promotion has been based on a large number of studies showing the return on investment (ROI) whereby there’s a small increase in the building’s operating expense. Life cycle cost has been the main economic justification for Green Buildings.

The early days of Green Building design research natural and romantic. Most research designers started by studying Vernacular architecture, present in India, the Arab desert, and in Africa. These small buildings stood the test of time, naturally adapting to their environment, appropriately using the available resources, and pleasantly comforting their inhabitants. One of the early pioneers

in our region is Hassan Fathy, an Egyptian architect of the last century. Fathy, author of Architecture for the Poor, studied how the location of air inlets and wind catchers (“Malaqef”) improve natural ventilation and how a building’s mass attenuate hot weather. Fathy has been an inspiration to many.

The traditional Lebanese house has been acclaimed by many as an example of a Green Building, where the orientation, skin (external walls), windows and openings, floor heights, and other building aspects are optimized to provide the right passive comfort. Many of these “Central Hall” houses, mostly outside Beirut because of the lesser urban restrictions, give a sense of well-being inside. These houses use thermal massing to keep the heat out in summer and to insulate well in winter. Their floor height versus openings seem to improve natural ventilation. Aram Yeretzian and many other academics and architects can give you long lectures about those features.

Nowadays, all these empirical building techniques used by our ancestors can be simulated and their effect can be predicted to an acceptable accuracy (yes, only “acceptable” but this is more than what we need) through daylight modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, and thermal simulation. Natural daylight models can show the combined performance of openings, windows, and artificial lights. Thermal simulation reveals the thermal behavior of the building and its occupants under various outdoor and indoor conditions. CFD analysis shows the effects of air/wind speeds and temperatures along surfaces and their effect on humans.

Vernacular Architecture as inspiration for Green Buildings designers.

Maslow’s Hierarchy Adapted To Buildings

Intelligent

FlexibleAdaptable

CommunicatingAutomated...

Pleasing or makinga visual statement

Energy and water e�cient,Healthy indoors,...

Solid, withstands loads, wind, rain,...Does not harm the occupants

Space and volume fits the purpose for living,working, etc. ...Usable

Safe

Green

Aesthetic

Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs

Self-actualization

Morality,creativity,

spontaneity,problem solving,lack of prejudice,

acceptance of facts

Self-esteem, confidence,achievement, respect of others,

respect by others

Friendship, family, sexual intimacy

Security of: body, employment, resources,morality, the family, health, property

Breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis,excretionPhysiological

Safety

Love / Belonging

Esteem


Velocity Contours (m/s)2.0

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

Such techniques are becoming more and more available, customized to building design and easier to use. A few years ago, such calculations needed main frame computers running for several days. Now all they need is a few hours on your desktop computer. Tomorrow you may do them on your smartphone. The available technology, through commercial software, makes our current design techniques and calculations obsolete, but change is difficult and the cost of change is high. Soon, these techniques will become standard design tools, contributing to making Green building design Standard Building Design.

Unfortunately, certifying a building as “green” is turning into credit and points calculations where the Sustainability/LEED or BREEAM consultant does the accounting and documentation, with the rest of the design team going on with business as usual. I was surprised to notice that for one of our projects targeting high environmental rating the engineers simply didn’t know the building was being Green certified. They did the design as they have done it for the previous 100 non-green buildings. One may argue that

this proves that we’ve been doing the right thing all along because Green is being implemented without additional effort, but the purpose of the rating systems (LEED or others) is to push engineers and architects toward better achievements through measured Green objectives.

Despite the “green-washing,” commercialization, lies (one of the buildings in Beirut is claiming to be LEED certified while it is still under excavation!), and the absurd points manipulation, Green building promotion is making the changes needed in building design a reality. The general public and building owners are aware of the advantages, ethical responsibilities, and opportunities and they are driving the market forward. Green building rating systems are constantly evolving, raising the standards for sustainability, and specifying objective evidence of conformity. All these factors make the Green Building Design a necessity and a real market need. A ruthless construction market will leave lazy engineers and architects behind, with little time to catch-up.

Computational Fluid Dynamics replacing empirical solutions.


Maya KarkourEcoConsult ing Di rector & Co-founder

Green Building Certifications An international recognition for more sustainable buildings?

The History of Sustainable Building Certifications

Across the world, governments and businesses are recognizing the value of a voluntary assessment methodology for buildings that are more eco-friendly. That methodology is being called a “green building certification.”

For governments, a recognized ecological certification would be politically safe, cost little, and hold the possibility of reducing energy demand and CO2 emissions from buildings, which are the most energy and resource consuming urban element.

For businesses, voluntary certification would offer a smooth transition from “building-as-usual” to environmentally friendly construction. If management properly calculates the ROI of energy-efficient technologies, company shareholders would probably support their implementation. Large and small companies would also get positive media exposure about their pro-environment measures, thus attracting more clients.

Currently, the most recognized green building certific-ations are the British Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and its American counterpart the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Launched in 1990, BREEAM has become an internationally renowned evaluation tool to rate the environmental performance of new and renovated buildings. Initially developed for office buildings, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) has continued the remarkable expansion of BREEAM by tailoring it to houses, schools, hospitals, retail shops, industrial facilities, and others.

The methodology was then adapted to projects outside the UK through the BREEAM International scheme. Since then, BREEAM has achieved a significant market penetration in the UK and worldwide, with organizations

increasingly committing themselves to BRE ratings. Some private developers started conducting BREEAM assessments on all projects as a matter of policy. The UK government now requires minimum levels of certification for most large construction projects.

BREEAM has not been confined to the British Isles. And the BRE, whether directly or indirectly, has contributed to the development of many BREEAM-like tools that are tailored to local climatic and economic considerations. Examples include Singapore’s BEAM, Australia’s Green Star, BREEAM Canada, New Zealand’s Green Home Scheme, and the Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment Method. Nigel Howard, a key author in the original UK BREEAM, has also managed its US equivalent LEED, which was created by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED, which has been available since 2000, has been customized to various types of buildings and construction types.

In the Middle-East, during the past five years, both LEED and BREEAM have inspired the development of similar national certification schemes, namely the Estidama initiative’s Pearl Rating System in Abu Dhabi and the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS). The Lebanon Green Building Council (LGBC) has created a totally different methodology, the ARZ rating system, by taking into account the local context. ARZ is currently only available for existing operational commercial buildings. But the LGBC is looking to expand ARZ to other project types.

