The Halim and Aida Daniel Academic and Clinical Center (ACC building) at the
American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) has successfully achieved LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification issued by the US Green Building Council (USGBC)
on March 13, 2023. The Halim and Aida Daniel ACC is in fact the first clinical building in Lebanon to obtain
a LEED Silver certification.
The Halim and Aida Academic and Clinical Center is a major landmark that provides a holistic approach
to healing and teaching in an environment that merges patient care, education, and research in one
mixed-use building. It has formerly gained international attention when it was announced by Contract
Design Magazine as the winner of the Conceptual Design for the Healthcare Environment Awards 2014,
in recognition of its innovative design that enhances the quality of healthcare delivery.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used green building rating
system in the world. LEED-certified buildings are proven to save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon
emissions and create healthier places for people. They are critical to addressing the climate crisis,
meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities. By enabling the
implementation of the green architecture feature in both its design and construction and showcasing an
example of sustainability and leadership in transforming the building industry, the Halim and Aida Daniel
ACC earned the needed certification points to achieve the Silver certification.
The LEED Silver certification recognizes AUBMC’s continuous efforts and the commitment it has
demonstrated to integrating environmental advocacy into building climate change resilient
infrastructure.
Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Joseph Otayek, AUBMC’s Medical Center Director, said: “While
committing to its legacy of clinical excellence and human service, AUBMC can also be proud of the
designation of the Halim and Aida Daniel ACC building as the first state of the art building of its kind to
get the prestigious LEED certification in Lebanon. This recognition comes as an attestation to AUBMC
unwavering efforts and leadership in sustainable energy management and environment friendly facility
design despite all challenges.” He concluded by proudly stating, “Our drive towards excellence is
persistent!”.
The USGBC incentivizes facilities to adopt an eco-friendly architecture by opting for green building
practices and sustainable designs with the lowest possible negative impact on the surrounding
environment.
Patients who frequent the ACC green structured clinic will experience a myriad of health benefits due to
the eco-friendly materials utilized in construction. Green architecture has a major positive impact on the
environment by promoting the use of natural building materials, recyclable materials (such as timber and
metal), green technologies (water and energy saving installations), and design methods (smart electromechanical systems) with low environmental impact in full respect of sustainable development and the
landscape context.
In addition to the newly constructed ACC building, AUB’s Irani Oxy Engineering Complex (IOEC) and
Penrose Hall (men’s dormitory) have previously obtained the LEED Gold certification, the former in
recognition for “new construction” and the latter for “renovated buildings.”
This last triumph reaffirms AUB’s commitment to support the global drive to developing eco-friendly
projects that promote safe and smart buildings for the wellbeing of all.