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TRANSCRIPT
June 2011
Lebanon: Thermal Standards for Buildings - Review and Implementation Plan
Final Report
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PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Limited (India) was engaged by the World Bank under selection no 1015728/Lebanon: Thermal Building Standards – Review and Implementation Plan in January 2011. The scope of work under this engagement was: Task 1: Review existing thermal standards developed in 2005 and 2010, in light of changed fuel and electricity production costs, and changes in building design and construction practice and energy utilization. Either ratify these standards or define areas in which standards must be updated or revised; Task 2: Identify and outline any factors related to establishing thermal standards for new buildings, including categorization of standards and application for different types of buildings (residential, commercial, etc), and legal and regulatory structure to promote adoption of that have not been considered in existing standards. Task 3: Provide advice on best practice in the enactment, enforcement and subsequent implementation of thermal building standards, based on international experience; Task 4: Identify barriers to implementation of thermal building standards particular to the Lebanese context, including current electricity tariff levels; Task 5: Develop a roadmap for the implementation of a Thermal Standards Program and enactment and enforcement of thermal standards for new buildings in Lebanon, including consideration of legal and regulatory requirements for mandatory adoption of thermal building standards. This roadmap will address the barriers to implementation identified above, and recommend possible financial and/or other incentives such as CDM to assist with the adoption of thermal building standards; Task 6: Identify key stakeholders and ensure that the proposed roadmap addresses any stakeholder issues that could affect implementation; Task 7: Develop training/communication materials and undertake a dissemination / awareness building workshop in order to facilitate the initiation of the implementation roadmap. Following deliverables have been completed in this assignment
Review and recommendations with respect to existing Thermal Building Standards and thermal standard calculation model, taking into account the changes outlined in Task 3.
Draft Roadmap for implementation of thermal building standards, appropriate to the Lebanese context and addressing identified barriers to implementation.
Stakeholder Workshop in preparation for adoption of standards. This report incorporates the observations and comments on the stakeholder consultation carried out on 28 June 2011. The team for the assignment comprises of following: Inderjeet Singh (Sr. Manager PricewaterhouseCoopers Pvt. Ltd, Gurgaon, India) Vishal Garg (Associate Professor, Center of IT in Building Science, IIIT Hyderabad, India) Jyotirmay Mathur (Associate Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, MNIT, Jaipur, India) Maya Aleywan (PricewaterhouseCoopers, MENA Region)
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Contents
Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................08
1. RATIONALE AND SCOPE OF ROADMAP FOR BEEC ......................................................... 12
1.1 RATIONALE ............................................................................................................................................. 12 1.2 GOAL .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 1.3 SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
2. CURRENT STATUS OF ENERGY/THERMAL STANDARDS IN LEBANON .................. 15
2.1 LEBANON ENERGY SCENARIO .................................................................................................................... 15 2.2 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................................... 16 2.3 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ...................................................................................................................... 17 2.4 MAJOR EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS ..................................................................................................... 17
3. FEATURES OF EFFECTIVE BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY CODE(S) ................... 20
3.1 BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY CODE ...................................................................................................... 20 3.1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 20 3.1.2 Compliance Approach .................................................................................................................... 20 3.1.3 Adoption Approach ........................................................................................................................ 21
3.2 INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES ............................................................................................................ 22 3.2.1 Technical Scope of Codes ............................................................................................................... 22 1. Whole building scope ..................................................................................................................... 22 2. Addressing climatic variation ...................................................................................................... 23 3. Addressing residential and commercial buildings ................................................................... 23 4. Specific calculation structure ....................................................................................................... 24 5. Calculation procedure ................................................................................................................... 25 3.2.2 Mechanism for implementation and enforcement of codes ................................................ 26 1. Regular updating of BEEC............................................................................................................ 26 2. Staged implementation ................................................................................................................. 27 3. Mandatory compliance ................................................................................................................. 27 4. Thorough enforcement procedure ............................................................................................... 28 5. Penalties for lack of compliance ................................................................................................... 29 6. Track compliance rates ................................................................................................................. 29 3.2.3 Code implementation support ...................................................................................................... 30 1. Code training and certification .................................................................................................... 30 2. Voluntary high performance incentive programs .................................................................... 30 3. Demonstration projects ................................................................................................................. 31
3.3 BEEC DEVELOPMENT AND ENFORCEMENT ............................................................................................. 31 3.3.1 Code Development .......................................................................................................................... 31 3.3.1 Code Enforcement........................................................................................................................... 32
3.4 ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOVERNANCE .......................................................................................................... 34
4. BARRIERS IN IMPLEMENTATION OF BEEC ....................................................................... 37
4.1 POLITICAL BARRIERS ................................................................................................................................. 37 4.2 COMPLEXITY OF PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................. 37 4.3 MARKET BARRIERS ................................................................................................................................... 37
5 APPROACH OF ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING BEEC IN LEBANON ................... 40
6. DETAILS OF SHORT TERM ROADMAP ................................................................................. 42
6.1 CODE DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................................. 42 6.1.1 Modification of existing Thermal Standards (TSBL) into Elemental Building Energy Efficiency Code ......................................................................................................................................... 42 6.1.2 Specifying Lighting Efficiency through Lighting Power Density ........................................... 44
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6.1.3 HVAC system efficiency ................................................................................................................. 46 6.1.4 Solar Water Heating ...................................................................................................................... 47 6.1.5 Covering major retrofitting and extension of existing buildings: .......................................... 48 6.1.6 Mechanism for short term code development ............................................................................ 48
6.2 ADOPTION .................................................................................................................................................. 48 6.3 IMPLEMENTATION ..................................................................................................................................... 50 6.4 ENFORCEMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 53 6.5 FINANCIAL ESTIMATES .............................................................................................................................. 57
7. DETAILS OF MEDIUM TERM ROADMAP ............................................................................. 59
7.1 DEVELOPMENT OF CODE ............................................................................................................................ 59 7.2 ADOPTION .................................................................................................................................................. 61 7.3 IMPLEMENTATION ..................................................................................................................................... 61 7.4 ENFORCEMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 67 7.5 COMPLIANCE TRACKING ............................................................................................................................ 70
8. CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM .................................................................................. 71
8.1 APPROACH & METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 73 8.2 ASSURANCE OF REVENUE .......................................................................................................................... 74 8.3 IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF CDM .................................................................................................................. 74
9. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................. 76
10. ACTIVITY SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................. 77
11. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 85
APPENDIX 1- COMPARISON OF TSBL 2005 AND TSBL 2010 WITH INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES ................................................................................................................................... 87
APPENDIX 2- REVIEW AND COMPARISON OF TSBL 2005 AND TSBL 2010 .................... 93
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS: ............................................................................................................................... 93 COMPARISON OF TSBL2005 AND TSBL2010 RELATED TO PRESCRIPTIVE AND TRADE-OFF METHOD: ........ 94 COMPARISON OF TSBL-2005 AND TBL-2010 FOR PERFORMANCE METHOD: .............................................. 99 COMPARISON OF TSBL-2005 AND TBL-2010 FOR COMPLIANCE FORMS AND TOOLS: ................................ 101
APPENDIX 3- RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADOPTING TSBL 2005 AND TSBL 2010 FOR DEVELOPING ELEMENTAL CODE AND BEEC ........................................................................... 102
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List of Figures
Page
No
Figure 1.1: Phases of Demand Side Management (DSM) in building sector 12
Figure 3.1: BEEC development and revision cycle 25
Figure 3.2: Role of voluntary and mandatory programs for energy efficiency 30
Figure 3.3: Energy Efficiency Governance 34
Figure 5.1: Roadmap for implementing BEEC in Lebanon 41
Figure 6.1: From code development to compliance 42
Figure 6.2: Scope of Committee for development of Elemental BEEC 43
Figure 6.3: Phased implementation of the elemental code 49 Figure 6.4: Building Permit System in Lebanon 54 Figure 6.5: Enforcement of the elemental BEEC 55
Figure 7.1: Overall structure and working of various groups for development of
building energy efficiency code
60
Figure 7.2: Enforcement of the performance BEEC 69
Figure 8.1: CDM project cycle 71
List of tables
Page
No
Table 2.1: Reduction in operational efficiencies of some of the Thermal Power
Stations in Lebanon
15
Table 3.1: Benefits of prescriptive approach to different stakeholders 21
Table 3.2: International Best Practices 22
Table 1-3: Institutional options for enforcing building codes 32
Table 1-1: Maximum lighting power allowance through building area method 44 Table 1-2: Maximum lighting power allowance through space function method 45
Table 1-3: Minimum COP values for HVAC systems 46
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Acknowledgments The report has benefited from extensive review and observations of Ashok Sarkar, Simon Stolp (the World Bank), and Pierre El Khoury, Rayan Slim, Rani Al Achkar, Bernard Champanhet (LCEC) In addition to this, invaluable inputs were received from Lena Dergham, Jawad Abi Akl (LIBNOR), Adel Mourtada, Samir R. Traboulsi (LGBC), Raid Assaf (ASHRAE Lebanese Chapter) Rabih Khairallah (President of Mechanical Consultants Engineers) and Awena Lebeschu (IFC). Sharique Ahmad and Ankit Gupta (PricewaterhouseCoopers) contributed to some of the graphics used in the report.
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Abbreviations
APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
ASE Alliance to Save Energy
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air conditioning Engineers
BEEC Building Energy Efficiency Code
CDM Clean Development Mechanism
CDR Council for Development & Reconstruction
COP Coefficient of Performance
DSM Demand Side Management
EDL Electricitie Du Liban
EE Energy Efficiency
ESCOs Energy Services Companies
GEF Global Environment Facility
GWh Giga Watt hour
HCP Higher Council of Privatization
HERS Home Energy Rating System
HVAC Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
IEA International Energy Agency
IES Illuminating Engineering Society
IRI Industrial Research Institute
LAS League of Arab States
LCC Life Cycle Cost
LCEC Lebanese Centre for Energy Conservation
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LIBNOR Lebanese Standards Institution
MDG Millennium Development Goals
MENA Middle East and North Africa
MEW Ministry of Energy & Water
MW Mega Watt
NEEAP National Energy Efficiency Action Plan
OEA Order of Engineers & Architects
PPP Public Private Partnership
REEEP Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership
RICS Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
SWH Solar Water Heating
TSBL Thermal Standards for Building in Lebanon
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UNDP United Nations Development Program
USAID United States Agency for International Development
VAT Value Added Tax
WB World Bank
Executive summary
Lebanon is working towards medium term reconstruction, recovery and reforms program to
align itself with the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Recovery and reconstruction
was one of the prime representations of the country at the Paris III conference in January
2007.
The Government elect (since November 2009) has adopted a policy note and an action plan
in order to increase cost effective reliable availability of electricity in the country.
One of the major requirements for reliable supply is timely capacity addition to meet the
growing demand; the flip side is that new investments can happen subject to operational
efficiency and profitability of the entity responsible for supply of electricity in the country.
The country has not witnessed increase in electricity tariff for more than a decade although
the cost of import of fossil fuels (used for electricity generation) has increased by more than
300% which has severely impacted the operational margins of Electricitie Du Liban (EDL).
Although international community has offered assistance to Lebanon in revival of its
electricity sector, there has been an overarching requirement of considering environment
performance of the system at par with reliable availability for consumption.
There are two possible approaches that can help curb the emissions as well as add to the
energy security of the country:
- Addition of new generation capacities with better performance (low GHG emission)
and /or induction of renewable energy facilities
- Reduction in consumption of energy in certain target sectors (Energy efficiency)
Building sector consumes a major portion of electricity in any country (around 40% in
Lebanon) with modest recoveries and performance control over the equipments
implemented and used in the building establishments unless specific performance standards
are adopted at country level.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), through the funding from Global
Environment Facility (GEF) executed the project for development of Thermal Standards for
Buildings in Lebanon (TSBL) between 2002 -2005.
The major activities under this funding initiative were:
- Establishing climatic zones in the country
- Carry out economic feasibility study of energy efficiency interventions in the
buildings along with energy analysis
- Development of thermal standards for various kind of buildings
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- Development of technical guide and software tool for practicing engineers and
implementing agencies
Along with this, a major portion of the funding was used for capacity building, stakeholder
consultation, technical workshops and conferences along with specific studies and
development of regional coordination.
The thermal building standards developed as an outcome of this study could not get
implemented in Lebanon for various reasons. In the year 2010, the construction sector
licensing body, the Order of Engineers and Architects (OEA), through French Agency for
Environment prepared a revised version of the thermal standards for buildings in Lebanon
and approached Lebanese Standards Institution (LIBNOR), the statutory entity for
standardization, for adoption in the country.
The adoption / implementation of thermal building standards require:
- Relevance of the standards for the growing building sector in Lebanon
- Modalities of implementation of standards
- Stock taking of concerns of stakeholders
- Roadmap for short and medium term and integration with the existing laws and
legislations in the country.
The World Bank (WB) in conjunction with the Lebanese Centre for Energy Conservation
(LCEC), and as part of a broader program support for energy efficiency in Lebanon decided
to bridge the gap between the TSBL and its actual implementation through this assignment
“Lebanon: Thermal Building Standards Review and Implementation Plan”, which may in-
turn outline the fitment of the thermal standards and actual requirements / preparedness of
the implementation structure in the country.
This assignment has following inter related objectives:
- Address fundamental requirements for an effective implementation of TSBL in
Lebanon
- Review of the thermal standards developed in 2005 and 2010 and report their
appropriateness for implementation and defining areas in which standards must be
updated
- Help prepare Lebanese institutions and allied stakeholders for a successful
implementation of a thermal building standards program by identifying barriers to
implementation and developing the roadmap to address these issues.
During the course of development of assignment objectives, it was deliberated that
implementation of TSBL in its present form may not be sufficient to meet the objectives of
the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) which details out various energy
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efficiency measures for the country with ambitious target of 1.4 mtoe over 20 years [NEEAP
2010].
It is therefore proposed to develop a prescriptive code for the country so that energy
efficiency can be incorporated in the ongoing and near future construction. This prescriptive
code can be used in short term and add minimum efficiency levels of equipment in the
current thermal standard. In the medium term the performance based Building Energy
Efficiency Code (BEEC) can be developed and implemented. Simultaneously efforts can be
made to transform the market to take over from the present condition to matured
international best practices.
This study has thus been expanded from comparison of the two TSBL (2005 and 2010) to
proposing a roadmap for the country to graduate to a comprehensive building code.
The roadmap for BEEC in Lebanon has been proposed considering the fast pace
implementation / construction of new buildings in the country vis-à-vis the availability of
resources, tools and techniques and preparedness of the country to switchover from the
status of limited regulation in terms of building Energy Efficiency (EE) to a performance
based BEEC.