Successful Eco-Labels

So what made these sophisticated eco-labels so successful in an industry that is generally seen as highly conventional? Since their inception, BREEAM and LEED have been well-recognized and respected by the construction sector worldwide. This is probably due to a variety of factors, with the most important ones being the schemes’ rigorousness,

independence, flexibility, quality assurance, and economic appeal to businesses.

Both the BRE and the USGBC have invested considerable time and effort in the research and development of their schemes and in consulting with experts for best practices in all aspects of construction.

Despite certain minimum requirements, there’s still considerable flexibility. Developers may customize their sustainability strategy depending on the project and its technical and financial constraints to achieve the desired certificate rating. This flexibility is important for making eco-building certifications economically viable because developers have a financial incentive to calculate, prioritize, and pursue the most cost-effective eco-requirements for their specific development.

Finally, the LEED & BREEAM eco-label—by certifying that a building has obtained a certain level and amount of environmental credentials—is an excellent marketing and specification tool for companies that wish to boost their eco-friendly image.

In the case of BREEAM, Cecilia Bågenholm, previously a senior consultant at the BRE, recognized that the scheme’s main success attribute is that it was tailored to be easily accepted by the market. “BREEAM was originally developed to be as simple and understandable as possible, and in-line with what the market would be able to produce

at the time it was developed. Targets were then gradually raised with revised BREEAM schemes, allowing people to improve at a sensible rate,” she said. In addition, when the rating system was first developed, the BRE made sure to involve different stakeholders from the construction industry and closely collaborated with them to obtain actionable feedback before BREEAM’s launch.

More About Eco-Building Certifications

LEED and BREEAM, and all other national sustainability rating systems, are mostly point-based tools: the more eco-requirements are specified and incorporated into a project, the more points are accumulated, and the higher the rating that is ultimately achieved at the end of the construction. The current ratings are described in the table below:

1st LEED Gold certified building in Lebanon (March 2013)International College Elementary School.

LEED BREEAM

Certified (40 points) Pass (30%)

Silver (50 Points) Good (45%)

Gold (60 Points) Very Good (55%)

Platinum (80 points) Excellent (70%)

Outstanding (85%)


Construction projects are often complex and involve a wide variety of conditions and constraints that can be conflicting. In many respects, both the LEED and BREEAM schemes provide the design team a structured methodology by seeking improvements on existing national and international requirements and standards. While some think that the schemes are only interested in specific—and sometimes contradictory—issues, they miss the big picture, which is that conducting a green building certification is the perfect opportunity to adopt a holistic approach to construction and to find creative, outside-the-box solutions.

Indeed, those eco-labels seek to promote sustainability for a broad range of categories, not just on an environmental level, but also on social and economic ones. In effect, LEED has five best practice categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, and indoor environmental quality; while BREEAM has eight catogories: management, health & well-being, energy, transport, water, materials, site ecology & land use, and pollution. Both schemes reward innovative sustainable designs as well as exemplary performance by exceeding some of the requirements. This wide range of issues requires a combined and active involvement of the entire design team, the client, as well as specialist consultants such as ecologists, acousticians, geologists, commissioning agents, and lighting engineers.

As it can be noticed, although building certification is often associated with energy-efficiency, assessed buildings actually have to incorporate many more sustainability solutions and features to attain the minimum achievable rating. For example, the construction industry has traditionally not had a great track record in protecting and enhancing the on-site ecology. Developers often favor ecologically rich locations—everyone likes to see trees and other environmental features out their window. But they give little thought on how much the development will affect such an area, both on the immediate building

site and on the wider area through occupant behavior. But with the BREEAM certification, developers can no longer afford ignoring the ecology. When possible, existing ecological features must be protected and even improved, and any destruction must be mitigated during construction. The biodiversity of a site must also be preserved.

The Local Context

In Lebanon, some environmentally conscious developers have started accepting the importance of preserving biodiversity as much as practically possible. Motivated by pursuing the BREEAM International certification, which dedicates a full section to ecology and land use, they are having ecologists conduct site surveys before any project and are making recommendations on how to enhance a site’s ecological value by carefully selecting native plants. Such projects include Yarzé 1674, La Brocéliande, and Beit Misk, all located in ecologically rich areas.

It is not always easy to ensure that the development process is environmentally benign. But it is essential to respect existing site conditions at every work stage, from design to handover, and to take into account the lifetime impact of the building once it becomes operational.

In the absence of specific local environmental legislation and very weak enforcement, the construction industry in Lebanon is slowly warming to various private, institutional, and NGO incentives to promote energy-efficient building techniques and micro-renewable energy technologies, designed to decrease CO2 emissions from a building’s heating, cooling, and lighting. Bodies such as LCEC, LGBC, and MAJAL have rightly emphasized designing and retrofitting energy-efficient and water–efficient buildings to lower the environmental impact.

Today, with new financial incentives for sustainable projects, such as the Lebanese Central Bank NEEREA’s low-interest loan on energy-efficient and eco-friendly developments, we are seeing more efforts to reduce pollution, minimize energy consumption, and value the environment, while more and more local projects are pursuing the BREEAM, LEED, or ARZ certifications.

To date, four projects have been certified in Lebanon: the BLC Headquarters (first ARZ Bronze certification), the International College Elementary School (first LEED Gold certification), the Beirut City Centre Mall (second LEED Gold certification), and Casa Batroun (first BREEAM Excellent certification and the first Excellent rating in the Middle East).

And we hope to see many more in the near future!

Right:2nd LEED Gold certified building in Lebanon (December 2013)Beirut City Centre Mall.Bottom:1st ARZ certified buildingBLC Bank headquarters.

1st BREEAM Excellent certified building in Lebanon and in the Middle-East (February 2014)Casa Batroun.


A New Integrated Climate Control

22 Degrees s .a . l .

A Total Solution

The Daikin VRV total solution provides a single point of contact for the design and maintenance of your integrated climate control system. Our solution can greatly reduce operating cost by allowing you to manage up to 50% of a building’s energy consumption. So we worked not only to make our outdoor units more efficient and easier to install, but also to increase the efficiency, comfort, and installation friendliness of all other components, focusing on:

- Creating optimal building climate conditions at the best efficiencies using the new round flow cassette sensors.

- Reducing running costs even further with the energy management tools on the new Intelligent Touch Manager.

- Raising the efficiency of space heating with the new low temperature hydrobox.

Customize Your VRV for Optimal Seasonal Efficiency

The revolutionary Variable Refrigerant Temperature (VRT) control automatically adapts your VRV to your building and its climate requirements for comfort and efficiency, thus drastically reducing operating costs.

The system can be easily customized. The VRT technology preset modes can be changed to the modes you choose to optimize the system’s comfort/efficiency balance.

