30 July - 5 August 2012 - orsam

Green Cities
District S is a neighborhood development project located in Beirut, Lebanon, that employs green
planning and design principles in architecture, materials, mobility, and energy and water
consumption. The development of the neighborhood adopts the premise that environmentally
sustainable communities will offer residents and visitors a better quality of life and health. District S
qualifies Lebanon as the fifth country worldwide to apply the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification system to neighborhood development (ND), endorsing
green living on a lifecycle basis. District S will be the first sustainable neighborhood in Lebanon, the
Arab world, and the Mediterranean basin, according to LEED-ND.
District S integrates the principles of new urbanism, green building, and smart growth. It is carefully
sited to be in close proximity to basic community services such as schools, convenience stores, places
of worship, recreational facilities, and public transportation. These destinations are reachable by foot
or bike, hence reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. The neighborhood infrastructure will
be green. Street lighting will use energy efficient fixtures, the sewage system will use recycled
content, inner roads will be shaded with trees, and a portion of rain water will be harvested.
Pedestrian areas will be lined by trees, bushes, and greenery, allowing residents and visitors to walk
or ride their bikes to the café, gym, school, or community center. Biking racks will be available for
residents, visitors, employees, and shoppers. Hybrid and all-electric cars will have preferred parking
spots. All roofs will be green. In summary, District S will exemplify green city development in
Beirut.
The developers of District S are collaborating closely with their sustainability consultants to integrate
environmentally friendly components in all phases of the project. All buildings will have green roofs
that will decrease the heat island effect caused by the absorption and retention of heat by city
building roofs and asphalt. Wood used in construction will be sustainably harvested. Most building
materials will have recycled content. Highly efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
systems (HVAC), proper insulation, and building orientation will cut energy usage by around 30%
compared with a similar, conventionally-developed neighborhood. Air conditioners will use
environmentally friendly gases. Sophisticated air filters and paints with low volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) will ensure improved indoor air quality for building occupants. Daylight views
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