The possible energy savings through efficient building envelope range between 10 – 50%
depending upon the building size, climate, internal load and allied parameters. Usually in
large buildings, the energy saving potential through building envelope is only upto 20%
whereas additional energy saving potential of similar magnitude can be obtained through use
of efficient lighting, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Solar Water
Heating (SWH) systems. Hence, the scope of elemental BEEC is proposed to include
requirement of efficient lighting, HVAC and SWH systems along with building envelope.
Short Term Road Map
For an initial period of two years, the short-term roadmap has been proposed with a target of
implementing an elemental BEEC to capture immediate opportunities of improving energy
efficiency in building sector. For this purpose, the approach for modifying the existing TSBL
(2005 and 2010) for inclusion of prescriptive requirements for energy efficiency lighting,
HVAC and solar water heating system have been presented in this report. To begin with,
elemental BEEC may be adopted for public / Government buildings and later may be
mandated for all the buildings.
Medium Term Road Map
It is proposed that after first two years, staged replacement of the prescriptive elemental code by a performance based BEEC takes place. Similar to the staged implementation of the elemental BEEC, the performance based BEEC should also be implemented in multiple stages i.e. first for government buildings and then for all buildings. Needless to mention here that until the performance based code becomes mandatory for any
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particular type of buildings, they would need to comply with the elemental code. Thus, life of the elemental code extends beyond two years and continues till the time performance based BEEC becomes mandatory for all building types. Considering the overlap of activities for the two versions of BEEC and importance of both, the elemental BEEC and performance base BEEC; a medium term roadmap for implementation of performance based building energy efficiency code has also been proposed and presented separately in this report. The time-frame for implementation of medium term roadmap has been proposed as three years starting from the end of second year. In medium term roadmap, it is intended that the country would work towards establishment of testing facilities, policies for performance monitoring and inspection (post implementation of buildings) through trained officials and can look forward to meeting the global best practices of BEEC.
The details of the short & medium term plan can be summarized as follows:
Short Term Medium Term
Duration 2 years 5 years
Target Mandating Elemental BEEC Mandating BEEC
Purpose Quick response to market Stabilizing as per international
best practices
Feature Prescriptive approach through use of
standardized equipments (Standards &
labelling program of LIBNOR)
Performance based approach
with actual quantification of
efficiency improvement –
whole building performance
evaluation
The implementation of BEEC would also result in direct reduction of primary and secondary
energy consumption. The present Kyoto regime permits development of such initiatives as
candidate Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) opportunities which can help overcome
the investment barriers and reduce payback period by providing direct returns to the
investors through transaction of Green House Gas (GHG) emission reductions. The
possibility of development of CDM projects for building efficiency gains projects is also
covered in this report.
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1. RATIONALE AND SCOPE OF ROADMAP FOR BEEC
1.1 Rationale
Lebanon was involved in a long civil war until 1990 followed by regional and national
instability that has resulted in a rather neglected growth of energy sector. The country is
majorly dependent on service sector activities with energy intensity of 0.20 toe / $ 1000
which is about 33% more than the global average. [Isabella 2011]
Lebanon is highly dependent on service sector, recovering from war and is banking on the
reconstruction of infrastructure along with a spur in new construction activities. In addition
to this, the country is dependent on fossil fuel for more than 95% of its electricity demand
with inefficient generation facilities that can meet around 60% of the demand of its 4.2
million people [Isabella 2011].
It is therefore imperative that energy conservation and efficiency gain activities are carried
out to arrest wastage and reduce dependence of the country on import of energy (electricity)
and fossil fuel. Recently, the Government of Lebanon has taken up an ambitious plan of
increasing its Renewable Energy share to 10% by 2013 [Isabella 2011]. In addition to this,
additional capacity of about 600 MW is proposed for implementation.
The proposed new capacity addition, both in the form of renewable energy as well as
conventional generation will take its own course of implementation; whereas careful
attention to the Demand Side Management (DSM) can also add to the efforts in increasing
electricity availability within Lebanon. DSM in building sector would require addressing the
four phases shown in Figure 1.1
Figure 1.1: Phases of Demand Side Management (DSM) in building sector
A very careful planning is required to ensure that limited resources are devoted to the
highest-priority, highest-impact actions in the near term while laying the groundwork for
longer-term improvements. The planning is therefore required to take the investment of
time and resources consumed in development of TSBL (2005 and 2010) to a logical
conclusion through development and implementation of building code.
It is of utmost importance that the planning is in tandem with the pace of construction and
developmental activities that the country is witnessing. A detailed performance based
building code might take considerable time in development, implementation and acceptance
by market players. A rather smart approach should be to look at the available resources, time
and goal at the same time and execute the plan accordingly.
PLANNING
IMPLEMENTATION
MONITORING
REVIEWING
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It is always easier to adopt deemed savings by use of equipments with benchmarked
performance than to measure actual performance due to limited availability of technical
expertise as well as equipment for measurement. With availability of standards (with
LIBNOR) for performance of various building equipments such as solar water heaters,
compact fluorescent lamps, air conditioning units, refrigerators, electrical and gas water
heaters; it is easier to develop a philosophy for building performance evaluation through
equipment benchmark standards.
Once the short-term goals are achieved with prescribed measures, and the systems are
established to evaluate and revisit the achievements, a rather thorough approach for
performance based building code can be implemented to device the techniques for better
penetration and enhanced results.
The globally practiced approach, with slight modifications to suit the requirements of
Lebanon, is therefore proposed to form the basis for development of a holistic BEEC with
initial emphasis on quick turnaround through prescriptive code followed by performance
standards for buildings.
With respect to Lebanon:
- 2003 onwards development of TSBL is taking place, it is time to move from just
the building envelope to BEEC.
- Refurbishment as well new construction activities are happening all over the
country, marking a change in the building sector and its participation in the
growth of the country.
Lebanon has well established setup of statutory entities such as LIBNOR with operational
insight on issues pertaining to performance standardization, which can be leveraged during
the course of development of performance standards for buildings with reasonable assurance
and controls.
1.2 Goal
Lebanon passed Law 462 in September 2002 to regulate the power sector. The primary
objective of the law was to establish independent statutory bodies / regulatory commissions
to detail out strategy for energy conservation as well as increased share of renewable energy
in country. The law was reviewed and amended in November 2006 with a new law 775 to
permit Independent Power Production (IPP) for personal use. The revised law 775 has not
addressed the issue pertaining to legal framework for private sector players in electricity
generation which is responsible for meeting more than 33% of electricity demand through
backup operations. It is important to note that none of the two laws were actually
implemented.
Lebanon has not added new electricity generation facilities in past 15 years although a steady
increase in demand ranging between 3 to 8% has been recorded. The resent estimates of the
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line ministry (MEW) indicate a shortage of 700 MW in country. To further aggravate the
situation, the building sector is witnessing a spur in reconstruction activities as well as new
constructions resulting in increased demand of electricity, which is essentially been supplied
at a subsidized rate in the country.
Lebanon being a part of League of Arab States (LAS) may consider aligning itself with larger
interests of the region. The European Commission along with LAS has developed the
framework of Arab EE Directive with participating countries to set EE targets and assign
public entities to draw a three year NEEAP [NEEAP 2010]. Under this framework, the
overall national indicative target for building sector has been kept at 5% reduction in growth
rate beyond the existing average baseline consumption of 5700 GWh.
The proposed target requires serious measures towards setting up standards for the existing
and new buildings, to identify acceptable performance levels for building envelope as well as
for equipments used within the structural framework of buildings.
This assignment is therefore to review the existing thermal building standards for Lebanon
and finalize a roadmap for their adoption as an integral part of building approval procedures
in the country.
1.3 Scope
The original scope of the assignment was:
Reviewing existing thermal standards developed in 2005 and 2010 and either ratifying
these standards or defining areas in which standards must be updated;
Identifying and outlining any factors related to establishing thermal standards for new
buildings, including categorization of standards and application for different types of
buildings (residential, commercial, etc), and legal and regulatory structure to promote
adoption of TSBL that has not been considered in past studies.
Reviewing existing thermal standards, as appropriate, in light of changed fuel and
electricity production costs, and changes in building design and construction practices
and energy utilization;
Developing roadmap for the implementation of a Thermal Standards Program for new
buildings in Lebanon, including consideration of legal and regulatory requirements for
mandatory adoption of thermal building standards;
During course of review of the existing thermal building standards (2005 and 2010) and
comparison with international best practices, it was deliberated that targeting building
envelope may not bring in intended efficiency gains and thus instead of developing a
roadmap for induction of TSBL in the building approval process, a roadmap for prescriptive
BEEC followed by performance approach should be looked as the revised scope.
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2. CURRENT STATUS OF ENERGY/THERMAL STANDARDS IN LEBANON
2.1 Lebanon Energy Scenario
Lebanon is dependent on import of fossil fuel for generation of electricity; almost 95% of the
electricity generated in the country is either supplied by EDL or through local backup
production. Although the country is nearly 100% electrified, the country sustains 40% of the
day through various backup arrangements.
In addition to the in-house production, the country relies on imports from within Middle
East & North Africa (MENA) region, with major imports from Syria, Egypt and a small
portion from Jordan. The contracts with Egypt and Jordon are essentially for surplus
electricity which is supplied to Lebanon during off-peak hours. Since August 2010, Lebanon
is facing problem with imports from Egypt, whereas early this year Jordon suspended supply
to Lebanon due to disruption of regional gas pipeline.
To further aggravate the situation, it has been observed that the operation efficiencies as well
as plant availability of two of the generating facilities have gone down to 60% and 54%
respectively .
Table 2.1: Reduction in operational efficiencies of some of the Thermal Power
Stations in Lebanon
Plant Nominal
MW
Operational
2004 (MW)
Operational
2008 (MW)
Percentage
reduction to
nominal
Retirement
Zouk 607 520 365 40 2015-22
Jieh 346 295 187 46 2010-14
Hrayche 75 60 - - 2022
Source: [El-Fadel 2009]
In addition to the significant gap between generation and demand, the electricity sector is
also observing high transmission and distribution losses, approximately to the tune of 15%
and non t3echnical losses of about 17.8% [El-Fadel 2009].
The total installed capacity in the country is 2312 MW (as per 2009 data). The electricity
demand in the country is approximately 15000 GWh against which EDL was able to supply
11522 GWh. The balance has been partially met through backup generation [Isabella 2011].
The electricity tariff in the country has not changed for more than a decade; the last tariff
fixation was carried out on the 1996 oil price (import at $ 25 / Barrel) with delivery tariff of $
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0.094/kWh against the average landed cost of $0.17/kWh to EDL. EDL is thus operating
through subsidies.
The focus should therefore be on:
- New capacity addition through conventional as well as renewable energy sources
- Tapping of energy efficiency opportunities within operational setups / sectors
with residential consumers consuming the subsidy
- Better regional coordination for a phase change from present electricity imports
to electricity exchange among the participating countries in the region. Aligning
the country with developments taking place in the region and actively
participating in the opportunities of international cooperation to develop long
term strategy for sustainable development including opportunities to develop
candidate CDM project for possible additional revenue stream through
transaction of emission reduction.
The Ministry of Energy & Water (MEW) has developed a policy paper in June 2010 with 10
strategic initiatives to augment power sector indicating a 3 – 4 years time frame for the
turnaround.
2.2 Institutional Framework
Lebanon has following entities responsible for institutional framework for energy sector:
The Ministry of Energy & Water
(MEW)
The MEW is the line ministry responsible for decisions pertaining to the sector growth as well as existing operational framework
Electricitie De Liban (EDL)
It the sole electricity generating entity in the country
Council for Development & Reconstruction
(CDR)
It was established in 1977 under the ministry of planning with responsibility of large scale reconstruction and developmental projects in the country
Higher Council of Privatization
(HCP)
It has been established as an authority in charge of planning and implementing the privatization program and its relevant operations
Lebanese Centre for Energy
Conservation (LCEC)
It is a national organization affiliated to the Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water. LCEC addresses end-use energy conservation and renewable energy at the national level. It supports the Government of Lebanon to develop and implement national strategies that promote the development of efficient and rational uses of energy and the use of renewable energy at the consumer level
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2.3 Regulatory Framework
The regulatory framework for implementation of policy directive for voluntary as well as
compliance for built space is present in Lebanon with various statutory bodies both under
the government / line ministries as well as independent entities like the OEA with
appropriate powers to deliver the intended output from this sector.
It is envisaged that for induction of BEEC, strengthening of regulatory framework is required
in order to:
- Integrate BEEC in the licensing / approval framework for buildings
- Understand and apply the BEEC in correct manner for both retrofit as well as new
constructions
- Monitor actual performance and impose penalties for non-compliance
In addition to this, the regulatory framework may also consider role of third party
independent agencies to validate and certify the performance of buildings as well as the
equipment used in it. Globally, it is observed, that public private partnership (PPP) approach
has worked successfully in achieving desired results.
2.4 Major Efforts and Achievements
The development of thermal building standards in Lebanon has been one of the major works
carried out targeting building sector to achieve intended results of energy conservation.
Through this important initiative, some of the key tasks completed with respect to buildings
in Lebanon were
- The study of climatic zones was carried out and completed
- The building envelope performance indicators for specific climatic zones were
established through simulations
- Energy analysis and feasibility of sample buildings
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- Technical guide and software tools developed with a proposal for voluntary
implementation for 5 years followed by mandatory compliance.
- About 2000 professionals were reached out to share the results of this initiative
- Incentives proposed for adopting TSBL in the new building law.
- Establishment of LCEC
Since its establishment LCEC has institutionalized national efforts to:
- Improve and raise awareness of energy efficiency in the main sectors of the
economy
- Encourage the use of renewable energy technologies through technical and policy
support
- Provide reliable data on energy demand patterns and distribution
Further, in its agenda, LCEC intends to check the growth of energy demand in various
sectors with measurable and sustainable global benefits in terms of long-term GHG
emissions reductions, which will contribute to the mitigation activities within the country.
LCEC is investigating the possibilities of GHG reduction by:
- Providing businesses and the public sector with expert advice, finance and
accreditation
- Stimulating demand for energy efficiency and renewable energy products through
developing national awareness campaign
- Developing energy efficiency standards and labels
- Creation and support of Energy Services Companies (ESCOs)
- Establishing partnerships with public and private sectors
- Representing Lebanon in international energy efficiency and renewable energy
associations
- Providing a national energy database
- Promoting the CDM for carbon offsets
Lebanon has also fixed up targets under the NEEAP. These targets have been fixed in line
with the European Commission Directive (2006/32/EC). The first NEEAP for 3 years has
commenced from 2011 and will continue until 2013. The planned measures cover following
areas:
1. Ban on import of incandescent lamps in Lebanon by year 2012. The initiative will
result in saving of 1401 GWh.
2. Adoption of Energy Conservation Law and institutionalization of LCEC.
3. Promotion of decentralized power generation through RE sources like Solar PV and
Wind for residential consumption. A capacity addition between 50 – 100 MW is
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planned to be carried out by 2015.