With this new technology, Daikin has effectively reinvented the VRV system. By looking at the system’s core, we were able to improve seasonal efficiency by up to 25%!

Possible modes

Automatic mode (Default setting on VRV IV)

High sensible mode

Basic mode (current VRF standard)

How is this 25% Increase of Seasonal Efficiency Achieved?

In automatic mode, the system continuously adjusts the refrigerant’s temperature and volume according to the total required capacity and weather conditions.

For example, in mid-season, when little cooling is needed and the room’s temperature is close to the setpoint, the system will raise its refrigerant temperature so that less energy is used, resulting in major improvements in seasonal efficiency.

E�ect of preset modes on e�ency and reaction speed:

Automatic mode (Default setting on VRV IV) High sensibility mode Basic mode (current VRF standard)

Integration With Intelligent Control Solutions

Any heat pump system works as intelligently as its control system allows. So Daikin has designed easy-to-use, intelligent control systems with energy management tools to reduce running costs.

New Intelligent Touch Manager

User Friendliness

- An intuitive user interface- A visual layout view and direct access to the indoor unit’s

main functions- All functions are directly accessible via touchscreen or

web interface

Smart Energy Management

Smart energy management tools allow you to monitor whether energy use is as planned and help identify the source of energy waste, thus maximizing efficiency.

Flexibility

- in size: modular design for use in small to large applications

- in integration: from simple A/C control to small BMS with integration of control of lighting, pumps, … via WAGO I/O

Easy Servicing And Commissioning

Save yourself an on-site visit by performing the refrigerant containment check remotely and when it’s most convenient to you. At the same time, keep your customers satisfied by not disrupting the air conditioning during business hours.


Photo © Michel El EstaPhoto © Michel El Esta


Photo © Michel El EstaAmmik - Bekaa


GreenStudiosMutat ing Landscapes

Green walls not only have an aesthetical impact on a city’s atmosphere, but they also play a major role enviromentally and socially on the physical and mental wellbeing of its citizens. These living walls will greatly shape the development of future cities.

Green Studios is one of the pioneers in designing, executing and maintaining hydroponic green walls in Lebanon and the region. They have developped their own system and registered patents in Lebanon and the USA .

This system uses the most advanced technology in agriculture called ‘Hydroponics’ which allows substituting agricultural soil with a specially engineered medium and reduces the amount of water needed for plants to grow.

Planting in a Skin

Top of Green Wall

water

wood / metal or concrete wall

primary metal orwood structure

wood or PVC waterproofing boards

BB House, Beirut, 2013


GreenStudios’ green wall consists of a soft “sponge” called the “skin,” which is very flexible and can take any shape.

The skin can hold three times its weight in water and is generally intended for warm climates.

The system works as a perfect insulation for interiors of buildings. It localizes extreme temperatures, purifies the air, and most importantly reclaims the natural habitats and increases biodiversity.

More than 200 different plant types have been successfully tested on green walls, allowing Green Studios to create plant canvases of various designs and effects.

Installing a green wall depends on the project’s size but generally takes about six weeks.

Once a green wall is installed, it is linked to a smart system that allows Green Studios to collect essential data for further R&D.

Brain = smart electrical boardcontrols water / humidity / nutrition/ light / irrigation

Heart = irrigation networkinjects water and nutrients into the system

Skin = fibersthrough which the plants absorb water and nutrients

Nerves = sensorsthrough which we can monitor any deficiency in the green wall remotely

GreenStudios’ system mimics the human body.

Abrass Residence, Beirut 2013.

Top:The Garden, Beirut Souks, 2011.Bottom left:Green wall can be installed indoors , outdoor; and not only on walls but also on doors.Bottom right:El Sayed Residence, Cairo, 2014.


Turn Your Rooftop Into a Power Plant

Hala Atal lah Business & Operat ions Manager - Ye l lob lue sa l


Photovoltaics (PV) remains the fastest growing energy technology by far. Over the past decade, the PV market has grown at a remarkable rate even during difficult economic times. PV technology has become a major energy source for the world.

The year 2013 was another record year for PV installations, with at least 38.4 GW of newly added capacity worldwide and 11 GW in Europe. The growth rate varies between mature and emerging markets. In some countries, the growth is exponential. In the Middle East, PV demand is set to grow by 50 percent this year and by more than 200 percent by 2018 according to some analysts, as countries such as Saudi Arabia begin to seriously deploy the technology.

From Feed-In To Self-Consumption

The growth wave started with the generous feed-in tariffs(1) policies, which encouraged private sector investors to make money by selling the electricity produced by their PV installations to the power grid. The trend is now shifting from feed-in to self-consumption and storage, a trend driven by an increase in electricity costs, a significant drop in photovoltaic prices, a sharp decline in solar power subsidies, and a decrease in feed-in tariffs.

Instead of sending the PV-generated power to the grid, homes and businesses are encouraged to use it directly at the location where it is generated and eventually store it in batteries for later use. During daytime, businesses consume much more power than homes, and they could cover their power needs if there’s a suitable space for PV installations nearby. In an urban environment, where

available land for PV installations is scarce, rooftops seem to be the ideal space for PV installations.

Solar rooftops are becoming the “hottest” trend in green technology. It is a profitable business concept and hence a viable investment option.

Lebanon Market Trend

In Lebanon, FIT is very difficult to develop and apply, so PV in Lebanon is following the worldwide growth trend but at a slower pace, driven by many “particular” parameters:

- Electricity produced by Lebanon’s state power company Electricité du Liban (EDL) is far below demand, resulting in frequent electricity blackouts. This situation is unlikely to be solved soon because an EDL kWH is underpriced, averaging 0.12 USD, while the real production cost is around 0.21 USD.

- For back-up, homes and businesses use costly and polluting diesel generators, whose kWh costs around 0.30 USD, thus raising the total energy bill and the operational costs for businesses.

- Available land for PV installations is scarce and most commercial and industrial roofs are empty.

- The NEEREA(2) scheme offers financial facilities to green projects by offering very low interest long-term loans.

- Net-metering is available under a contract with EDL, allowing businesses to send excess power to the grid, such as during off days.

Although for different reasons, Lebanon is aligned with the worldwide trend regarding solar rooftops.

Solar Rooftop

A “solar rooftop” or a “rooftop PV power station” is a system that uses one or more photovoltaic panels installed on building rooftops to convert sunlight into electricity. The system enables businesses to reliably and cost effectively offset a portion of their energy needs, thus significantly lowering energy costs by integrating the system with existing infrastructure. This configuration is called a “hybrid” solution, whereby a rooftop PV station (either on-grid or off-grid), one that can continuously provide power, can be used in conjunction with other power sources like diesel generators, wind turbines, or the power grid itself.

