The partnership between the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Lebanese University (LU), as part of the consortium of the Erasmus Plus project High Level Renewable and Energy Efficiency Master courses (HEBA), is intended to facilitate discussions, conduct interdisciplinary research, theoretical studies, and experimental validation in energy and the environment for sustainable development, and marketing technologies that would improve the human wellbeing and productivity in the built-in environment. It enhances the collaborative use of the HEBA energy related labs of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (MSFEA) at AUB and the Faculty of Engineering (FE) at LU.
A two-pronged approach: the first initiative aims to support the human well-being in the built environment and energy efficiency through offering specialized training in advanced HVAC topics, engaging in high impact sustainable air condition consulting activities and studies, and designing and testing personal cooling and ventilation systems.
The second initiative aims to conduct research in Energy and Environment that serves agenda 2030 goals for sustainable development, support the industry and its efficiency through research activities in thermal and hyperspectral imaging, energy audit in buildings, offer consultancy in clean technology and energy audit, and design of industrial pilot scale systems.
Labs at both institutions have acquired new test equipment through the generous HEBA grant to boost their research, training and service capacities.
LU, an institution of higher education operating in Lebanon, represented for the purpose of this agreement by the dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Rafic Younes, and AUB, represented by MSFEA Dean Alan Shihadeh, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on March 16, 2021 that sets forth the general framework for cooperation between the two institutions for the next three years. This agreement culminates efforts by EU project partners for enhancing training, research, and industrial services in the area of renewable energy and energy efficiency.