4. Implementation of Solar Water Heaters in residential sector with a possible savings
of more than 300 GWh / year.
5. Implementation of efficient public lighting system with a possible savings of about 6
GWh/year.
6. Implementation of 60 to 100 MW of Solar energy and 100 to 200 MW of wind in next
5 years.
7. Hydro capacity addition to the tune of 100 MW by 2015.
8. Development of projects around other non-conventional technologies including but
not limited to Geothermal and Waste to Energy.
9. Establishing Building Energy Code to save about 16000 GWh in next 20 years
10. Promotional financing mechanisms for EE technologies and initiatives.
11. Awareness and capacity building for EE.
12. Setting up of Energy Service Companies and promotional activities for procurement
of EE equipments.
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3. FEATURES OF EFFECTIVE BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY CODE(S)
3.1 Building Energy Efficiency Code
The BEECs were introduced in most of the developed countries for residential and non-
residential buildings since the first oil crisis in the mid 1970s. These codes are mandatory in
several countries. In some countries, the energy efficiency codes have been integrated in the
building codes and in some other countries, these codes are standalone. In most countries,
these codes have been formulated at the national level and enforced at the local level. The
following sections have been essentially drawn from the World Bank report –
‘Mainstreaming Building Energy Efficiency Codes in developing Countries’. [WB 2010].
3.1.1 Scope
The BEECs primarily address new construction but some of the codes are also applicable to
extension and alterations in existing buildings with some renovation. The BEECs principally
cover two aspects:
1. Thermal performance of the building envelope
2. Energy efficiency of equipment and devices installed during building construction
The energy efficiency of the equipment and devices can be determined either by BEECs or by
separate energy efficiency standards for appliances
3.1.2 Compliance Approach
Based on the compliance approach, the BEECs are often categorized as prescriptive or
performance based.
Prescriptive approach
The prescriptive approach is generally component specific and give the minimum
performance levels for various components. In case of envelope components such as
roof, wall, window, the maximum U factor is provided. For HVAC systems, service
water heaters and lighting systems, requirements are given for sizing and minimum
energy efficiency values.
For developing countries, especially, those which are introducing energy efficiency
codes, following benefits can be achieved by adopting simple, prescriptive and
component performance based BEECs:
o Gradual market transformation with stronger supply chains capable of meeting energy efficiency requirement
o Building up of compliance enforcement capacity
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Table 3.1: Benefits of prescriptive approach to different stakeholders
Stakeholders Benefits
Designers and builders compliance simpler to understand and execute
Product manufacturers a firm baseline for their product development or
retooling their product lines
Enforcement system checking and inspecting prescriptive
requirements to help put in place fundamentals of
the compliance process
All and others Better understanding of energy efficiency features
expected in a building
Performance based approach
According to [WB 2010], generally the performance based approach refers to
specifying the annual level of overall energy consumption (energy budget) in the
targeted building and the methodology to calculate the sub Energy budgets of
different energy uses regulated by the BEEC, such as space conditioning, lighting,
and service water heating.
Performance based compliance approach provide more flexibility in building design
and equipment selection as compared to prescriptive based approach. However,
this requires more skills and sophistication for code compliance.
3.1.3 Adoption Approach
Based on the preparedness of a country, BEECs can be adopted as mandatory or voluntary.
Mandatory BEECs
If a country has some existing structure of codes like building structural/fire codes,
mechanical codes, and electrical codes and also has the infrastructure to implement
those codes, the BEEC can be adopted as mandatory. The mandatory codes yield
better compliance rates leading to more energy savings.
Voluntary BEECs
The BEECs can be adopted as voluntary till there is sufficient preparedness in terms
of involvement of stakeholders. Voluntary BEECs generally have low compliance.
In both the approaches, many BEECs have certain mandatory measures.
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3.2 International Best Practices
Fourteen international best practices, as compiled from various sources, are listed in the
Table 3.2. The best practices are categorized into three aspects:
Technical scope of codes
Mechanism for implementation and enforcement of codes
Code implementation support
Table 3.2: International Best Practices
3.2.1 Technical Scope of Codes
1. Whole building scope
One of the very prominent and clear best practice that has emerged after studying
various reports is that the codes that include building systems in their scope in
addition to the envelope, achieve a higher level of overall energy efficiency than those
that only address single systems such as building envelope alone. It has been
identified that doing so not only captures most of the energy savings opportunities,
but also proves to be cost effective. A code that sets strict efficiency requirements for
HVAC systems in the absence of reducing energy leaked through the envelope will
not be cost-effective, overall, to the owner. The same is true if the code sets stringent
requirements for the envelope without specifying HVAC efficiency requirements.
As per the report “Can building codes deliver energy efficiency? Defining a best
practice approach” [RICS 2008], the code should be performance-based and should
take the form of an integrated energy calculation that includes the demands
generated by the building fabric and its occupants upon all the fixed building services,
and the performance of the systems that satisfy those demands. It should include all
energy supplies to the building. The wide scope and flexibility of this structure allows
changing energy policy priorities to be reflected without changing the basic structure:
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for example by changing the relative weights applied to different energy supply
sources.
Further, [RICS 2008] makes no recommendation about the common metric into
which each consumption is converted as this will depend on the energy policy
priorities of the implementing government or authority. At the moment climate
change is a key policy driver in many countries, but this has not always been so and
may not always be so. Other possibilities include primary energy, or might prioritize
electricity or imported fuel consumption.
According to the report prepared by the Building Codes Assistance Project of the
Alliance to Save Energy – ‘Building Energy Codes Best Practices Report for APEC
Economies’ [ASE 2009], among the APEC countries Australia, Canada, Hong Kong,
Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States all set energy codes
which cover most systems. Typically, codes cover the envelope, lighting, HVAC,
service water heating, and electrical power.
2. Addressing climatic variation
According to [ASE 2009] the code should recognize different climates and need for
differences in efficiency requirements. The World Bank working paper [WB 2010]
emphasizes that greater attention should be given to development and
implementation of appropriate BEECs in warm-climate developing countries. There
is a large gap in the adoption of BEECs between cold-climate and warm-climate
developing countries. Same aspect of climate is also highlighted in [IEA 2008].
The United States addresses 8 climate zones in the residential and commercial
energy codes. Climatic differences are contained together within the prescriptive
requirements, and updated together.
3. Addressing residential and commercial buildings
Codes that do not address all major building systems lose opportunities to save
energy, but so do codes that cover only part of the building sector. As per [ASE 2009]
and [IEA 2008], code requirements typically have differences between low-rise
commercial, multi-family housing, public and private, and the type of commercial use,
so it is important to assess the construction market in order to target energy
conservation efforts where they can have the greatest impact.
According to [ASE 2009] the following APEC economies all have building energy
codes for construction in both their commercial and residential sectors: Australia,
Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines,
Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and the United States.
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4. Specific calculation structure
On the basis of various studies related to building energy efficiency codes, following
three practices are identified with respect to specific calculation structure:
1. Integrated energy metric should be compared with that of a reference
building
2. There should be a single calculation procedure for integrated energy
metric for ease of compliance
3. Generic targets in kWh/ m2/yr are good for existing buildings and
should be based on measures data
The study [RICS 2008] states that as best practice, the calculated integrated energy
metric should be compared to that of a reference building of the same size and
geometry but with defined elemental properties, such as thermal resistance of
envelope elements, boiler efficiencies. These elemental properties should be clearly
defined and should allow the reference building energy metric value to be calculated
without further input.
With this convention (and without the use of general ‘improvement factors’) a
designer and regulator knows that satisfying all the elemental requirements will
automatically meet the calculated target. Therefore, in practical terms, the regulation
appears to be identical to one based on elemental values, but retains the flexibility of
an integrated calculation.
The study further shows that a single procedure ensures consistency of calculation
and removes the risk of market competition for ease of compliance between rival
procedures. Alternative calculation procedures may be allowed but should be subject
to extensive checking for consistency with the preferred method. The compliance
target for integrated procedures can be set either using a general consumption
intensity, typically kWh/ m2/yr, for different types of building or with a customised
target that reflects the calculated consumption of a reference building of identical size,
shape and use to the actual building. Simpler methods assign points to different
features rather than applying an explicit calculation.
The two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Regulations may have prescriptive
requirements for some features – for example air-tightness – and performance limits
on others – such as summer overheating. Elemental methods often include trade-off
rules, for example to allow lower insulation levels in some elements to be offset by
higher ones elsewhere. Integrated methods commonly include limits on the
performance of individual elements.
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Further, [RICS 2008] states that generic targets are typically expressed in kWh/
m2/yr with different target values for different building types, such as offices, schools,
and sport halls. Ideally such targets should be based on measured performance of a
representative sample of buildings, though this is obviously impractical for new
buildings. They are conceptually straightforward, but in practice it is difficult to
derive targets that are reasonably equitable between different buildings of apparently
similar types. For example, ‘hotels’ might be a single classification, but different
hotels provide different facilities and serve different markets. Put another way, a
generic target will result in different elemental requirements for buildings that do not
precisely match the standard building configuration.
A single target value is probably unrealistic, and even multiple classes of, for instance,
hotels will not completely deal with the issue. Customized targets are based on a
reference building that allows the energy target to reflect the particular mixture of
activities within the building. The reference building has the same size and geometry
as the actual building but each element has a standard level of performance. Thus, in
the reference building, U-values of envelope elements are fixed – as are the
efficiencies of boilers. In this way, a building containing a specific mixture of
activities is compared with one with identical use. The impact of some types of data
error, such as physical dimensions, is alleviated because the same error is applied to
both the actual and reference buildings. This is particularly useful when the method
is applied to existing buildings, for which data quality is likely to be relatively poor.
With careful design of the process, it is possible to combine the advantages of both
approaches.
The elemental performance levels set for the reference building of an integrated
method comprise a set of requirements that guarantee compliance. Therefore, there
is no need to carry out the calculation for a building that complies with all the
elemental requirements. Only if the designer chooses to take advantage of the
flexibility offered by the integrated approach is a calculation needed.
5. Calculation procedure
As per [RICS 2008], there should be a single recommended calculation procedure
which should be inherently flexible but should have a user interface designed for
regulatory purposes, rather than general design purposes. A single procedure ensures
consistency of calculation and removes the risk of market competition for ease of
compliance between rival procedures.
General design interfaces are unnecessarily complicated for regulatory purposes.
Specifically-designed interfaces should be easier to check and are likely to be less
prone to user error.
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3.2.2 Mechanism for implementation and enforcement of codes
1. Regular updating of BEEC
Some governments only periodically update their building energy codes while others
have a process in place for regular improvements. An automatic update ensures the
code will continue to evolve and reflect changes, requirements, clarifications and new
opportunities to increase energy efficiency.
According to [ASE 2009], as energy codes become outdated, drifting away from
common practice and even farther from innovative building solutions, they quickly
lose their effectiveness. It is important that codes reflect cost-effective energy-saving
practices and products and keep up with market developments. If not, builders and
contractors who pursue least-cost construction options will continue to prevent a
portion of the building market from improving.
According to [WB 2010], the BEEC development and revision cycle as shown in
Figure 3.1 is complex, quite lengthy, and costly. In some developing countries, it has
been supported through funding from bilateral and multilateral development
agencies.
Figure 3.3: BEEC development and revision cycle [WB 2010]
1.Policy goal for BEEC
2. Survey local buildings,
benchmarking, construction
material market
3. Technical, energy economic analysis
to estimate the energy savings/ cost
effectiveness
4. Code document drafting
5. Development of compliance forms/
procedures, guidebook and administrative
protocol
6. Technical and capacity building public awareness
7. Evaluation of energy savings and
effectiveness of BEEC
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2. Staged implementation
As per [RICS 2008], Building Energy Codes that do not include an integrated
calculation procedure should be designed to be steps towards such a structure. The
recommended integrated calculation structure is only practicable given an adequate
level of understanding and training amongst designers, builders, and those who must
enforce the code. This will not always be present, and elemental codes – perhaps
including provision for some trade-offs may be as far as it is reasonable to go.
It is desirable to move to an integrated calculation when circumstances allow and this
possibility should be borne in mind when introducing elemental codes.
The documents further suggest a typical development sequence of building energy
regulations:
a) Elemental thermal requirements
b) Add trade-offs between elements
c) Fully integrated calculations
d) Extension to energy performance rating
From the review of various codes covered under international best practice study, it
has been observed that several revisions of energy codes have been carried out in
order of increasing sophistication. In any particular country, this typically represents
a historical sequence that reflects changes energy policy concerns: for example
developing from concerns about the availability and price of oil and gas; towards
global environmental concerns. The increasing complexity is only feasible with a
parallel increase in the level of understanding amongst designers and builders, and a
well-developed and increasingly costly infrastructure to educate and police the
regulations.
In practice the position of an individual country in the sequence seems to be
primarily determined by this level of supporting infrastructure more than by
differences in policy drivers. Most countries have taken several decades to move
through this sequence and many regions of the world are still in the early stages of
code development.
3. Mandatory compliance
As per [ASE 2009], a voluntary code is much like a voluntary program, without financial
incentives, recognition, or any of the other typical elements found in these programs. The
intent of codes to set a minimum baseline for new construction also implies that the level
of efficiency is such that it is in the best interest of all citizens.
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[IEA 2008] also highlights importance of mandatory compliance of BEEC. It states that
“Because the efficiency of a new building will influence its energy consumption until
renovation or even the whole lifetime, the decisions taken during design and
construction will influence decades of building use. Lost opportunities in the
construction phase will lead to increased costs if done at a later stage and can wildly
inflate the running costs for future users. While individuals continue to determine much
about a building’s fate, the energy efficiency of a new building should not be viewed
only as a matter for individual choice but as a more collective issue, influencing society
at large and a future generation of building users”.
According to [RICS 2008], as a general principle, mandatory minimum performance
levels should reflect an assessment of the balance of costs and benefits to society,
including external costs. Typically, codes reflect common practice, as well as materials
and equipment that are readily available. The justification for mandatory codes is that
there should be a societal benefit that would not be gained in the absence of legislation.
The fundamental justification for minimum standards is to require people or
organizations to take steps that they might not take voluntarily. This lack of action may
be due to ignorance, or because the benefits do not accrue to those who have to take and
pay for the actions. Typically, this is because the benefits are societal rather than
individual.
From an economic perspective, the compliance levels should reflect best estimates of
whole-life costs and benefits to society as a whole. Buildings have long lives and so the
costs and environmental impacts inevitably depend on uncertain estimates of the future.
These may be unrecognized or incompletely recognized by the market place – and hence
form a justification for regulation.
4. Thorough enforcement procedure
In general, code compliance is viewed as a serious problem. There are many strategies for
enforcement along with some essential elements. As per [ASE 2009], a review of the
design plans to check for code compliance catches problems before construction and can
facilitate low cost fixes. Additional site inspections during construction are essential for
checking on the quality of installation and the accuracy of following through on design
details important to efficiency and the code requirements. In addition to inspectors who
know how to inspect for efficiency, the building sector must also know how to
demonstrate compliance. Clearly defined policies/tools for demonstrating code
compliance are essential. Importance of thorough enforcement procedure has also been
identified in [IEA 2008], [WB 2010] and [REEEP 2010].