Whether a rooftop can be made solar depends on its:

- geographical location because that determines the insolation level.

- slope, shape, size, orientation, and condition.- shading from adjacent buildings, vegetation,

etc.- weight load limitation.- exposure to wind and snow.

After choosing the type of panel to be installed, the above parameters are ran through specialized software that generates a report estimating the system’s monthly PV production in kWh.

In parallel, the following data is analyzed at the load side:- The electrical consumption profile (daily,

weekly, monthly, or seasonal patterns)

- Existing electrical infrastructure: available sources and how they are synchronized.

- Possibility of net-metering.

Analyzing the above data allows businesses to accurately evaluate the solar fraction(3) and the savings (in money and in kWh) reaped from the PV installation.

How to Make Money from Your Roof

For organizations planning to add solar power to their conventional energy source, a “rooftop solar PV power plant” would not only be a money saver but also a money maker. The cost of a PV kWh is less than 0.10 USD versus 0.12 USD for the EDL kWh (which is underpriced) and 0.30 USD for a diesel generator kWh.

On the other hand, the financing facilities offered by NEEREA make PV a profitable investment. The loans require no down payment, have a grace period of up to 4 years, and a re-payment period of 11 years, thus allowing businesses to pay the loan installments from the generated savings. The cumulative cash flow will remain positive throughout the loan period and will increase with even more net profits after the loan ends and during the lifetime of the panels. The panels account for more than 50% of the installation cost and their life expectancy is more than 25 years.

2014 Record Breaks

- USA - Renewables represented 88 percent of the nation’s new capacity during May 2014 (www.ferc.gov)

- Germany - Solar broke three records in two weeks (www.ise.fraunhafer.de). 24.24 GW between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on June 6 and a total of 1.26 terawatt hours over the entire week. On June 9, a national holiday in Germany, solar power production peaked at 23.1 GW, equal to 50.6 percent of total electricity demand, thus setting another milestone.

- UK - Basking in the sunniest weather of the summer during the longest days of the year, the UK nearly doubled its 2013 peak solar power output at the solstice weekend. On 21 June, solar distribution peaked at a record of 7.8 percent of daytime electricity.

- France, Italy, Denmark and other countries are also believed to have broken solar power records in June 2014.

(1) FIT (Feed-In-Tariff) is a policy mechanism designed to encourage investment in renewable energy technologies by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy producers, typically based on the cost of power generation by each technology. In 2010, 50 countries had FIT policies in place.(2) NEEREA: The National Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Action (credit and grant scheme) allows private sector investments in EE, RE, and green buildings by providing subsidized loans that are almost interest free.(3) Solar fraction is the amount of energy provided by the solar system divided by the total energy required.

.Hybrid solution diagram: Integration of PV with other power generators.(copyright Yelloblue 2014)

Japan

15%

Germany

15%USA

14%

Italy

5%

India

5%

UK

4%

Greece

3%

Australia

2%

France

2%

Row

18%

TOP 10 PV MARKETS - 2013

China

17%

China

13%

Italy

13%USA

11%

Japan

8%

Greece

4%

India

2%

UK

3%

France

3%

Australia

3%

Row

15%

TOP 10 PV MARKETS - 2012

Germany

24%

World Solar Installations Photo voltaic systems, in gigawatts, with growth rate

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

‘09 ‘10e

97.9%

42.7% 2.8%

‘11e ‘12e ‘13e ‘14e

34.7%

35.7%

Source: iSuppli (isuppli.com)


Gi lbert Teghoe-EcoSolut ions : Greening Your Corporate Events

Environmental Responsibility,a Must for Every Event

Who Are We?

e-EcoSolutions s.a.r.l. is a sustainability consulting firm organized and existing under the laws of the Lebanese republic. We have experience in Canada, the Levant, and the GCC, namely the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq.

e-EcoSolutions specializes in sustainability through its three separate business units:

1. Environmental Consultancy and LEED® Certification for Green Buildings.

2. eGreenPages Online Search Engine, which is the No.1 online search engine and knowledgebase targeted to sustainability architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and consultants who are looking to find suppliers of eco-friendly building products in the MENA region (www.e-green-pages.com).

3. Green Events Organizing, as detailed in this article.

What is a Green Event?

A green event is an event that is executed in an environmentally and socially responsible way with the goal to minimize waste production, greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy usage, and negative impacts on the environment. Consequently, we at e-EcoSolutions organize green events by adopting a “holistic approach” that addresses each event component in order to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much event materials as possible, spread environmental awareness, and result in “Triple Bottom-line benefits” for the planet, the people and your profitability.

A green event does not compromise the luxury, the fun, or the corporate character of any event. On the contrary, it improves them and gives your guests a positive experience that they will remember.

Examples of Green Events that We Organized

Build It Green – LebanonAnnual Sustainability Solutions Conference

Build It Green - Lebanon is the Annual Sustainability Solutions Conference that has become an annual tradition for environmentalists in Lebanon and the explorers of innovative practices in the green construction field. Build It Green – Lebanon is organized by e-EcoSolutions at the end of every March, and is the only sustainability solutions conference in the region that has been held for 5 years in a row. The 6th Build It Green – Lebanon conference will happen in March 2015.

Each year, the conference attracts over 300 professionals and decision makers from the construction and real estate industry: architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and developers. That’s in addition to bankers, activists, students, professors, and active NGOs. The conference comes along its famous “Green Exhibition,” the only networking platform for the green building and construction industry in Lebanon. More info is available at www.BigLeb.com.

Green Mind Award Middle East and North Africa

The Green Mind Award is a mega TV event that is organized by Green Mind NGO and e-EcoSolutions to award the top environmental achievements in the MENA region. The Green Mind Award aims to help the environment by changing the people’s attitudes, showing them that being green will be honored and rewarded, and getting them excited to be the region’s next “Green Stars.”

The Green Mind Award has five main phases: (1) participants’ recruitment, (2) an online and live jury evaluation process, (3) a public vote, (4) an awards ceremony to announce

the winners, and (5) venture capital matching for all participants, giving them opportunities to develop and replicate their projects.

The Green Mind Award Ceremony is a great example of a glamorous ceremony having minimal environmental impact. The ceremony was named “the Greenest Award Ceremony in the Middle East” by the media in both editions of Season 1 and Season 2. The ceremony was extensively covered by the media and televised on prime time on local and regional channels. More info is available on www.GreenMind.me.

Join the Green World and Let Us “Green” Your Event!

