An-Najah National University : Water Use Efficiency

Application of Building Standards to Minimize Water Use

An-Najah National University uses the Palestine Green Building Guideline as a key national reference for water efficiency in building design, construction, and renovation. The guideline provides criteria for reducing water consumption and supporting the sustainable management of water resources. The University's institutional water policies provide an additional framework for promoting water conservation and considering appropriate water-saving and water-reuse measures in campus facilities.

The measures and technical criteria described below represent the relevant guideline requirements and the University's stated policy framework. Their application should be verified against the specifications and records of each individual construction or renovation project.

1. Applicable Building Standard

The primary national reference is the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024, Second Edition, Chapter 5: Water Use Efficiency. The guideline addresses water-efficient fixtures and appliances, irrigation efficiency, greywater reuse, wastewater management, rainwater harvesting, water metering, and innovative water technologies. The guideline includes a minimum 20% water-consumption reduction criterion; the applicable baseline and calculation method should be determined in accordance with the guideline.

2. Water-Efficient Fixtures and Equipment

The guideline specifies maximum consumption rates for selected water fixtures and appliances. The following figures should be checked against the applicable fixture category, test conditions, and the official guideline before being used in tender or procurement specifications.

Fixture or equipment	Maximum consumption stated in the guideline
Flush-valve toilet	4.8 litres per flush
Dual-flush toilet	3 litres reduced flush; 6 litres full flush
Washbasin tap	4.5 litres per minute
Kitchen tap	8.5 litres per minute
Showerhead	7.6 litres per minute
Urinal	1.9 litres per flush
Bidet/rinser	4.5 litres per minute at 3 bar
Pot-rinse valve (restaurants/hotels)	6 litres per minute
Domestic washing machine	8.75 litres per kilogram of laundry
Household dishwasher	22 litres per cycle; 15 litres per cycle for small models

3. Rainwater Harvesting

The national guideline provides criteria for rainwater harvesting in eligible new buildings. It identifies a collection-surface threshold of at least 200 m² and an annual rainfall threshold of at least 300 mm for the specified requirement. Where applicable and technically feasible, roof runoff can be collected and stored in covered, impermeable tanks for suitable non-potable uses, such as landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. Project design should account for local rainfall, storage capacity, water quality, and applicable requirements.

4. Greywater Reuse and Wastewater Management

The University's water-conservation approach supports assessment of greywater collection, treatment, and reuse where technically and economically feasible, particularly in new buildings and major renovation projects. Potential non-potable uses include toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, subject to appropriate treatment, maintenance, health and safety safeguards, and applicable regulatory requirements. Wastewater should be managed and treated in accordance with applicable requirements.

5. Water-Efficient Landscaping and Irrigation

Water-efficient landscaping measures consistent with the national guideline include drip irrigation, suitable irrigation scheduling, efficient irrigation equipment, and native or drought-tolerant plant species adapted to local climatic conditions. These measures can help reduce irrigation demand while maintaining campus green spaces.

6. Water Metering, Monitoring, and Maintenance

Water metering and regular monitoring can help identify excessive consumption, leaks, and opportunities for improvement. Relevant measures include installing appropriate meters, inspecting plumbing systems, repairing leaks promptly, and periodically reviewing consumption data. Where feasible, monitoring can be conducted at building or major-use level to support evidence-based facilities management.

7. Institutional Policies and Implementation

The University's approach is supported by the following institutional and national references:

Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024 — National technical guidance for water efficiency in building design and construction.
An-Najah National University Water Policy — Institutional framework for water conservation and management.
An-Najah National University Water Reuse and Conservation Policy — Institutional reference for water reuse and conservation measures.

Implementation is addressed through project design, technical specifications, construction and renovation activities, and facilities management, as applicable to each project. Project-level documentation should be retained to demonstrate which requirements have been incorporated and verified.

Commitment to Sustainable Water Use

By using the Palestine Green Building Guideline 2024 and its institutional water policies as references, An-Najah National University seeks to minimise freshwater consumption, encourage responsible water reuse, and improve the environmental performance of its buildings. These measures support the University's sustainability commitments and the responsible management of water resources in Palestine.

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Water Use Efficiency