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5. Penalties for lack of compliance
Several APEC economies impose penalties for noncompliance with building energy codes.
Penalties for not complying with the energy code can include stopping construction,
withholding permits, levying fines and even imprisonment [ASE 2009], [IEA 2008].
According to [ASE 2009], the Building Construction Authority in Singapore operates
under the Ministry of National Development and is accountable for building regulation
enforcement. Non-compliance with the Building Control Act and subsequent regulations
results in a significant penalty– an individual is found to be guilty of an offense and can
be fined or imprisoned for up to six months. Continuing failure to comply may result in
additional fines.
6. Track compliance rates
Unless code compliance is measured, it is difficult to make improvements, understand
where gaps exist in education, and account for related energy savings. According to [ASE
2009], in China, as in many large countries, local governments have the responsibility for
adopting national codes. City governments are in charge of enforcing the requirement for
designs reviews and site inspections. Since 2005, these must be carried out by a certified
independent organization. If this process is not complied with, construction will be
prevented or suspended, if already started. If the building is complete and not in
compliance, it will not be allowed to be sold or used.
Under Japan’s Energy Conservation Law - 2005, a mandatory report is required to be
submitted on energy conservation to local authorities on all new construction, additions,
alterations, major repairs, and remodeling for homes and buildings over 2,000 square
meters. Penalties are incurred if the project is not compliant; however, the process does
not involve site inspections. The submission rate is reported to be 100% by the Ministry
of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport and compliance is reported to have gone up
between 2000 and 2005. Further, [ASE 2009] mentions that in Korea, building owners
must submit an energy-saving worksheet signed by a licensed professional, such as
architects and mechanical and electrical engineers, for approval. This office has the
option to audit the buildings after construction and revoke the permit or order the
building to be rebuilt if elements of the energy-saving worksheet have not been
implemented.
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Policy Initiatives Implementation tools
•Appliance Standards•Building Energy Codes
•Labeling Programmes•Appliances
•Energy Rating•Financial Incentives
•Recognition Programmes
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
3.2.3 Code implementation support
1. Code training and certification
As per [ASE 2009], there are no examples found to demonstrate required training or
certification on the energy code for building officials or builders and design
professionals. However, there does appear to be training available in many countries.
Training may be helpful at several levels involved in the implementation of code
including but not limited to building designers, architects, professionals for building
services such as lighting, HVAC. In addition, separate training programs for officials
involved with evaluation and permission related processes is required for better
implementation.
The report further says that in some countries, induction of the code and related
skills in the academic curriculum has helped a great deal in developing trained
manpower.
2. Voluntary high performance incentive programs
As per [ASE 2009], countries that have building energy codes but are interested in
achieving additional cost-effective energy savings can adopt advanced code
amendments or voluntary high performance incentive programs. Another powerful
strategy for reducing energy use in buildings is combining energy codes with
voluntary programs such as ENERGY STAR, Home Energy Rating System (HERS),
or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) systems. The code
establishes a bare minimum for energy efficiency while the program encourages
innovation and provides incentives for better performance.
Figure 3.4: Role of voluntary and mandatory programs for energy efficiency [Concept -
ASE 2009]
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3. Demonstration projects
As per [RICS 2008], and [REEEP 2010], programmes should demonstrate the
feasibility of buildings that exceed current regulatory minimum performance levels.
This is required to build industry confidence by ensuring that the technical feasibility
and cost of higher level of performance have been properly and practically explored
before making them mandatory.
Although integrated calculation methods can alleviate the costs of substantial
changes in requirements, it is preferable to demonstrate feasibility and provide time
to allow the construction industry to become familiar with new demands before they
become mandatory. This will reduce the risks associated with new techniques.
3.3 BEEC Development and Enforcement
3.3.1 Code Development
Code development is the process of updating energy codes to match advances
in building science and construction practices. Developing a BEEC is an
elaborate process requiring a variety of data and analyses. It is critical that
building energy code provisions are consistent and conflicts between codes
are minimal. Four issues need to be considered for the development of a
BEEC [WB 2010]:
1. Decide whether the code should emphasize simplicity (and thus
easier application) or provide for flexibility to allow designers and
architects to find effective ways to meet the code requirements. In
new code developments that cover all new buildings, often both
prescriptive and performance based compliance paths are introduced,
allowing designers to choose. Especially for smaller, less complex
buildings, the simpler prescriptive path is generally preferred.
2. The code needs to be technically accurate. The prescriptive and
performance compliance options should be roughly equivalent, so that
one does not become a loop hole. Also, for energy calculations to more
closely reflect reality, code requirements should take into account
design flaws, such as thermal bridges due to metal framing around
windows, metal studs in walls, and projecting concrete balconies.
3. The code needs to take into account the local availability and costs
of equipment and materials.
4. The code requirements should be beneficial for society as a whole.
This means that any additional costs of implementing the necessary
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measures, plus the costs of any supporting programs are balanced by
energy savings and other benefits over the lifetime of the building, if
not less.
3.3.1 Code Enforcement
Enforcement is the process that building inspection departments undertake to
ensure that site plans and construction follow the previsions of the energy
code. Without a significant emphasis on enforcement, compliance diminishes,
and the outcome is always the same: new building or renovation projects that
fail to realize their full potential for energy savings and the myriad benefits
that go along with them.
Enforcement Options:
Even though most countries do not integrate the BEEC into the general building
code, according to [WB 2010], most experts agree that the enforcement of BEECs
should be integrated into the regular enforcement system for the general building
code with plan review and inspections as part of the routine construction process.
This will, however, be effective only if there is a sufficient number of well trained code
enforcement staff in addition to compliance manuals, forms, and software. Separate
enforcement would require the build-up of a separate enforcement infrastructure
that would be even costlier and could easily double the number of inspections that
need to be done before a building is allowed occupancy.
Table-3.3 presents various key features, requirements and implications related to
enforcement of BEEC through three institutional options.
Table 3-3: Institutional options for enforcing building codes (Source: [WB 2010]
Adapted from BRE (2008), p. 29 (based on Maine Public Utilities Commission
(2004))
Government Agency Private Third Party Self-certification to Owner or Public Agency
Key features Government department or agency wholly responsible
Private third party is certified by government
Builder provides compliance statement to owner or government
Support Infrastructure needed
Government inspectors Trained and certified third-party staff; come training of public sector staff if spot checking
Policing of compliance statements (unless it is left to owner to complain); perhaps certification of builders
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Cost to government High but may be recovered from builder
Moderate Low. Moderate if builders are certified
Cost of owner/developer
Low unless agency charges
High Low
Information and infrastructure needs
Trained government assessors
Trained private assessors; Certified processes
Knowledgeable builders and owners. Energy labels and certificates for buildings. Some trained public-sector staff if statement are policed
Noncompliance risk Low, provide adequate funding
Low. Third party depends on certification for income (but also on certified builders)
High, unless owner places high value on energy efficiency. Moderate if self-certification to government. Lower if builders are certified
Examples United States; prevailing option
France, Mexico, China (with some public oversight), some in United Kingdom, some in United States, pilot in Turkey
Germany (to owner)
According to [WB 2010] almost universally, the main reasons cited for lack of
enforcement are high enforcement costs and under resourcing of public agencies,
including for staffing and staff training, inspectors’ lack of qualifications and
specialist knowledge, and finally, the perception that the energy saving building
regulations are not as important as safety related regulations.
The solutions proposed for better enforcement of BEECs are quite similar in different
regions of the world, including the following:
Impose political energy savings or CO2 reduction targets on all levels of
government to heighten the importance of energy efficiency matters.
Provide sufficient resources for enforcement by government agencies, with
budgets supplemented by utilities, carbon finance, and other interested
parties.
Make specialist training available for code officials and all trades involved in
building issues, with budgets supplemented by utilities, carbon finance, and
other interested parties.
Establish a system of accredited third party enforcement, possibly in
conjunction with government spot checking and significant sanctions against
fraudulent approval.
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Provide information and incentives to builders and homeowners. Consider
penalties for non compliance in the longer term.
3.4 Energy Efficiency Governance
As per [IEA 2010] Energy efficiency governance is the combination of legislative
frameworks and funding mechanisms, institutional arrangements, and co-ordination
mechanisms, which work together to support the implementation of energy efficiency
strategies, policies and programmes.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) conducted a global review of many elements of EE
governance, including legal frameworks, institutional frameworks, funding mechanisms, co-
ordination mechanisms and accountability arrangements, such as evaluation and oversight.
The research tools included a survey of over 500 EE experts in 110 countries, follow-up
interviews of over 120 experts in 27 countries and extensive desk study and literature
searches on good EE governance. This study has identified three main aspects of energy
efficiency governance: enabling frameworks, institutional arrangements and co-
ordination mechanisms. Each aspect includes specific activities that contribute to an
overall system of good EE governance.
Figure 3.3: Energy Efficiency Governance
a. Enabling frameworks
Enabling frameworks confer authority, build consensus, attract attention to
and provide resources for EE policy implementation. Important enabling
Energy Efficiency Governance
Implementing agencies
Resourcing requirements
Role of energy providers
Stakeholder engagement
Public Private Sector Co-operation
International assistance
Institutional arrangements
Laws and decrees
Strategies and action plans
Funding mechanisms
Enabling frameworks
Governmental Co-ordination
Targets
Evaluation
Co-ordination mechanisms
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frameworks include laws and decrees, strategies and action plans and funding
mechanisms. In many countries, laws and decrees (or directives and
proclamations) provide for other governance mechanisms, such as
implementing agencies and funding and co-ordination mechanisms.
Strategies and action plans comprise the second enabling framework. Some
countries use national strategy formulation or an action planning process to
engage stakeholders, build consensus and enable energy efficiency measures
to be taken. Sometimes the strategy formulation process serves other
functions, such as identifying the need for new laws and new institutions.
Funding mechanisms are the last – and perhaps most important – enabling
framework. Experience from around the world shows that access to adequate,
stable and dedicated funding sources is critical for the development of EE
organisations and for the professionals that carry out policy implementation.
b. Institutional arrangements
Institutional arrangements constitute the second pillar of energy efficiency
governance. This review describes six main types of institutional
arrangements: implementing agencies, resourcing requirements, energy
providers, public-private sector co-operation, stakeholder engagement and
international development assistance. Collectively, these arrangements reflect
the broad range of actors that play leading roles in EE policy implementation.
Resourcing requirements are an important consideration in making sure that
implementing agencies have the financial and human resources needed to
assume their policy implementation responsibilities.
Many types of organisations can be implementing agencies: government
energy ministries, specialist clean-energy agencies, energy providers, private
and state-owned enterprises and non-profit organisations. There are both
advantages and drawbacks for each of these organizational types and the
choice of implementing agency should reflect historical development, country
context, alignment with sector and EE objectives and the existing institutional
map. Public-private sector co-operation ensures that government policies take
full advantage of the resources and commercial acumen of the private sector
and allows public funding to be leveraged through private investment. Such
co-operation also supports market transformation strategies, as new demand
for higher efficiency products needs to be satisfied by new products,
developed and manufactured by the private sector. Stakeholder engagement is
important for building political consensus on policy and implementation
strategy and for ensuring that policy deliberations consider a diverse range of
perspectives and practical experiences. International development assistance
has proven important in establishing EE implementing agencies and in
creating other EE governance mechanisms in developing countries.
c. Co-ordination mechanisms
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Co-ordination mechanisms include governmental co-ordination mechanisms,
targets and evaluation. Creating co-ordination mechanisms both within and
across levels of government directly influences the quality and effectiveness of
EE policy outcomes. Intra-governmental co-ordination helps avoid overlap
and duplication, and allows informed discussions about how best to
implement policies. Co-ordination across levels of government enables
national governments to devolve implementation responsibility to local
authorities, while retaining overall programmatic control. Targets are useful
co-ordination mechanisms because they help to motivate policy
implementers, track implementation progress and identify the need to make
mid-term policy adjustments. Targets can provide a concrete basis for
developing multi-year programmes, mobilising funding and identifying
agency staffing needs. Evaluation is critical to good EE governance, as it
serves to test planning assumptions, monitor overall results, compare
programme performance, fine-tune implementation processes and
incorporate the lessons learned into future policies and programmes.
Evaluation also provides the foundation for oversight and accountability
arrangements
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4. BARRIERS IN IMPLEMENTATION OF BEEC
The operational building energy efficiency codes (BEEC) require continuous updating along
with continuous monitoring of enforcement to transform a country to achieve energy
modesty in construction sector.
Implementing bodies / statutory agencies in various developing countries with recent history
of implementation of BEEC have identified following key operational shortcomings
These barriers have been essentially qualified on the grounds of:
- Political barriers
- Complexity of procedures
- Market barriers
4.1 Political Barriers
It has been observed that countries with overall supervision / government oversight on the
construction sector as well an established supply chain in terms of engineering capabilities
have seen tremendous growth in building compliance rate to requisite performance
standards set out in a country.
Lebanon was facing political challenges in past, but now it is observed that the country is
aligning itself towards economic growth coupled with sustainable development. Various
recent policy developments at the MEW indicate a sound political will to bring about the
above said goals.
4.2 Complexity of procedures
The BEEC with performance-based compliance are more complex and require technical
knowhow to understand, implement and monitor. The key of compliance, of a BEEC,
remains with statutory bodies like municipal corporations beyond the construction where
technical expertise is largely present with the architects and engineers.
With respect to Lebanon, it will be possible to achieve near expected results in a shorter span
with minimal complexity, whereas once the systems and policies are in place, the country can
graduate to performance based standards for the country.
4.3 Market Barriers
It is well established fact that subsidies distort the market and long term success is always
achieved through market driven mechanisms; still in most of the cases, new policy initiatives
are supported by incentives and penalties till the market matures. The policy makers should
look at the need to move from bad subsidies to good subsidies.
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The government of Lebanon as part of LAS-EC framework, has put forth an ambitious target
of reducing energy consumption in all sectors with building sector as one the prime area for
developmental targets. Although EDL is not able to provide electricity against demand and
backup arrangements are the only source for electricity for 40% of the demand, a subsidized
tariff is one of the major barriers for the market to look and adopt EE measures.
A country in which service sector is delivering a major portion of the GDP, the cost of energy
is generally passed through to the buyers of services, whereas in manufacturing sector,
investment on energy has a direct impact on the final product. This difference could be
considered as additional bottleneck for EE adoption. EDL and the policy makers will have to
play a major role by creating an infrastructure for reliable electricity availability to help
market players look at investments in EE measures in building sector.
