• Energy Efficiency & Construction Policy
• eecop

Energy Efficiency & Construction Policy

University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (UOWA)
Policy ID: UOWA-ECP-2025-v1.1
Effective Date: July 2022
Revision Date: October 2025
Review Cycle: Annual
Governing Body: University Council / Sustainable Development Committee

1. Rationale and Strategic Objectives

UOWA recognises that growth and modernization must align with climate and energy goals. This policy commits the university to ensuring that all new construction and major renovations meet or exceed energy efficiency standards, to reduce operational energy demand, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable campus development.

2. Applicable Standards & Guidelines

To ensure clarity and accountability, all construction and renovation projects shall comply with one or more of the following standards or guidelines, as applicable:

• Iraqi National Building Energy Code / Regulations
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1 / 189.1 — for building energy performance
• ISO 50001 — for energy management systems
• Best Practice Guidelines for Hot/Arid Climates — for solar shading, thermal mass, natural ventilation, etc.

3. Design, Review & Approval Process

3.1 Pre-design / Concept Stage

• Project teams present energy-saving strategies (insulation, glazing, HVAC, lighting, passive design).
• Conduct preliminary energy model comparing base case vs proposed design.

3.2 Design Review & Compliance Check

• The Sustainability / Energy Committee reviews design documents for compliance.
• Feedback must be incorporated prior to full design approval.

3.3 Construction Monitoring & Verification

• Periodic inspections ensure materials, insulation, HVAC, windows, and controls match design.
• Verify installed equipment (LEDs, motors, sensors) meets required efficiencies.

3.4 Commissioning & Handover

• Complete system testing, balancing, and validation against simulation.
• Provide as-built energy models and performance guarantees where feasible.

3.5 Regular Maintenance and Operational Efficiency

The University shall implement planned preventive maintenance (PPM) to ensure that all energy systems continue to perform at their intended efficiency. This includes:

·        Routine inspection and servicing of HVAC units, chillers, and boilers to maintain optimal operation and refrigerant integrity.

·        Regular filter cleaning, lubrication, and recalibration of control systems.

·        Periodic testing of lighting controls, motion sensors, and timers to avoid unnecessary energy use.

·        Adoption of energy performance checklists for each building, verified by the Facilities Department.

·        Integration of maintenance data into the building management system (BMS) for real-time tracking and fault alerts.

• Facilities team to follow Operation & Maintenance Guidelines to preserve efficiency.
• Training for users and maintenance staff on efficient building operation (controls, shading, scheduling).

The objective is to prevent performance degradation, extend asset life, and reduce lifecycle energy costs.

3.6 Green Procurement and Equipment Upgrades

All procurement and replacement activities shall prioritise energy-efficient and eco-labelled products in accordance with the University’s Green Procurement Policy.
Key requirements include:

·        Purchasing only Energy Star, EPEAT, or locally certified A-rated appliances and office equipment.

·        Replacing outdated lighting with LED fixtures and efficient control systems.

·        Procuring HVAC systems with high Coefficient of Performance (COP) and variable-speed drives.

·        Preferring locally sourced and low-embodied-energy construction materials.

·        Including energy performance criteria in all tender documents and vendor evaluations.

The Procurement Office shall maintain a record of all energy-efficient purchases and report annually on progress and savings achieved.

4. Monitoring, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Use ICT / building automation systems to monitor energy use in real-time.
• Compare actual performance with modeled predictions; report deviations and corrective actions.
• Issue annual energy performance reports
• Set incremental energy reduction targets and integrate into UOWA’s sustainability strategy.

5. Governance and Responsibilities

• Sustainability / Energy Committee oversees implementation and compliance.
• Facilities & Maintenance Department executes operations and ensures maintenance.
• Project Leads / Architects / Engineers are responsible for embedding efficiency in design.
• Procurement Office must prioritize energy-rated equipment and materials (LEDs, high-efficiency motors, insulation, etc.).

6. Exceptions and Adjustments

• In constrained cases (e.g. heritage buildings, spatial limitations), documented exception requests may be made to the Sustainability Committee.
• Exceptions must include compensatory measures (e.g. solar panels, efficient systems) to offset energy performance shortfalls.

7. Policy Revision & Review History

Version	Revision Date	Summary of Changes	Reviewed By
v1.0	July 2022	Initial policy release establishing energy efficiency framework	University Council
v1.1	October 2025	Added standards references, refined targets, and roles & processes	Sustainable Development Committee