The world is becoming more and more aware of the importance of sustainability and of adopting environmentally preferable practices. Become a leader in your industry by embracing the sustainability practices

and start enjoying their benefits because sooner or later every business will be required to be environmentally responsible.

If you want your event to be more green while maintaining the professional aspect and identity of the event and boosting your CSR reputation, contact us today with your event outline and we will do our best to provide you with an unparalleled, first-rate event that will not only help your business, but the planet as well!


Ziad HaddadMD - OPUS Energy sar l

Towards Green Restaurants in LebanonOverview & Energy Focus

The “green talk” in Lebanon is picking up ground. The most affected sector is the real estate sector, in which some residential, business, and educational projects are seeking green certifications.

There are some green initiatives in the restaurants industry and pioneers have taken the lead in paving the way for a green trend.

What are the components of a green restaurant?

Restaurant operators can go green in many ways. They can simply apply selective sustainable measures or follow specific green certification labels.

Examples of green certification bodies are:- Green Table Network - GTN (Canada)- Green Restaurant Association (USA)- Restaurant Durable (France)

The data shown in the figures, on energy in Lebanese restaurants, is based on:

- The guide for Energy Efficiency Improvement and Cost Saving Opportunities in Lebanese Restaurants – OPUS Energy - IFC.

- Sustainable MEP designs for several restaurant chains, including thermal modeling & energy simulation, which provided in-depth knowledge of major energy consumption areas and behavior.

- Interventions for Corrective Measures on some existing troublesome restaurants, leading to a by-product implementation of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs).

Energy Consumption in Lebanese Restaurants

While nightclubs consume around 450 kWh / m2 and cafes around 650 kWh / m2, casual dining and fast food restaurants consume around 2,000 kWh / m2 and 2,800 kWh / m2 a year, respectively.

In addition to the energy requirements of cooking equipment, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), lighting and sanitation are major contributors to the average restaurant’s electricity and gas consumption.

Generally, the components of a green restaurant revolve around the following main categories:- Energy- Water - Indoor environmental quality- Waste- Sustainable building materials & furniture- Sustainable food

Maybe besides corporate social responsibility and commitment by some restaurateurs to provide healthy food in a healthy and green environment, there is no incentive to go green, at least no incentive they know of.But the main incentive exists: energy cost. The restaurateurs can feel its major impact on their operations, but maybe they think that there’s nothing they can do about it. Well, they can!

“Restaurants are the highest energy consumers among all commercial building facilities”In fact, restaurants are the highest energy consumers among all commercial building facilities. On average, they consume around 1,600 kWh / m2 / year. Per unit area , they consume around three times more than offices and around three and a half times more than retail shops.

This fact and the fact that energy in Lebanon is scarce and expensive (when generators are included) have made energy the focus of this article.

Food Services

Food Sales

Health Care

Other

Public Order and Safety

Lodging

Public Assembly

O�ce

Education

Service

Retail (other than mall)

Warehouse and Storage

Religious Worsip

Vacant

Thousand BTUs

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Commercial building energy consumption per square foot.(Source: National Restaurant Association - 2004 Restaurant Industry Operations Report)

Energy expenditures at four different style restaurants on the Lebanese coast.(Source: Case study by Opus Energy)

A. Typical energy consumption in a full service restaurant.B. Typical energy consumption in a quick service restaurant.

Food Preparation35%

Refrigeration6%

A

Lighting13%

HVAC28%

Sanitation18%

Food Preparation45%

B

Refrigeration5%

Lighting7%

HVAC37%

Sanitation6%

Restaurant type

Electricity consumption

(including generators)

LPG consumption

Total energy consumption

Total indoor area

Energy intensity

Total energy cost

Total energy cost

kWh/year kWh/year kWh/year m2kWh/m2/

yearLBP % of sales

Coffee shop 321,519 0 321,519 375 857 80,315,339 6.5%

Lebanese 309,690 103,230 412,920 250 1,652 103,684,301 11.4%

Casual diner 618,972 293,033 912,005 450 2,027 229,342,599 14.2%

Fast food 112,345 119,721 232,066 75 3,094 64,490,660 20.7%


Energy Conservation

The basic principles of restaurant energy conservation are:

- buy no more than you need - shut it off- turn it down - keep it clean

Start the puzzle with quick fixes that are straightforward and complete the puzzle with a comprehensive approach with Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) related to:

- building & utilities- sanitation- food preparation

Energy Conservation Measures Related to Sanitation

Dishwashers- Don’t waste space; operate at full load- Turn them off- Check water temperature: tank 71o C and heater 82o C- Add / maintain wash curtains

Sprayers- Use low-flow pre-rinse spray valves- Don’t ignore leaks; substantial expense is incurred to

heat water that is wasted through minor leaks- Add aerators

Hand Washing- Set water heater temperature to no more than 45o C for

hand washing- Use highly insulated water heaters- Install sensor-operated faucets

Energy Conservation Measures Related to Food Preparation

Measures that Could Apply to Streamers, Boilers, Pasta Cookers, Ovens, Ranges, Griddles and Fryers- Use only as many compartments as you need- Keep it full- Cut preheat & standby time- Dial in minimum settings- Replace seals / Tighten hinges- Buy energy efficient equipment

Conclusion

Depending on the restaurant type and other parameters, Lebanese restaurateurs typically spend about 12 percent of their revenue on energy. So they have a clear interest in going green.

A wide array of possible strategies and measures, from early conceptual design stages to interventions on retrofits, could reduce the energy bill by 10 to 30 percent and increase profits without compromising service, quality, style, or comfort, while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment.

Quick fixes to start the puzzle.

References:• OPUS energy / IFC: Guide for Energy Efficiency

Improvement and Cost Saving Opportunities in Lebanon: Restaurants

• Label Restaurant Durable• National Restaurant Association - 2004 Restaurant

Industry Operations Report•OPUS energy - Case Studies.