Adoption of thermal standards for buildings or a holistic BEEC would require availability of
tools and testing procedures at the disposal for statutory entities, through third party service
providers as well as in-house facilities within the government framework. This would be
required to establish checks and balances in the form of financial gains to the investors
complying to codes as well as penalties for non-compliance.
To sum up, it can be represented as:
There is a good potential for implementation of BEEC in Lebanon as
political will, technical skills as well as growing market would help sustain
such initiatives.
Support from developmental setup of Europe and the World Bank is
available for taking up both advocacy initiatives as well as implementation
plans.
Prescriptive approach is the simplest approach for implementation
especially for small buildings which are going to contribute most on under /
non compliance because of smaller individual consumption of energy.
LCEC as well as other organizations such as OEA, LIBNOR, IRI, LGBC are
already active in the field of energy efficiency. LCEC is also operating at the
grass-root level through programs like CFL distribution.
Following action can further help overcome the barriers:
Need to develop compliance infrastructure can be carried out in medium
term to support the larger goal of meeting / exceeding international best
practices. In due course, the building rating system should be the goal for
the country.
Need infrastructure for training installers, engineers and for accrediting
assessors and inspectors.
Give market time to anticipate to a new standard and prepare itself for
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future
Make sure all stakeholders are skilled to ensure proper implementation and
this should apply to even the investor / owner of the building to have basic
understanding of EE and its benefits.
Government can promote energy efficiency program in buildings through
different incentive for all stakeholders (owners, consultants, producers,
etc.) in forms such as grants, loans, tax reduction and recognition
certification
Raising awareness and improving technical assistance and capacity building.
Improving legal and macroeconomic framework conditions for EE and
renewable energy technologies specifically for the technologies with
possibility of integration with building envelope
Expanding development partnerships with the private sector (especially
Banks).
Need for establishing certified accredited laboratories.
High profile demonstration pilot projects are necessary to propel the
community.
Establishing data base on locally available natural and ecological building
materials.
While proposing the roadmap, care has been taken to suggest activities and initiatives that
help overcome the above mentioned barriers.
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5 APPROACH OF ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING BEEC IN LEBANON
The roadmap for BEEC in Lebanon has been essentially proposed considering the fast pace
implementation / construction of new buildings in the country vis-à-vis the availability of
resources, tools and techniques and preparedness of the country to switchover from the
status of no regulation in terms of building EE to a performance based approach.
The existing thermal buildings standards in Lebanon require revision in some of the sections
in order to align it to the international best practices. Details of these revisions are provided
towards the end of this report in Appendix-2. Integration of thermal standards in present
form will have a positive yet limited impact on the EE gains in the building sector, whereas
with use of available standardized equipments used in the buildings, a further reduction in
energy consumption is possible. It is thus advisable to look at the development of a
prescriptive BEEC for the country for quick adoption and easier inspection, which could
result in better performance.
The present procedure of approval for building construction requires further strengthening
of the technical skill sets for performance based inspection of the buildings.
In medium term, it is targeted that the country would work towards creation of testing
facilities; policies for performance monitoring and inspection through trained officials and
can look forward to meeting the global standards of BEEC.
The short term target of prescriptive code followed by medium term performance based code
is thus suggested in the roadmap for Lebanon. The activity schedule for next 5 years has been
prepared and presented in Section 10. Figure 5.1 presents the overview of approach that has
been followed for proposing the overall roadmap for BEEC.
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Figure 5.1: Roadmap for implementing BEEC in Lebanon
t=2 Years t=5 Yearst=0 Years
Time
Existing Stage
(Merging of Parallel
Various efforts)
Experienced Stage
(Market preparedness, Capacity Building,
Machinery for implementation)
Advanced Stage
(Realisation of Energy savings, self
sustaining BEEC)
Development
&Implementation of Elemental BEEC
Development &Implementation of
Detailed BEEC
or
Past
Efforts
Development
of Elemental BEEC Stage
1Stage
2Stage
3
Implementation of Elemental BEEC
Development
of Detailed
BEEC Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Implementation of Detailed BEEC
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6. DETAILS OF SHORT TERM ROADMAP
The approach and major milestones starting from development of code to compliance are
shown in the Figure-6.1 given below.
Figure 6.1: From code development to compliance [WB 2010]
The roadmap for Lebanon has been proposed following similar approach.
6.1 Code development
It is proposed that the existing TSBL is modified and converted into elemental BEEC. While
arriving at the values for various elements such as R value of insulation, SHGC of glass and
efficiencies of lighting and HVAC systems, detailed payback analysis should be carried out
using energy simulation of typical building typologies. The proposed modifications are
detailed in the following sections.
6.1.1 Modification of existing Thermal Standards (TSBL) into Elemental
Building Energy Efficiency Code
a. There are two versions of the Thermal Standards for Buildings in Lebanon, namely
TSBL 2005 and TSBL 2010. Comparison of both the versions with international best
practices suggests that some modifications needs to be carried out and the existing
recommendations of TSBL are to be revisited before converting either of them into a
code.
Review and comparison of TSBL 2005 and TSBL 2010 is given in Appendix-1,
Comparison of TSBL 2005 and TSBL 2010 with international best practices is given
in Appendix-2; and recommendations for adopting TSBL 2005 and TSBL 2010 for
developing elemental code and BEEC are given in Appendix -3
b. TSBL 2005 and 2010 cover only the building envelope. As per the recommendations
given in Appendix-3, it is recommended to add prescriptive requirements for
minimum efficiency in lighting, HVAC equipment and solar water heating. This will
help in developing elemental building energy efficiency code. Approach for specifying
the minimum requirements for lighting, HVAC equipment and solar water heating
systems is given in the subsequent sections.
There are two alternatives for bringing in such a feature:
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Option-1: LIBNOR defines/modifies the standards for lighting energy efficiency
defining minimum energy efficiency of lamps, and maximum permissible Lighting Power
Density based upon international practices. In that case BEEC may consider referring to
the standards of LIBNOR as requirement.
Option-2: The requirements for the new standards may directly be advised in the BEEC
by the committee, stating that in future, if LIBNOR releases any standard in this regard,
stringent of the two may be considered.
A technical committee comprising of representatives of major stakeholders and subject
matter experts may be constituted to develop the elemental BEEC. The Figure 6.2 below
depicts the scope of work for the technical committee.
Figure 6.2: Scope of Committee for development of Elemental BEEC
TSBL Revised
Lighting Efficiency Standards
HVAC Efficiency Standards
Solar Water Heating Standards
Committee for Elemental BEEC
Elemental BEEC
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6.1.2 Specifying Lighting Efficiency through Lighting Power Density
Energy consumption for internal illumination of buildings using artificial lighting is one
major end use of electricity. Energy saving can be ensured by use of efficient fixtures and
efficient lighting design. To allow flexibility to the designers, it is suggested to specify in the
BEEC, maximum interior lighting power allowance in buildings. Internationally there are
two commonly used methods for defining this allowance: building area method, and space
function method. In the building area method, aggregated lighting power density of the
whole building is not to exceed the LPD values prescribed in a table for various types of
buildings. Table-6.1 shows examples of such values following the building area method.
In the space function method; lighting power density for individual type of area within a
building are specified. The maximum allowable Lighting Power for the building can be
calculated by summing the maximum lighting power for each space where maximum lighting
power for each space can be calculated by multiplying the area of the space by
corresponding LPD as given in the table 6.2. Table 6.2 shows example of such values
following the space function method. It may be noted here that the values provided in Table
6.1 and 6.2 are indicative only and are given as an example. Such target values may be
decided by the committee working on the elemental BEEC based upon the values followed in
various standards such as ASHRAE, EN etc.
Similar tables can be specified in the elemental building energy efficiency code of Lebanon.
Table 6-1: Maximum lighting power allowance through building area method
Building Area Type LPD (W/m2) Building Area Type LPD (W/m2)
Automotive Facility 9.7 Multifamily 7.5
Convention Centre 12.9 Museum 11.8
Court House 12.9 Office 10.8
Dining: Bar lounge/Leisure 14 Parking Garage 3.2
Dining: Cafeteria/Fast Food 15.1 Penitentiary 10.8
Dining: Family 17.2 Performing Arts Theatre 17.2
Dormitory 10.8 Police/ Fire station 10.8
Exercise Centre 10.8 Post office 11.8
Gymnasium 11.8 Religious buildings 14
Health Care clinic 10.8 Retail 16.1
Hospital/ Health care 12.9 School/University 12.9
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Hotel 10.8 Sports Arena 11.8
Library 14 Town hall 11.8
Manufacturing Facility 14 Transportion 10.8
Motel 10.8 Warehouse 8.6
Motion Picture Theater 12.9 Workshop 15.1
Table 6-2: Maximum lighting power allowance through space function method
Space Function LPD(W/m2) Space Function LPD(W/m2)
Office-enclosed 11.8 Library
Office-open plan 11.8 Card File & Cataloguing 11.8
Conference/Meeting/Multipurpose 14 Stacks 18.3
Classroom/Lecture/Training 15.1 Reading Area 12.9
Lobby 14 Hospital
For Hotel 11.8 Emergency 29.1
For Performing Arts Theatre 35.5 Recovery 8.6
For Motion Picture Theatre 11.8 Nurse station 10.8
Audience/Seating area 9.7 Exam Treatment 16.1
For Gymnasium 4.3 Pharmacy 12.9
For Exercise Center 3.2 Patient Room 7.5
For Convention Center 7.5 Operating Room 23.7
For Religious Buildings 18.3 Nursery 6.5
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For Sports Arena 4.3 Medical Supply 15.1
For Performing Arts Theatre 28 Physical Therapy 9.7
For Motion Picture Theatre 12.9 Radiology 4.3
For Transportation 5.4 Laundry – Washing 6.5
Atrium-first three floors 6.5 Automotive -Service Repair 7.5
Atrium-each individual floor 2.2 Manufacturing
Lounge/Recreation 12.9 Low Bay[<8m ceiling] 12.9
For Hospital 8.6 High Bay[>8m ceiling] 18.3
Dining Area 9.7 Detailed Manufacturing 22.6
For Hotel 14 Equipment Room 12.9
6.1.3 HVAC system efficiency
It is suggested to specify minimum energy efficiency performance levels for the heating
ventilation and air conditioning systems. This can be achieved by specifying the minimum
Coefficient of Performance (COP) for cooling and heating equipment of each type. Designer
can have flexibility for selection of equipment; however, for any type of equipment, the COP
should meet the minimum requirement as per the elemental building energy efficiency code.
Sample table for the purpose is given below as Table 6.3:
Table 6-3: Minimum COP values for HVAC systems
Equipment class Minimum
COP
Minimum
IPLV
Test
Standard
Unitary Air Cooled Air Conditioner ≥ 19 and <40
kW [≥ 5.4 and < 11 tons]
3.08 ARI210/240
Unitary Air Cooled Air Conditioner ≥ 40 and < 70
kW [≥ 11 and < 20 tons]
3.08 ARI340/36
0
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Unitary Air Cooled Air Conditioner ≥ 70 kW [≥ 20
tons]
2.93 2.99 ARI340/36
0
Unitary Water Cooled Air Conditioner < 19 kW
[<5.4 tons]
4.1 ARI210/240
Unitary Water Cooled Air Conditioner ≥ 19 and <40
kW [≥ 5.4 and < 11 tons]
4.1 ARI210/240
Unitary Water Cooled Air Conditioner ≥ ≤ 40 kW [≥
11 tons]
3.22 3.02 ARI210/240
Since a large number of buildings use heating systems, similar to the minimum COP of
cooling systems, minimum efficiency of heating systems such as gas heaters and electric
heaters should also be defined in the code.
6.1.4 Solar Water Heating
There is already a program going on in Lebanon for promoting use of solar water heating
systems in buildings. It is recommended that the requirements of solar water heating
systems considering the type of usage, climatic conditions, no. of floors etc. may be added in
the elemental BEEC as requirement. Individual houses and low rise buildings would have a
possibility of replacing a larger fraction of the conventional water heating systems by solar
water heating; whereas, due to limited roof availability, such possibility for high rise
buildings would be very limited. To address this difference, and to set realistic targets,
following points may be considered:
- Setting up different minimum requirements for residential buildings as per
the no. of floors
- Promoting use of common solar water heating facilities in high rise residential
buildings, in place of individual family owned systems.
- Setting up separate minimum requirement of solar water heating system
capacity for commercial buildings using hot water or steam to support various
processes such as laundry, cooking, dish washing.
- Promoting use of concentrating solar collectors in commercial buildings using
hot water and/or steam, such as hotels, hospitals etc.
Further, it would be worth mentioning here that considering the use of roof for solar water
heating systems, and also due to economic considerations, solar photovoltaic systems have
not been recommended for inclusion in the elemental BEEC.
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6.1.5 Covering major retrofitting and extension of existing buildings:
Since there are large numbers of existing buildings in Lebanon with a need to reduce their
energy consumption, it is proposed that retrofitting of lighting, HVAC systems, or change in
envelope parts such as glass may be covered under the BEEC. The retrofitted parts/systems
should be compliant with the code. Similarly, extension of buildings should also be required
to meet the requirements of BEEC.
6.1.6 Mechanism for short term code development
Since attempts are already underway for making the LCEC as the National Energy Agency in
Lebanon, and they have experience of developing TSBL 2005, it is recommended that LCEC
takes lead for this purpose and coordinates this activity. On behalf of Ministry of Energy and
Water, LCEC should also act as custodian of the BEEC in the country.
It is suggested that representatives of the various stakeholder groups should be involved in
defining the requirements of lighting and HVAC system in the elemental building energy
efficiency code. Following major stakeholder groups may be involved for this purpose:
a. Research organizations: to incorporate the trends and technology development
b. Suppliers of lighting equipment: to incorporate availability of equipment in market
c. Suppliers of HVAC equipment: to incorporate availability of equipment in market
d. Professional bodies: to incorporate the preparedness of market forces such as
professionals, designers, manufacturers, installers
e. International experts: to incorporate the international trends and prevailing norms of
energy efficiency worldwide
6.2 Adoption
As per the report ‘Energy Efficiency Governance, IEA 2010’ and the ‘National Energy
efficiency Action Plan for Lebanon, LCEC 2010’ it has been noted that through the adoption
of the Energy Conservation Law, the process of institutionalization of the Lebanese Center
for Energy Conservation (LCEC) as the national energy agency for Lebanon has initiated in
2010 as a regulator for energy efficiency in Lebanon. It is therefore recommended that at
country level, the LCEC should be given the responsibility, powers and provided with funds
through budget/taxes/international funding agencies for implementing this roadmap in
collaboration with other agencies as per their domain and expertise.
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Once the BEEC is submitted by LCEC to the Ministry of Energy and Water, the Ministry may
consider forwarding it to the Council of Ministers as a bill for adoption for Stage-1:
Mandatory for government buildings. In order to make the BEEC mandatory for all
buildings, the council of Minister may consider forwarding the bill for approval by the
parliament for adoption at the national level.
