From the American University of Kurdistan (AUK). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.
The Male Residence Facility (MRF) at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) has achieved LEED Gold certification under the LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system, earning a total of 62 points. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the internationally recognized sustainability rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The achievement was formally marked during AUK's Commencement Ceremony on September 17, when Prime Minister Masrour Barzani inaugurated the building and unveiled its gold LEED plaque.
The certification recognizes sustainability measures across transportation, site development, water, energy, materials, waste and indoor environmental quality.
Sustainability highlights
- Alternative transportation: Dedicated cycling facilities, including bicycle lanes, bicycle racks and shower facilities.
- Sustainable site development: Minimized disturbance to the surrounding natural site and preserved existing site conditions where possible.
- Electric vehicles: Three EV charging stations serving approximately 2% of parking capacity, plus 5% green parking spaces.
- Construction pollution prevention: Reduced construction-related pollution through measures including a vehicle washing and cleaning station.
- Open space and landscaping: Approximately 30% open space, including approximately 25% landscaped and green areas.
- Rainwater and water reuse: Harvested rainwater and treated water are used for landscape irrigation, eliminating the need for potable domestic water for irrigation.
- Water efficiency: Approximately 100% reduction in potable water use for outdoor irrigation and approximately 20% reduction in indoor water consumption.
- Heat island reduction: Strategies to reduce the project's contribution to the urban heat island effect.
- Energy efficiency: Building energy consumption reduced by approximately 20%, supported by clean renewable energy from a photovoltaic (PV) system.
- Carbon reduction: Lower operational carbon footprint through energy-efficiency measures and renewable energy generation.
- Sustainable materials: Environmentally preferable materials supported by relevant environmental certifications, including Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
- Waste management: A garbage collection and sorting system to support waste separation and recycling.
- Indoor environmental quality: Improved indoor air quality through enhanced ventilation and related strategies.
- Low-emitting materials: Low-emitting materials used for flooring, walls, ceilings and other applicable interior finishes.
- Daylight: Access to daylight for more than 75% of regularly occupied spaces.
- Light pollution reduction: Exterior lighting designed to meet light pollution reduction requirements and minimize impacts on the night sky.
- Commissioning: Comprehensive fundamental and enhanced commissioning verified that major building systems perform according to project requirements.
These achievements demonstrate AUK's commitment to integrating environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, water conservation, occupant health and responsible resource management into its campus development.
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