-20%

Reduce Energy Operation Cost

Food For Thought

-17%

More Profits

Buy equipment with capacity in mind

Buy energye�cient equipment

Install energye�cient system

Cut idle time Cook wisely Maintain & repair

Energy Conservation Measures Related to Building & Utilities

Building Envelope- Glazing with low heat transmition & high day lighting

transmittance / Don’t use curtain glass- Double door (SAS) at restaurant entrance

Air-Conditioning- Operate at reasonable thermostat settings: 23o - 25o C

in summer and 20o - 21o c in winter- Install economizer-based thermostat to benefit from

free cooling- Don’t air-condition the streets / Benefit from opening

the restaurant front in mild weather- Install CO2 sensors to control fresh air flow rates

Kitchen Ventilation- Install smart hood controls (temperature, motion,

humidity ... sensors) & implement variable speed kitchen exhaust / or retrofit with 2-3 speed fans

- Locate exhaust hoods on walls and install appliances as close to the wall as possible

- Clean / replace filters regularly

Refrigeration & Ice Making- Check the temperature settings (-25o / -22o C for freezers

and 1.7o / -3.3o c for refrigerators - check manufacturer recommendations)

- Upgrade your walk-in / enhanced insulation, strip lids to prevent infiltration

- Use remote compressors (when located outdoor). Their heat dissipates to the atmosphere and not inside the kitchen

- Shift ice production time to off-peak hours

Lighting- Replace incadescent lamps with CFL’s - Replace T12s with T8s or T5s- Use LED lights as appropriate (on signs, boards and

wherever possible)- Install occupancy sensors in back of house (office,

storage , walk in refrigerator, etc...)


Project Lebanon 2014

The 19th edition of Project Lebanon took place for another year at BIEL, Beirut, from 3 to 6 June 2014. Organized by IFP Lebanon (International Fairs & Promotions), the International Construction Trade Exhibition for Lebanon & the Middle East was held concurrently with Energy Lebanon, the 4th International Trade Exhibition for Power Generation, Electricity, HVAC, Alternative Energy, Water & Environmental Technologies; and EcOrient, the 3rd International Conference for Environmental Technologies, Sustainability, Alternative Energy, Water Technology & Clean Energy.

Vast International Participation

The minister of electricity cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony on June 3, marking the start of one of the most important editions in the show’s history, with the participation of over 400 international companies as well as decision makers and industry leaders from Lebanon and the region, and 20,860 professional visitors, who filled the exhibition area throughout the four-day event.

Clearly indicating the rising interest by international companies and businesspersons in Project Lebanon as an effective tool to strengthen their presence in the Lebanese and regional markets, 150 businesses from 20 countries participated in this year’s edition: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

The show also received massive support from several international trade agencies and official bodies, including Bureau UbiFrance Liban, ICE/ITA - Italian Trade Agency, the Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg, the Chamber of Commerce of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Advantage Austria, the Turkish Ministry of Economy, the Romanian Ministry of Economy, EECA - Egypt Expo and Convention Authority, as well as the embassies of the participating national pavilions, including Egypt, Austria, Italy, and France.

EcOrient 2014

On Wednesday, June 4, the Minister of the Environment Mohammed Mashnouq inaugurated the EcOrient conference with the support of numerous local and international official bodies, headed by the Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon, the Order of Engineers and Architects of Beirut, the Lebanese Solar Energy Society (LSES), the Lebanese Center for

Energy Conservation (LCEC), the Lebanon Green Building Council (LGBC), the American Society of Heating, and the Arab Sustainability Association.

The two-day conference, on June 4 and 5, received over 200 professionals, who attended 6 sessions that featured more than 30 renowned local, regional, and international speakers, specialists and engineers from major environmental organizations and leading institutions in the fields of clean and alternative energies, and waste collection and treatment.

In line with its objectives of encouraging local and municipal authorities to integrate their efforts in the process of preparing the development of policies that impact them directly, such as local water and waste management, and in striving to promote sustainable development, the “Cleaner Energy Saving Mediterranean Cities” (CES MED) program, which is financed by the European Neighborhood Partnership Instrument (ENPI), supported the participation of the heads and members of the municipalities in the conference by covering their registration and transportation fees.

The Syrian Businessmen Forum

A new addition to this year’s show was the Syrian Businessmen Forum, which commenced on June 4 with an exclusive conference that was attended by a selectively invited group of Syrian, Arab, and foreign business leaders and investors. Highlights of the conference included Mr. Abdullah Dardari, Director of the Economic Development and Globalization Division (EDGD) at ESCWA, who discussed the “National Agenda for the Future of Syria,” a project that he is overseeing, in addition to speakers, experts, and officials from the United Nations and the private sector.

Former Finance Minister Demianos Kattar opened the floor by discussing the available possibilities and opportunities for the development of Syria’s infrastructure and the role

that Lebanese business people and investors can play in this matter.

In addition, pre-scheduled B2B and matchmaking meetings took place on June 5 and 6, gathering local and international business leaders and representatives from corporations, trade missions, and official bodies, as well as the international companies that were participating in Project Lebanon.

A Highly Beneficial Show

Thanks to the professional, tailor-made environment at the show, both first-time and returning exhibitors and visitors were very pleased with the exhibition’s outcome, signing numerous deals on site. This clearly shows the international interest in Project Lebanon as an effective tool for business and in Lebanon as a lucrative market and a gateway to several other regional markets.

Project Lebanon is part of a series of annual construction fairs organized by IFP Group (International Fairs & Promotions) in Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The indisputably large trade construction exhibitions host more than 5,000 enterprises, attract over 100,000 visitors, and conclude hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of business deals.


Construction Products Construction Products

GROHE MINTA TOUCH – Cleanliness At Your Fingertips

New line of kitchen faucets simplifies daily kitchen choresUshering in a new era of convenience around the kitchen sink, Minta Touch from GROHE is unique in that it can be operated in two different ways. Being a touch-sensitive faucet, it can be operated simply by touching the spout or the faucet body. This highly hygienic, extremely reliable and impressively water-saving way of drawing water is made possible by the innovative EasyTouch technology. At the same time, Minta Touch can also be operated using its conventional lever. The bottom line: a hybrid faucet offering an all-new level of everyday convenience.

Available with an elegant C-shaped spout with extensible spray or with a stylish L-shaped spout with extensible mousseur, GROHE Minta Touch delivers a perfect flow of water in any situation. Dirty, greasy, sticky or messy fingers? No problem at all – a light touch with the back of your hand, wrist or lower arm

Introducing the latest additions to the GROHE New Tempesta line of showers

GROHE New Tempesta is a line of showers which has a lot to offer in terms of innovative technologies, varied designs and versatile spray patterns. As popular as ever, the latest generation of these classic showers is an all-rounder for major projects, in particular. The latest additions to the range include a mono spray pattern model without aeration and a shower system priced to offer unmatched value for money.

GROHE Power&Soul® showers are packed with patented technologies

Showers to create a spa feelingGROHE Power&Soul® fuses state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge design to create a supreme shower experience. Its variety of spray patterns allows for perfectly personalised shower

is all it takes. This way the faucet and the rest of the kitchen are sure to stay clean and uncontaminated. With your hands clean, the faucet can also be operated using the ergonomic lever which benefits from GROHE SilkMove® technology for precise and comfortable handling. Minta Touch is perfectly child proof as well. Its EasyTouch functionality rules out the risk of scalding, given that it releases only the cold water flow. Users who do not want to do without warm water can add the Grohtherm Micro upgrade which features a customisable temperature preset function while at the same time ensuring 100 percent protection against scalding.