The adoption of BEEC by parliament would authorise the local bodies to enforce the
recommendations of elemental code. Without having the code adopted, the local bodies,
would not have the necessary authority to force the builders and developers towards such
code. Adoption of code also motivates the market and other agencies such as educational and
research institutes, professional bodies to enhance their efforts in this direction.
Adopting the BEEC would ensure that all builders in the area are building to the same
standard. Without having the code adopted by government, some builders/developers might
cut corners to provide a competitive advantage.
It is recommended to have adoption and implementation of the code in phased manner as
shown in figure 6.3:
Stage-1: Mandatory for Government / Public buildings
Stage-2: Voluntary for all buildings
Stage-3: Mandatory for all buildings
Figure 6.3: Phased implementation of the elemental code
Elemental BEEC
Mandatory for
Government buildings
Stage 1
Voluntary for all
buildings
Stage 2
Mandatory for all
buildings
Stage 3
Approval from council of Ministers
Approval from Parliament
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The phased adoption and implementation would help in the following ways:
In the initial phases, there is relatively less ‘know-how’ about new materials and
technologies. Also, the materials and technologies are relatively expensive in the
beginning. Wider use of technology brings in economy of scale and helps in
reducing the costs. Implementation of code on government building would avoid
passing on such load of extra cost directly to the public. If required, extra funding
for implementation on government buildings may be arranged through
international agencies or extra budgetary provisions within the country.
While the code is mandatory for government buildings in the first phase, it can be
voluntary for other buildings. Some highly motivated and aware builders might
come forward as early adopters of the code. Sometime doing so helps improve
their corporate image. This may be treated as second phase and may start slightly
after the first phase is launched.
Once there is sufficient ‘know-how’ and the awareness building efforts have been
done, the third phase can be started that included making the elemental code
mandatory for all the buildings coming under the scope of the code.
6.3 Implementation
Although it is recommended that LCEC on behalf of Ministry of Energy and Water should act
as custodian of the BEEC and be responsible for implementation of the entire roadmap,
LCEC should coordinate various activities in association with other agencies/institutions as
per their respective domain and expertise for successfully capturing the opportunity of
energy saving in buildings.
a. Awareness workshops:
Awareness about the elemental BEEC, its benefits, implications should be spread through
organizing awareness workshops throughout the country, targeting different stakeholder
groups. In the successful implementation of the BEEC, outreach plays a very important role.
It is necessary that all the stakeholder groups, including developers, and building owners
understand the intent of the code and get convinced about various requirements.
Such workshops can be organized by entities such as OEA, and other similar organizations
Print and electronic media can be used to spread the awareness about the benefits of the
code to individuals and to the country as a whole.
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LCEC has been involved in increasing the awareness about energy efficiency through other
ongoing/completed programs such as SWH program, CDM etc. Their experience of
conducting awareness campaigns may be utilised to create awareness related to BEEC.
b. Demonstration project:
In addition to launching an awareness drive or campaign, following the principle of ‘seeing is
believing’, it is suggested to carry-out few demonstration projects. These demonstration
projects should demonstrate the following:
- Reduced energy saving in the BEEC compliant building
- Display of energy efficient equipment materials
- Showing the process of meeting requirements of BEEC in the design decision making
process
- Showing the process of evaluation of project for compliance checking. This would be
especially useful for the representatives of authorities who would be carrying out such
evaluations on regular basis.
Some professional body or research organization can be given the assignment of converting
the entire process starting from design stage to evaluation and release of compliance
certificate, into a case study that can be referred by designers and evaluators in future. Any
possibility pertaining to road shows may also be considered for sensitizing the market at the
grass root level.
c. Training:
For successful implementation of code it is very important that trained manpower is ready at
all levels. Large base of trained professionals who can design code compliant buildings is
strength of any country. It is equally important that training is imparted at all levels that are
involved in the process. Sometimes, lack of training starts creating a negative feeling in
various stakeholder groups that eventually becomes a barrier for implementation. It is
therefore recommended to conduct training through the following modes:
On site class room training programs
Web-based training programs
It is further recommended that first the training modules should be prepared in association
with educational institutes that specialise in imparting trainings, and preferably have
international exposure and have been involved in the process of development of code.
It has been seen that some countries even take help of international experts in developing
training modules and in conducting training programs. However, it is recommended that
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local trainers or potential trainers are utilized for this purpose with only occasional
assistance from international experts as and when required. For this purpose, as done in
several countries, first of all ‘train the trainer’ workshops are conducted that provides large
no. of trainers and help in conducting large number of training programs throughout the
country.
d. Establishing and utilizing enforcement infrastructure, tools, and
systems:
As per the international best practices, a computer based tool for checking compliance of
BEEC should be developed. There are many computer-based tools and services to help
automate and streamline the enforcement process. Some efforts have already been made in
this direction for development of a tool for TSBL 2005. It is recommended that either the
tool developed for TSBL 2005 should be modified covering modifications or extension of the
TSBL, or a new tool may be developed. This tool enables designers and professionals to
check their design specifications for compliance, as well as it assists the staff of enforcement
agency to check projects fast with a significantly reduced possibility of manual error. Besides
being technically correct and tested through variety of cases, it is recommended that such
tool should also be ‘easy to use’. For this purpose, a beta version of the tool is to be launched
first, and on the basis of comments received from prospective users, modifications should be
made to release the final version.
e. Implementation support mechanism: query, clarification etc.,
Since BEEC would be a new document for most of the professionals in Lebanon, it is quite
likely that professionals may not fully understand the specifications and requirements. A
possibility of requiring issuance of post-release clarifications cannot be ruled out. To cover
all such issues, a government agency, preferably LCEC or equivalent neutral body that has
been involved with development of code, should be given responsibility to act as nodal
agency for answering queries of end users and for releasing interpretation related
clarifications.
f. Market transformation
Despite having a good code and skilled manpower being present, a supporting market
providing required material and equipment at competitive prices is one key factor for success
of BEEC. In most cases, new and efficient products face challenge from existing inefficient
products through availability of material, availability of spares, and price. In order to curb
the barriers for a healthy market for efficient materials and products, following actions may
be considered:
Launching standard and labelling program
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Import duty exemption on efficient products and equipment
Waiver of sales tax or any other tax on efficient product
Discouraging use of inefficient products, through media, notifications etc.
Awarding/rewarding efficient products with subsidies, rebates, discounts
Soft bank loans for code compliant buildings and standard equipment
Energy efficiency CESS: Additional tax on sale of inefficient equipment. The
income from this additional tax may be made available for supporting energy
efficiency related projects in the country
LCEC has recently been involved in market creation/transformation projects related to
solar water heating systems. Lessons learnt from that program may be utilized for
transforming the market for energy efficient equipment required for BEEC compliance.
6.4 Enforcement
Enforcement is the process that building inspection departments undertake to ensure that
site plans and construction follow the provisions of the energy code. Without a significant
emphasis on enforcement, compliance diminishes, and the outcome is always the same: new
building or renovation projects that fail to realize their full potential for energy savings.
Following building permit system already exists in Lebanon [CUB Engineering & LCEC 2011]
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Figure 6.4: Building Permit System in Lebanon
1. The Technical Department can be one of the following depending on the city/village:
a. The Technical Department in the Municipality of Beirut or Tripoli
b. The Union of Municipalities if one exists
c. The local Urban Planning department
2. The Design Drawings should be signed by an architect, a civil engineer, an electrical
engineer and a mechanical engineer. Either the architect or the civil engineer can be
assigned as project engineer.
3. Order of Engineers and Architects (OEA) of either Beirut or Tripoly
4. Concerned administration can be EDL, Civil Defense, Civil Aviation Authority
depending on the height of the building, the Ministry of Tourism, Education or
Health depending on the end-use of the building)
5. Roof casting shall only be done with signed authorization from the project engineer
When the building includes basements, the Technical Department shall check
compliance of basements with permit drawings before giving approval to start
execution of upper levels
Following procedure is proposed for enforcement of the elemental BEEC:
Conformity with Elemental BEEC for large buildings
Elemental BEEC compliance report by LCEC-OEA certified BEEC professional
Elemental BEEC compliance report with supporting documents for large buildings by LCEC-OEA certified BEEC professional
Figure 6.5: Enforcement of the elemental BEEC
It is proposed to have only the design stage approval as the requirement for
compliance. It is especially important to note that the proposed life of the
elemental BEEC is just three to four years due to the fact that detailed BEEC
would be underway, it is not practical to have pre-occupancy inspection and
approval as requirement.
Since the projects first get registered with the OEA, it is proposed that the same
agency should be entrusted with the responsibility of checking design stage
compliance of the elemental code through LCEC-OEA certified BEEC
professionals.
A separate cell may be created at the OEA, which in association with LCEC should
be conducting tests for certified BEEC professionals.
This cell may consider conducting training programs and LCEC-OEA certificate
test. These LCEC-OEA certified BEEC professionals would be recognized as third
party inspectors.
In case of small buildings, compliance report generated using the compliance
checking tool would be submitted to the Order of Engineers by LCEC-OEA
certified BEEC professionals. Such report from third party professionals would
automatically be sufficient for small buildings and no separate design stage
approval would be required from the Order of Engineers and Architects.
Random audit of some reports would be carried out in case of small buildings by
the joint committee of the OEA and LCEC, to ensure that the declarations issued
by qualified BEEC professionals are correct.
In case of large buildings, the Technical department would check entries of
compliance report prepared by LCEC-OEA certified BEEC professional through
the plans and design documents submitted at the stage of registration. It is
proposed to make declaration of conformity with elemental building code by the
technical department necessary for issuance of construction permit in case of
large buildings.
The promoter/builder/building engineers should be required to declare that the building will
be made as per the documents submitted at the stage of registration. In case a deviation is
found, some provision of penalty may also be kept to discourage such mismatch. One way of
addressing this could be provision of loosing certificate for practice. In case the details used
to generate the compliance report for small building is found to be different from the actual
details, the LCEC-OEA certified professional should be losing the BEEC professional
certificate.
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6.5 Financial Estimates
Following are the indicative financial requirements for carrying out major activities of the
short term roadmap
Activity Indicative
financial
requirement
Development of elemental code
a) 5 man- months (revising TSBL; defining lighting, HVAC
standards; solar water heating requirements; compiling
elemental BEEC; 1 man month each): man-month rate: USD
10,000 per month
b) Meetings, travel and honorarium of experts for technical
committee, organizing stake holders meet: USD 50,000
USD 100,000
Awareness workshops
10 awareness workshops inviting architects, MEP
consultants, promoters/developers, govt. officials.
Two/three in Beirut and one in each major location such as:
Sidon, Zahle, Tyre, Jounieh, Baalbek, Byblos, Nabatieh .
@ USD 5000 USD per workshop:
(expenses include, printing and distribution of document,
expenses in print and electronic media, venue charges for
workshops, travel-stay etc. of experts/officials)
USD 50,000
Demonstration project (with partial support)
a) Conducting design charade: USD 50,000
(includes travel, logistics for meetings, and honorarium of
consultants, hiring international consultant)
b) Documentation: USD 50,000
(includes video recording, document development, printing
of copies for wide circulation/distribution)
c) Financial support to projects: USD 400,000 (100,000 each to
four projects, preferably in four different climatic zones)
USD 500,000
Developing the training material
a) Fee for domain experts: USD 15,000
b) Printing of material: USD 10,000
c) Web-based training material (hosting, updating, record-
keeping, developer etc.): USD 15,000
USD 40,000
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Delivering the training sessions
a) Conducting training programs: USD 5000 each, 4 nos.: USD
20,000
b) Development and printing of training material: USD 5000
c)
USD 25,000*
Preparing the procedures and tools
a) Development of tool (including maintenance, updating if
required for 3 years): USD 20,000
b) Training of tool: USD 5000 each, 2 sessions: USD 10,000
USD 30,000
Market transformation (Subsidies etc)
Publicity in print and electronic media: USD 200,000
Meeting subsidy on efficient equipment/material: USD
100,000
Subsidies to investors: USD 700,000
USD 1,0 00,000
* The training sessions can seek financial support from various players involved in supply of
building materials and equipment
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7. DETAILS OF MEDIUM TERM ROADMAP
Following the international best practice, it is recommended to develop complete building
energy efficiency code encompassing envelope, all the components and equipment used in
the building and renewable energy systems.
7.1 Development of code
The first important step for developing the code is to identify a team for framing the code. A
steering committee is to be formed to initiate the building energy code formulation process.
The committee can be given clear understanding that the proposed energy code should be
decided based on three considerations:
Their energy saving potential
Cost effectiveness of the measures suggested
Ease of compliance.
The code developers should conduct the financial payback as well as life cycle cost analysis
while working out requirements of the code. Such analysis would require knowledge and
good understanding of various economic implications in a building, time based variation in
performance of recommended equipment/material properties such as aging of cool roof
coating, fouling in HVAC equipment, and integration of real life considerations in techno-
economic analysis.
The first task of the steering committee would be formulate a work plan for developing the
code and identifying key members of its various technical committees and stakeholders in
this process. The committee should be supported from a smaller core group to form the
working group. The working groups are to be responsible for coordinating day-to-day
activities of the building energy code development on behalf of the steering committee. The
committees should involve people from research, consulting, manufacturing, promoters,
professional societies and administrative segments to truly represent all the stakeholders.
A broad group of relevant stakeholders should be identified by the steering committee to
form the Stakeholders’ Panel. This panel should include professional and manufacturers
associations, consumer groups, NGOs, central and state government bodies. They should
review the code recommendations at intermediate stages, and provide comments to the
steering committee.
Technical Committees (TCs) should be setup to provide criterion and minimum standards
for energy efficiency in the design or major retrofit of commercial buildings and provide
methods for determining compliance with them. Technical Committees would be responsible
for developing code components for the following building elements: Heating Ventilation
and Air Conditioning, Building Envelope, Lighting, Service Water Heating, Electric Power
and Distribution.
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Figure 7.1: Overall structure and working of various groups for development of building
energy efficiency code
Setting up of a National Energy Agency with statutory powers is therefore one important task
towards development of code. This agency should involve key organizations/stakeholder
groups working in Lebanon, such as the Order of Engineer and Architects, Lebanon Green
Building Energy Code Steering Committee
Senior Advisory Group
Technical Committees
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Lighting
Building Envelope
Service Water Heating
Technical Consultants
Working Group/Coordinating Committee
Electric Power and Distribution
1.
Logistics Support Team
LCEC -National Energy Agency
Stakeholders’ Panel
Ministry of Energy and Water
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Building Council, LIBNOR, IRI, GEF, WB, International Finance Corporation,
USAID/Amideast. Representatives from research organizations, trade-associations,
professional bodies such as ASHRAE may be involved in the effort at different levels.
Once the draft code is ready, it is extremely important to circulate it among wider base of
stakeholder groups and keep it open for comments. This not only gives an opportunity to
general public to comment on strictness of the code but also help creating an acceptance and
a feeling of ownership. Issues such as cost implications and related direct as well as indirect
benefits can be discussed on public platforms to enhance the acceptability before the code is
given its final form.
7.2 Adoption
Provision should be made for regularly updating the BEEC that is especially required from
switching over from elemental code to the complete BEEC.
Due to various limitations, similar to the elemental code, it is suggested to have phased
adoption and implementation of the BEEC. Following three phases are suggested:
Phase-1: Mandatory for govt. buildings
Phase-2: Voluntary for all buildings.
Phase-3: Mandatory for all buildings.
Justification for the three phases in medium term road map is same as given for short term
roadmap.
7.3 Implementation
Although it is recommended that LCEC on behalf of Ministry of Energy and Water should act
as custodian of the BEEC and be responsible for implementation of the entire roadmap,
LCEC should coordinate various activities in association with other agencies/institutions as
per their respective domain and expertise for successfully capturing the opportunity of
energy saving in buildings.
a. Awareness workshops:
Stakeholders associated with the building sector including design, construction, and real
estate, legal, financial and property management professionals, as well as those involved
in the sale and rental of buildings should be targeted with tailored advice and technical
information on how the BEEC will impact on their particular profession. Wider
promotion and information campaigns should be launched to introduce and highlight the
benefits of BEEC to the public. It is wise to continue information activities after initial
implementation as first-time buyers and tenants enter the market continuously.
Information should be disseminated through easily accessible sources such as citizens’
advice, local authorities, real estate offices and websites.
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Easy access to up-to-date information is an important aspect of keeping industry and the
public informed.
Key steps for promoting awareness about BEEC in Lebanon:
Raise awareness among industry and the public
Ensure that all stakeholders have access to relevant information.
Develop ongoing information campaigns that target general public
Following activities are suggested for increasing the outreach and creating awareness about
BEEC in Lebanon:
Series of awareness workshops throughout the country
Advertisement campaign in print and electronic media to enhance public
awareness and benefits
Participation in related seminars/conferences/trade-shows of related stakeholder
groups
Involving national and internal celebrities, talk and promote BEEC in the country
Since this is going to be a big exercise, several organizations such as Order of Engineers and
Architects, Universities, Research organizations, and professional bodies such as ASHRAE
are to be involved in it.
b. Demonstration project:
Worldwide, showcasing the best practice and demonstration buildings has been a very
successful tool for encouraging the penetration of energy efficiency measures in the
market.
Therefore, it is suggested to have demonstration projects spread through-out the
country that:
Display the energy savings in real life situation matching with the claims made by
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the code
Display the use of energy efficient practices related to building envelope design,
use of new materials, equipment design and selection
Besides, bringing up the demonstration projects would also help through the following:
Showing the process of meeting requirements of BEEC in the design decision
making process to the building professionals such as architects, civil engineers,
lighting and HVAC engineers. This may be done through conducting the design
charades in various parts of the country involving local building professionals,
working together with national and/or international experts having good
understanding of the BEEC.
As an integral part of the demonstration projects, the evaluation process also requires
showcasing for the benefit of the officers, who would be evaluating the projects in regular
course. Hand-holding during the evaluation of initial few projects helps them overcoming
the barrier of lack of exposure to the new process.
In addition, such officers may also be sent to some other countries to witness the process of
evaluation and to discuss their doubt with their peers who might have faced similar issues
and difficulties. The Union of Municipalities may be asked to coordinate such an event.
Some professional body or research organization can be given the assignment of converting
the entire process starting from design stage upto evaluation and release of compliance
certificate, into the form of a case study that can be referred by designers and evaluators in
future. Such case studies can be given shape of a reference guide for designers and
evaluators. It is important to note that with passage of time, clarifications and
interpretations would be required, and the book of case studies, and reference guide also
needs to be updated accordingly.
c. Training:
Acquiring the necessary human resources may take time and should be started early. The
expertise of those undertaking building assessments is critical to achieve a robust and
respected certification scheme. To implement BEEC, a country needs assessors with relevant
technical experience. Most countries have a shortage of assessors and need to initiate further
training. This initial lack of expertise in the market is one of the most likely factors in BEEC
implementation delays. It is essential to undertake a review of existing construction
profession capacities and capabilities, undergraduate educational programmes and
continuing professional development programmes in order to understand what training is
necessary to provide the market with properly qualified assessors.
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Availability of expertise directly affects the standards of assessment and the quality of the
building rating programme. The extent of training resources required may be dictated by the
number of assessors needed to deliver energy certification to the market – and by the
availability of qualified experts and developed training material.
Following work is required to be taken up on priority for success of BEEC:
Development of training materials
Delivering the training to various professionals and officials
If training modules can be defined and delivered within existing training or undergraduate
programmes early in the process, this may help to ensure the availability of highly skilled
assessors by the time the scheme is scheduled to become operational. It also has the
advantage of utilising existing training accreditation and professional trainers, and may
allow for adaptation of existing training material.
It is therefore recommended to conduct training through the following modes:
On site class room training programs
Web-based training programs
It is recommended that first the training modules are prepared in association with
educational institutes that specialise in imparting trainings, and preferably have
international exposure and are already involved in the process of development of code.
It has been seen that some countries even take help of international experts in developing
training modules and in conducting training programs. However, it is recommended that
local trainers or potential trainers are utilized for this purpose with only occasional
assistance from international experts as and when required.
Following nature of training workshops would be required:
Train the trainers workshop
Train the teachers workshop
Train the evaluators/assessors workshops
Train the designers/professionals workshops for on job professionals
Training of students: professionals of future
Using the potential of internet, web-based training programs can also be launched. This
would be helpful for those who cannot spare few days out of their work for attending the
training program. Some tutorials can also be developed explaining key aspects of the code
and implementation related issues.
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The first three types of training workshops may also include organizing study trips and
exchange of experiences with other leading countries. The purpose of such activities is to
allow trainers, decision makers and key stakeholders to learn from the successful
experiences of countries that have instituted energy conservation policies and programs.
In some countries, technical educational institutes and universities have been provided with
literature related to basic fundamentals and applications related to the areas addressed by
the BEEC. Funding has also been arranged for purchase of licensed simulation software such
as Visual DoE, IES, DesignBuilder etc. Similar approach can be adopted in Lebanon to
promote understanding and development of skills among the students.
d. Development of computer tools
Use of computers at every stage of building design, system design, project management,
registration at regulatory bodies should be exploited to computerise the process through
development / enhancement of the following software tools:
Interfaces and libraries for whole building simulation tools: several tools are
already available, there is need to recognize and declare the acceptability of
simulation tools results of which would be accepted for compliance. Preference
may be given to well established and widely used tools that provide support to
users. Local interface may also be developed in local language to enhance
usability of the same.
Quick analysis tools: some application specific tools such as ‘cool roof calculator’,
‘glazing selection guide tool’ can also be developed to help selection of
specifications according to the code.
Evaluation tool for compliance: A separate tool would be required for checking
the compliance of BEEC. This tool would be useful at the enforcement agency, as
well as for independent third party assessors and processionals working in the
field to verify compliance.
It is important to note that besides being technically correct and tested through variety of
cases, such tool should also be simple to use.
It is therefore, recommended to develop computer tools of various types for assisting
designers, decision makers and evaluators/assessors of BEEC compliance. It may however be
noted here, that as of now, there is no publically available weather file for Lebanon in the
format acceptable for popularly used energy simulation tools. It will be or upmost
importance to collect data from atleast one important location in each climatic zone in
Lebanon and prepare weather data file for use in energy simulation tools.
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e. Implementation support mechanism: discussion groups, query,
clarification, appeal etc.
Since BEEC would be a new document for most of the professionals in Lebanon, it is quite
likely that professionals don’t fully understand the specifications and requirements. A
possibility of requiring issuance of post-release clarifications cannot be ruled out.
To cover all such issues, a government agency, preferably LCEC or equivalent neutral body
that has been involved with development of code, should act as nodal agency for answering
queries of end users and for releasing interpretation related clarifications.
f. Setting up test labs
BEEC specifies use of materials and equipment having certain minimum
performance level in their prescriptive approach. Even in the performance method of
showing compliance of BEEC, properties and performance indicators of materials
and equipment are required. It is recommended to set up test labs especially for
equipment and materials that are locally produced or manufactured in Lebanon.
Following needs to be ensures in this regard:
It is to be ensured that such test labs have an easy and affordable access to
producers and manufacturers.
Test labs have continuous up-gradation of facilities as per the technological
development
Test labs have some quality control and performance checks
Internationally acceptable procedures are followed for the tests
Such test labs would also be useful to launch standards and labelling program for
non-voluntary performance of equipment that may exceed the minimum required
performance level. Presence of test labs would be useful for effective implementation
of BEEC
Presently, the Industrial Research Institute (IRI), is major test lab in the country.
However, their existing focus is on safety related testing of equipment and materials.
The institute is already bringing up the facility for testing of solar water heating
systems. In order to support BEEC, addition of new facilities/labs would be required
for testing of thermo-physical parameters and energy efficiency.
g. Market transformation
Despite having a good code and skilled manpower being present, a supporting market
providing required material and equipment at competitive prices is one key factor for
success of BEEC. In most cases, new and efficient products face challenge from
existing inefficient products through availability of material, availability of spares,
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and price. In order to curb the barriers for a healthy market for efficient materials
and products, following actions may be considered:
Launching standard and labelling program
Import duty exemption on efficient products and equipment
Waiver of sales tax or any other tax on efficient product
Discouraging use of inefficient products, through media, notifications etc.
Awarding/rewarding efficient products with subsidies, rebates, discounts
To support the reduction in cost by economy of scale
h. Standards and labeling program:
Standards and labels are used to create a market pull by adopting approaches such as energy
star rating of lamps, air-conditioners and other, appliances through labeling program. More
star indicating more efficiency. Such measure is very successful in creating public awareness
about energy efficiency of lighting. Similarly, labels indicating performance of building
material and products such as fenestration would also be useful in creating a market pull
besides making the technical specifications available for compliance checking.
As per NEEAP-2010, the program for promotion of energy efficient equipment is already
going on since 2009. This initiative aims to promote the use of energy efficient equipment in
households and commercial buildings. This includes focusing on electrical equipment and
establishing a national energy efficiency standard. The program for promotion of energy
efficient equipment under the NEEAP-2010, may be strengthened and extended to provide
standards and labels for various types of equipment, materials and products required for
buildings with reference to whole building approach based BEEC.
It is further suggested that the financing mechanisms and incentives, as also mentioned in
the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Lebanon, [LCEC-2010]] are launched to
promote the use of energy efficiency. This is mainly linked to the collaborative work with the
Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Lebanon. Experience of the initiative to promote
solar water heaters in buildings and institutions in Lebanon may be used in this regard for
working out subsidies.
7.4 Enforcement
Enforcement is the process that building inspection departments undertake to ensure that
site plans and construction follow the provisions of the energy code. Without a significant
emphasis on enforcement, compliance diminishes, and the outcome is always the same: new
building or renovation projects that fail to realize their full potential for energy savings.
Enforcement systems depend on the type of building regulation that is used. If building
efficiency is a part of the general building codes and rules for buildings it will often been
forced in the same system as other requirements in the building codes. If the code is set in a
specific standard it may be decided to leave the control up to a specific system for energy
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efficiency or to combine this with other types of control. In many cases, it is up to the local
authority to control the compliance on building regulations.
Both systems have advantages; if the control is combined with that of other building
regulations this will typically imply systems to deny buildings to be taken into use or other
sanctions which also apply for safety reasons etc. But, on the other hand, if compliance is
controlled by energy efficiency specialists this may ensure that these controllers have the
necessary knowledge. In some countries control of efficiency is based on accreditation
systems where responsible experts can loose the right to construct or to apply for permits if
the rules are violated.
The existing building permit system has already been explained in the ‘enforcement’ section
of the short term roadmap.
Based upon the study of existing system, following enforcement mechanism is proposed for
the BEEC:
It is proposed to have two stage approvals as the requirement for compliance: one- design stage approval, second the pre-occupancy approval as
shown in the flow chart below.
Conformity with Performance BEEC for large buildings
Performance BEEC compliance report by LCEC-OEA certified BEEC professional
Performance BEEC compliance report with supporting documents for large buildings by LCEC-OEA certified BEEC professional
Figure 7.2: Enforcement of the performance BEEC
Request for BEEC compliance
Site inspection for compliance with BEEC
It is proposed to keep the procedure upto the construction permit same as proposed in the
short term roadmap. In addition to the design stage approval, pre-occupancy approval is
proposed as one additional requirement in the enforcement of detailed BEEC.
For the pre-occupancy approval, the following procedure is proposed:
- For small buildings, LCEC-OEA certified BEEC professionals would conduct third
party inspection and submit report to the technical department which conducts the
other inspections after once the building is ready. Approval by third party inspector
would automatically be sufficient for this purpose.
- Random audit of some small buildings would be conducted by the joint committee of
Order of Engineers and Architects and LCEC to ensure that the declarations issued by
certified BEEC professionals as third party inspectors are correct.
- For large buildings, the Technical Department would conduct inspection of buildings
and issue BEEC compliance certificate which is proposed to be a mandatory
requirement for issuance of occupancy permit.
7.5 Compliance tracking
Unless code compliance is measured, it is difficult to make improvements, understand where
gaps exist in education, and account for related energy savings. The advantage of having the
enforcement of BEEC done through local municipal level bodies is that it is relatively easy to
track compliance since they anyways keep record of the construction taking place in their
jurisdiction. Review of compliance should be done on annual basis and reasons for non-
compliance need to be discussed with stakeholder groups. This not only helps identifying the
measures required for improving the compliance rates, but sometimes, also provides
feedback for modification in the code.
In case of Lebanon, tracking of BEEC compliance may be started after completion of one
year from the time when BEEC becomes mandatory for all buildings. It may be done
through periodic survey and sampling studies conducted by independent agencies in
different parts of the country covering various types of buildings..
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8. CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM
Clean Development Mechanism is one of three flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto
protocol that permits reduction of GHG as a flexible environmental investment and credit
scheme of its kind, providing standardized emissions offset instrument, CERs.
The Intergovernmental Penal on Climate Change (IPCC) reported in its fourth assessment
that the building sector has the largest potential for significantly reducing GHG emissions
but also confirmed that the potential so identified is independent of the cost per ton of CO2
equivalent achieved.
The due diligence of the projects can be carried out depending upon the possibility of
replication and transaction expenses required for the interventions. It has been observed
that large sized conditioned spaces (essentially Government / public buildings, malls and
cinema halls) with significantly high space heating / cooling loads can consider development
of standalone CDM projects, whereas smaller interventions with possibility of replication at a
larger level may consider programmatic approach for development of CDM projects.