The advanced functionality of GROHE Minta Touch is complemented by its aesthetics. The GROHE StarLight® chrome plating process ensures that the finish will stay brilliant and soil-repellent for many years to come. In addition, the tall spouts make light work of filling tall pots and vases. This latest incarnation of Minta once again demonstrates the enormous potential inherent in this successful line of kitchen faucets.

Variety is the name of the gameThe newly designed showers come in an impressive variety of shapes and styles, allowing customers to take their pick from GROHE New Tempesta, GROHE New Tempesta Cosmopolitan and GROHE New Tempesta Rustic. Whether you are looking for a contemporary-organic, modern-geometric or classically ornate design, this range has the perfect match for any ambiance and any style of faucets. Moreover, GROHE New Tempesta comes with up to four different spray patterns. The Rain, GROHE Rain O2, Massage and Jet spray patterns will trigger quite different sensations on the skin – from a soft rain shower to an effervescent tingle and a pulsating massage to a firm and stimulating jet. All showers incorporate GROHE DreamSpray® technology which channels water evenly to all nozzles, resulting in highly precise spray patterns. The large 100 mm diameter of the shower head allows the spray patterns to unfold to full effect, for a rich and rewarding shower experience every time.

sessions, which can be anything from profoundly relaxing to energising and invigorating. The innovative “One-Click-Showering” spray selector not only provides direct access to four spray patterns but also permits you to choose from another seven mixed spray patterns, effectively putting eleven spray patterns at your fingertips. What better way to enjoy a bespoke shower experience every day?

Personalised showering at your fingertipsWhether you prefer the total freedom of movement under the head shower or the flexible benefits of the hand shower, all GROHE Power&Soul® showers deliver a rich spray to pamper and massage your entire body with clearly defined spray patterns. The GROHE Bokoma Spray™ is a breakthrough in shower technology – harnessing the power of water, eight dynamic nozzles create a “breathing” effect as they open and close, creating a tension-relieving effect on the skin. This spray is ideal for a relaxing head or shoulder massage and will yield its maximum effect when combined with a head shower. The other three preset spray patterns are the soft Rain spray, the air-infused GROHE Rain O2 spray and the powerful Jet spray. Whichever spray pattern is selected, maximum water delivery to every nozzle on the spray face is ensured by the GROHE DreamSpray® technology, which is at the heart of all GROHE showers. The environmental credentials of these showers are no less impressive. All GROHE Power&Soul® showers use GROHE EcoJoy®, a smart water-saving technology that reduces the water and energy consumption of your daily shower without ever compromising on comfort and on enjoyment.

Perfect balance of form and functionAs well as the choice between head and hand showers, GROHE Power&Soul® showers come in a variety of styles designed to coordinate with the full range of contemporary bathrooms. Purists will love the sleek cylindrical shapes of the Cosmopolitan Design range and its minimalist architectural feel. The timeless organic lines of the Contemporary Design range are a perfect complement to all modern family bathrooms and mini spas. Or how about adding a little colour to your bathroom? This is what the GROHE Power&Soul® Natural Colours Collection, with its shower faces in soft natural colours such as Sandstone, Limestone, Clay, Marble, Slate and Granite, is all about.

New products: Mono-spray shower and shower systemPlanners of healthcare facilities will be pleased to see the addition of a mono-spray shower variant to the GROHE New Tempesta range; the soft Rain pattern is not aerated in order to meet the enhanced hygiene requirement in the healthcare sector. The ergonomically shaped handle gives users a comfortable and safe grip on the handshower. Should the shower nevertheless be dropped, a silicon ring wrapping around the shower head protects both the shower tray and the chrome surface of the shower against damage.

The second new product is the GROHE New Tempesta Cosmopolitan shower system. This exercise in urbane chic adds a highly attractively priced product to the GROHE range of shower systems. The 390 mm long shower arm can be swivelled for a personalised shower experience. The head shower with its diameter of 160 mm produces a rich and full-bodied Rain spray. For peace of mind during the shower the system incorporates a Grohtherm 1000 Cosmopolitan Thermostat. Sporting a sleek minimalist design and using GROHE TurboStat®, it completely eliminates the risk of hot and cold shocks resulting from fluctuating pressure in the water pipes.

Packed with top technologiesAll GROHE New Tempesta showers represent the state of the art in shower engineering. To prevent the user from scalding, GROHE CoolTouch® technology creates a barrier between the hot water and the outer chrome surface. GROHE StarLight® ensures that the showers and fittings retain their sheen for a long time and are protected against scratching and soiling. Last but not least, SpeedClean technology means that the lime build-up on the shower nozzles can simply be wiped off with your fingers.

While delivering a first-rate shower experience, GROHE New Tempesta also takes care of the environment. Models are optionally available with the innovative GROHE EcoJoy® technology which enables responsible resource management – users can save water on a daily basis without compromising on comfort under the shower.

A perfect matchWhatever the layout and decor of the bathroom, GROHE Tempesta New is a perfect match. The variety of variants ranges from head showers and handshowers to 600 or 900 mm long shower rail sets as well as wall holder sets for bathtubs to complete shower systems. The wide range meets the most diverse installation requirements and all products are designed for particularly easy installation.


Course ID Theme Course Title Duration Month From To Fees in US$

TP26/14 Technical Introduction au monde pétrolier 1 Day September 5 5 $350

TP27/14 Safety Conduite d'Engins de Chantier 2 Days September 18 19 $450

TP28/14 Technical Inspection of Existing Concrete Structures 2 Days September 25 26 $450

TP29/14 Technical Concrete Plant Manager 2 Days October 7 8 $450

TP30/14 Management Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 2 Days November 6 7 $450

TP31/14 ManagementISO 9001: 2008 Auditor / Lead Auditor Trainings Course IRCA Certified

5 Days November 10 14 $1,200

TP32/14 Technical Renewable Energies 2 Days November 13 14 $450

TP33/14 Safety Scaffolding 2 Days November 20 21 $450

Course ID Theme Course Title Duration Month From To Fees in US$

AF14/10 Management ISO 15189, Lecture pas à pas de la norme 2 Days September 23 24 $450.00

AF14/11 Management Food Safety Management Systems ISO 22000:2005 2 Days October 9 10 $450.00

AF14/12 Management Internal Audit For Quality Management Systems 2 Days October 16 17 $450.00

AF14/13 Management Human Resources Management Now! 2 Days November 28 29 $380.00

Apave Liban 2014 Training Calendar

Trainings With AFNOR

Join us on Linked In “Apave Liban trainings” group & Don’t miss the chance to register in our Trainings. Places are limited!

With Apave, you can now build your annual training plan and benefit from up to 30% discount on your participations to our open training sessions throughout the coming year 2014

Sustainable Energy & Environmental Design Solutions - SEEDS® s.a.r.l is an engineering consultancy firm specializing in sustainability and green building design, optimized design, and building performance simulation services.Through its consultancy and its analysis and training departments, this Lebanon-based company was founded to serve the sustainability needs of Lebanon, the MENA region, and beyond.Whether your project is seeking LEED, BREEAM, Estidama Pearl, GSAS, Living Building Challenge, PassivHaus, HQE or any other national or international certification/recognition, our accredited and highly skilled architects and engineers are ready to help you choose the best way to meet all program requirements. Our team brings to the design table a suite of performance modeling activities and tools, including energy modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies, daylight analysis, solar and shading analysis, as well as specialty software tools that analyze and document the performance of specific systems.Based on our past and current work in sustainable design and highly skilled simulation, our team is helping achieve the highest certification schemes with an optimized cost-benefit approach.

Website: www.seeds-intl.com

YELLOBLUE is a renewable energy and energy efficiency EPC company (Engineering, Procurement and Contracting) that supplies innovative solutions such as engineered collective SWH and integrated photovoltaic smart systems in order to optimize integration of solar electricity generation with other energy sources.Our service includes a needs assessment, adequate product identification, design simulation (engineering), a feasibility study (ROI), products supply and installation, and maintenance.YELLOBLUE also offers sustainability consulting services, analyzing and advising on the most cost effective measures to offset the carbon footprint in all fields as part of one holistic approach (Energy efficiency, water savings etc.).Our key personnel are LEED Green Associates and members of WEC (World Energy Council), LGBC (Lebanon Green Building Council), and OEA (Order of Engineers and Architects of Lebanon).

Tel: +961 1 612 500Fax: +961 1 611 005Email: [email protected]: www.yelloblue.telBerytech Technology and Health,Damascus Road, Beirut-LebanonYelloblue Sal (RC 1015745)

Green Players in Lebanon

22 Degrees and Daikin: A Partnership to Make The Planet a Cooler PlaceAppropriately launched on March 22, 2010, 22 Degrees is the proud distributor of Daikin Industries Ltd., the parent company of Daikin Europe N.V and leading total solution providers of home comfort systems, advanced heating systems based on efficient heat pump technology, applied systems and air handling units for industry, as well as, refrigeration solutions. With an ever growing list of clients, 22 Degrees is committed to providing clients with environmentally friendly solutions and quality products. In line with the vision of 22 Degrees, Daikin Industries Ltd’s 80 years of expertise have allowed the Japanese company to provide its European affiliate Daikin Europe access to the most advanced air conditioning research and development facilities in the world. As a global leader and only air conditioning manufacturer producing both its own compressors and refrigerants, Daikin is firmly committed to providing environmentally friendly solutions and products to homes, businesses and industries by providing quality products that actively contribute to a cleaner environment by conserving energy.

Tel: +961 1 498422 Fax:+961 1 498022Antonios el-Khazen Building, el-Midan street, Dekwaneh P.O.Box 16-6722 Achrafieh Lebanon

EcoConsulting is a specialized eco-building consul-tancy providing businesses, architects, developers, planners, municipalities, and homeowners a variety of interlinked services aimed at improving resource and energy efficiency, interior health and comfort, and environmental-friendliness.EcoConsulting was founded in 2003 in London and expanded to Lebanon in 2008. Our projects range from small residential villas to large commercial and retail developments, most of them aiming for the LEED or BREEAM sustainability certifications. We also offer advice on bioclimatic design, eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, thermal modeling, daylighting, carbon footprint analysis, corporate environmental policy, and environmental awareness campaigns. You can read the details about our services, clients, and featured projects on our website at:

www.ecoconsulting.net

e-EcoSolutions s.a.r.l. is a sustainability consulting firm organized and existing under the laws of the Lebanese republic. We have experience in Canada, the Levant, and the GCC, namely the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. e-EcoSolutions specializes in sustainability through its three separate business units:1. Environmental Consultancy and LEED® Certification

for Green Buildings.2. eGreenPages Online Search Engine, which is the

No. 1 online search engine and knowledgebase targeted to sustainability architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and consultants who are looking to find suppliers of eco-friendly building products in the MENA region (www.e-green-pages.com).

3. Green Events Organizing, as detailed in this article.

Tel: (+961) 9 856565Email: [email protected]: www.eecosolutions.comCanada – U.A.E. – Qatar – Lebanon

Integrated Energy Group (IEG) is an energy efficiency and energy management company. IEG’s aim is to reduce a client’s energy consumption through cost-effective energy efficiency engineering and by applying the highest green building standards. This involves:• IEG’s Proprietary eC3 (Command and Control and

Communications) Cooling Management System, which is a hardware and software system for HVAC and district cooling. It allows for real-time dynamic thermal control for buildings and meets ASHRAE / ANSI standards;

• Spectrum LED, which is a proprietary brandthat leverages third generation LED technology (Samsung, CREE, SSC, and Nichia). Our LED products are brighter and last longer than competing products, thus reducing costs;

• Our solutions suite of electro-mechanicalengineering and renewable energy technologies.

IEG has completed more than 35 projects in Lebanon and the UAE. In 2014, we delivered the Jumeirah Beach Residence (Dubai – UAE) Energy Performance solution, the Middle East’s largest residential energy efficiency and energy management project.

Beirut: Broadway Center - 10th FloorHamra Street, PO Box 113-5054, Beirut – [email protected]: Dubai Business Bay, PO Box 392073, Dubai - [email protected]: www.int-energygroup.com


TRIBUNE LIBRE

Rhea NawarStudent

“Green Reflect ion”

52 Bui lding & Co | SEPTEMBER 2014

LEADER IN TECHNICAL CONTROLACCREDITED “FIRST CATEGORY”BY THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS ENHANCING SAFETY IN LEBANON’S CONSTRUCTION FIELD

CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS:Phone: 961.1.283072 / 961.1.295010 Fax: 961.1.295145

Email: [email protected] www.apaveliban.com

PUBL

IC SAFETY LAW

م السالمة العامةسو

مر

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