The CDM project cycle is detailed below in the Figure 8.1:
Figure 8.1: CDM project cycle
The building sector can essentially exploit following opportunities to develop CDM project:
Monitori
ng & Verificat
ion
PDD Develop
ment
PDD
Validati
on
Request
Registrat
ion
CDM Value
Chain
Identifying Emission
Reduction Opportunities
Delineating Project Boundary
and identification Leakage
Developing Emission
Baseline
Estimating Project GHG
Emissions
Monitoring and
Verification protocol
Assessment and Demonstration
of Additionality
Reviewing the Environmental
Impact Assessment
New Methodology
Development
Responding to queries raised
by DOE
Defending the project during
validation
Answering queries raised by
UNFCCC
Host Government
Approval
Appointment of DOE
Validation site visit
Negotiation with Buyers, ERPA
and Closure of Transaction
Preparation of Monitoring
Report
Responding to queries raised by
the DOE
Identification of Buyers, Preparation of Information
Memorandum
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Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC)
Energy efficient lighting (Use of CFL / LEDs in place of incandescent lamps)
Thermal insulation in buildings (Glazing etc)
Building management systems (Human occupancy sensors, load management
devices etc)
Supporting devices (Variable frequency drives etc)
Development and implementation of BEEC (covering these suggested interventions) has
been advocated for Lebanon in this report and the efforts proposed to be carried out to
reduce the operational energy cost over the building’s life cycle can further be brought down
by carrying out CDM due diligence of the initiatives and registration of the projects with
UNFCCC.
The second important aspect is to consider the financial implication of developing a CDM
opportunity which would have the following important component
Advisory fee for development of Project Design Document (CDM PDD)
Designated National Authority (DNA) approval (No fee is levied at present)
Fee for validation of the PDD by UNFCCC accredited Designated Operational
Entity (DOE)
Registration fee of UNFCCC (if the estimated annual GHG reduction from the
project is in excess of 15,000 tCO2e)
Fee for verification of the project performance by UNFCCC accredited DOE
Transaction expenses (Legal & CER issuance)
Taxes (as prevailing in Lebanon)
It has been generally observed that projects / interventions with less than 10,000
tCO2e/year (CERs) are not profitable enough and do not add to the bottom-line of
investment required to develop CDM project and carry out transactions during its crediting
period at the prevailing price band between Euro 10 – 14 /CER.
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8.1 Approach & Methodology
The building sector essentially consumed secondary energy (electricity) for meeting the
equipment demand and space conditioning. The estimation of possible GHG emission
reduction for electrical energy efficiency can be attributed to the emission factor of the grid
from which the electricity is consumed and to the back-up units operating on fossil fuel.
The grid emission factor (CO2 emission) for Lebanon is approximately 0.815 kg/kWh (based
on the operational power stations in the country) of electricity whereas for fossil fuel, an
average of 2.5 – 2.75 kg CO2 /Litre may be considered for estimation of GHG reduction from
energy efficiency interventions in the buildings.
The business decision of development of CDM projects should thus be based on the back of
envelope calculations and expected price of the commodity (CER). A CER is equivalent of 1
ton of emission reduction.
The interesting observation specific to the building sector projects (whether standalone or
program of activities) is that most of them qualify under the small scale projects for which
UNFCCC has approved methodologies which can be straightaway used in development of a
candidate CDM project.
In addition to this, for specific interventions, seeking deviation in the existing approved
methodologies as well as proposing a new methodology is permitted and once approved by
the methodology penal of UNFCCC; the same may be applied for development of PDD.
LCEC is involved in distribution of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) in the country in an
attempt to reduce energy consumption in building sector; the bulb distribution projects
developed as small scale CDM initiatives in the country (after registration with UNFCCC) can
help bridge the gap between the price of incandescent lamps and CFL. It is possible to
register such projects with UNFCCC until the baseline of the country becomes CFL i.e. every
new CFL replaces a CFL.
Similarly HVAC consumes a major portion of electricity in buildings and there is a possibility
of considerable savings by improving the coefficient of performance of HVAC both in the
case of small units as well as central HVAC units for large buildings can possibly become a
good case for CDM project development.
Law 775 of the country which essentially permits IPP for self consumption may also be
developed as potential CDM projects where HVAC can be coupled with power generation
units implemented for the large building loads (cluster of buildings) and thus this efficient
form of electricity generation with almost free HVAC can become a potential project.
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8.2 Assurance of revenue
Although CDM is a flexible mechanism with voluntary participation from the developing
countries; the projects developed as CDM opportunities does not guarantee revenue
generation for the investor for the following three reasons.
Project baseline
Project additionality
Common practice
The project baseline plays an important role in estimation of the potential of GHG emission
reduction from the project against the Business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. The project
baseline is the difference between energy consumption of the base building (without EE
interventions) and the proposed building (with EE intervention). The GHG emission
reductions from the project are monitored continuously throughout the crediting period of
the project. It is important to note that CDM revenue is permitted for a fixed period (10 years
or 7 years with possibility of 2 renewals) from the date of registration of project with
UNFCCC or from the date of start of operational life of the project, whichever is later and not
for the complete life span of a building.
The additionality is another important aspect of the project wherein the EE intervention
proposed for a building / set of buildings covered in a program should have viability gap (as
compared to the BAU building). The viability gap can be established against the benchmark
returns from the investment in BAU and proposed case through financial modelling. It is
important for projects in Lebanon to carefully examine the project additionality before
attempting CDM registration because the country is dependent upon fuel imports and thus
high fuel cost can considerably reduce the investment payback making interventions viable
on standalone basis.
Common practice will have an impact on CDM registration of a project if projects of similar
nature are operating in the region without CDM revenue support. This could be detrimental
if projects with viability gap are implemented without CDM registration. If such a situation
prevails, the project is required to establish as to how the candidate project is different from
other operational projects without CDM registration.
8.3 Important aspects of CDM
CDM project registration is quite rigorous yet very transparent process and involves
representation of host country as well as third party independent validation before the
project is submitted to the CDM Executive Board with request for registration.
Lebanon ratified the Kyoto Protocol on 11 February 2007 through law 738 dated 15 May
2006. In the year 2006 & 2007, an internal desk study was conducted to establish the DNA
process in Lebanon & estimate the potential of CDM. The country adopted single ministry
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model (which is also practiced internationally) to clear CDM projects based on the
sustainable development guidelines of the country. In May 2007, MoE was appointed by the
Presidency of the Council of Ministers as the Designated National Authority (DNA) for
Lebanon.
At present the DNA in Lebanon is represented by Ms. Rola Sheikh (Department of Air
Quality, Lazarieh Centre, 8th Floor, Block A4 New P. O. Box 11-2727 Beirut, Lebanon). All
candidate CDM projects are required to be cleared by the DNA before approaching the CDM
Executive Board.
To further streamline the process in order to establish seriousness of CDM consideration, the
UNFCCC has issued guidance for developers of CDM projects to inform UN within 6 months
of start date of project activity about the proposed CDM project. This guidance applies to all
the projects conceived after 2 August 2008.
A local and global stakeholder consultation process is also being carried out before a project
is validated by a DOE. The process essentially covers the aspects around sustainable and
inclusive growth of the community along with economic activities. The local stakeholder
consultation is required to be completed before filing the PDD with the DNA and DOE
whereas global stakeholder consultation is carried out as a part of the validation exercise.
The CDM project development should be started before project implementation. Ideally the
project should be implemented only after CDM registration so as to ensure revenue stream
from transaction of GHG emission reduction. For projects with longer gestation period, the
registration of the project should get over before the commercial operation date of the
project. The average estimated registration time of CDM projects with UNFCCC is about 12
months from the date of preparation of PDD.
LCEC has informed UNFCCC about 6 projects of CFL distribution which are at different
stages of development. In addition to this, there are few private sector players developing
CDM projects from within Lebanon. A proactive approach by the investors as well as
Government can provide the much needed push in development of CDM opportunities
available in this sector.
Agencies like IFC are playing pioneering role across the global by securitizing CDM revenue
through forward transaction and upfront payment to the investor. This has been a successful
model in many countries and a win-win proposition for the investor as well as CER buyer
with risk hedging as well as liquidity in the market.
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9. CONCLUSION
To implement the comprehensive set of suggestions proposed in this roadmap, the
government of Lebanon will need to put in place a short term and a medium term plan. As
there is an urgent need for implementing mandatory codes for taping the energy saving
opportunities through covering the current construction activities in the country, this
roadmap proposes the following short term measures:
1. Modify the current TSBLs to include energy efficiency in lighting and HVAC and also
incorporate solar hot water systems. This will ensure that the new elemental building
energy efficiency code, enhancing TSBL would cover the envelope, equipment and
use of renewable energy in the scope of building scope and have more holistic
approach towards building energy efficiency. The elemental code should be
prescriptive in nature and easy to implement.
2. This elemental code can be first made mandatory in the government and public
buildings followed by mandatory status for all buildings in about 1.5 years from the
start of implementation of the recommendations of this roadmap.
While the short term roadmap is being implemented, preparations can be started for
implementation of elements of the medium term roadmap for building energy efficiency
code. The implementation of short term roadmap will bring in more awareness in the
building sector and lay down the process of enforcement of code and start the market
transformation for promoting energy efficient products in Lebanon. It will also initiate the
capacity building process among all stakeholders.
The medium term roadmap proposes to develop and implement a whole building
performance based BEEC. This will be in line with the international best practices and would
provide maximum design flexibility by offering tradeoff between all aspects of energy
efficiency in the buildings. It is proposed that all the supporting infrastructure and processes
which include but not limited to capacity building, training, testing facility, legislative
infrastructure, weather data, compliance tools, market transformation are initiated before
the comprehensive BEEC is mandated and are in place when it becomes mandatory for all
buildings in Lebanon. It is proposed to mandate comprehensive BEEC in phases and be
mandated for all the new buildings in less than five years from the start of implementation of
the short term roadmap.
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10. ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Note: header of columns show month nos. starting from beginning of the short term roadmap
Work Element
Activity/Event
Objective/goal of activity/event
Lead
organizations
Priority for
Months
Short Medium
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
9-1
0
11-1
2
13
-14
15
-16
17
-18
19
-20
21-2
2
23
-24
25
-30
31-3
6
37
-42
43
-48
49
-54
55
-60
Code development
Defining Elemental Code
Revision of TSBL considering the feedback/review
To finalize the TSBL document, removal of discrepancies in previous/existing versions
LCEC
H
Extending scope of TSBL to BEEC covering lighting, HVAC, and solar hot water through simple prescriptive approach
To cover all building systems under the scope of TSBL and start moving towards BEEC
LCEC with LIBNOR
H
Action for short term
Action for medium term
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Defining full BEEC
Development of building energy code covering envelope and building services with whole building approach
To adopt whole building approach for BEEC
LCEC
H
Development of mechanism for periodic updating of BEEC
The bar for efficiency needs to be raised up periodically depending upon technological advancements, and extent of penetration
LCEC
L
Adoption
Defining/declaring mandatory status
Development of enforcement mechanism in line with existing building permit mechanism
To clearly define the procedures, guidelines, and processes involved in giving approval to any building
LCEC + OEA
H H
Approval by council of Ministers
To declare the mandatory status for government buildings
LCEC
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Approval by parliament
To declare the mandatory status for all buildings
LCEC
Implementation Declaring implementation plan stage-1:
implementation on govt. buildings
To experiment and showcase the code without direct cost to private building owners, to gain confidence/experience, to identify barriers in implementation
LCEC + Urban Dev. Dept.
M M
stage-2: voluntary for all buildings
To have smooth transition from govt. buildings to all buildings
LCEC
M M
stage-3: Mandatory for all buildings
To cover all buildings under the scope
LCEC + Urban Dev. Dept.
M M
Development of compliance checking tool for regulators
To facilitate the evaluators/regulators for checking compliance, leaving less scope for variation in interpretation of requirements, consistency in evaluation process throughout the country
LCEC
H H
Market Transformation
Incentivize sale of efficient equipment and materials
To ensure availability of products required for compliance of code at reasonable costs, to
LCEC + LIBNOR + Professional bodies + IRI
M M
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discourage use of inefficient appliances/equipment
Capacity Building
development of training material
for use in various workshops, training programs for distribution to participants, and for assisting the trainers
LCEC+ prof. Bodies
H H
conducting awareness workshops
To spread the information about code, to remove mental barriers,
LCEC+ Prof. Bodies
H H
Train the trainer program
to ensure sufficient no. of trainers who can conduct training program in different parts of country
LCEC + OEA
H H
conducting training programs for designers/architects/professionals
to ensure availability of professionals, who can design buildings as per requirements of code
LCEC + OEA
H H
equipping libraries of educational institutes with relevant study
to provide good books and references for students and researcher who are future professionals
Universities
L M
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material
making simulation software available in educational institutes
making students familiar with the simulation process which is one major requirement for whole building performance method, students of today are professionals of tomorrow
Universities
L M
curriculum modification
to embibe the fundamentals, knowledge and skills required for implementation of code in the curriculum
L M
train the teachers of edu. Institutes
to enable the teachers for teaching he modified curriculum as per the requirements of code
LCEC + universities
L M
workshops for accessors, evaluators
To train the accesors and evaluators on the compliance checking tool as well as on basic concepts of BEEC
OEA + union of municipalities + urban dev. Dept.
H H
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Demonstration Projects
conducting design charades
To have live demonstration of the process of design, decision making required for compliance of code through a participative exercise
LCEC + OEA
M M
documentation of case study
To record the design evolution process, discussions, analysis and decisions at various stages of the demonstration project for wider circulation and reference for future projects.
LCEC + OEA
L M
Setting up test labs
Defining standards for testing of equipment/materials
Various standards that are to be followed for determining properties and performance indicators mentioned in the code are to be defined by local agency
LIBNOR
L M
Setting up and accreditation of test labs
Making testing facilities for materials and equipment accessible in every part of the country
LCEC + IRI
L M
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Certification of professionals
To have quality assurance mechanism on available services of professionals for code compliance
LCEC
M M
Enhancing availability of weather data/files
to provide weather date for more and more cities. In absence of this data, approximation of weather conditions through use of weather file of other cities is required.
LCEC, metrological department
L H
Establishing R&D centers in building energy efficiency
To promote local research capability, this would be helpful in upgradation of BEEC in future, find local solutions for technological requirements of the code.
LCEC + universities
L M
Enforcement Penalty clause for non-compliance
To keep a pressure for compliance of code
LCEC + urban devp. Dept. + union of municipalities
L L
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Compliance Tracking compliance rate
to get idea about ease of adoption and usefulness of BEEC
LCEC + union of municipalities
M
H= High, M= Medium, L=Low
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11. REFERENCES
[ASE 2009] Building Energy Codes Best Practices Report for APEC Economies,
Prepared by the Building Codes Assistance Project of the Alliance to Save Energy,
December 2009.
[BECA 2009] B. Shui, M. Evans, S. Somasundram; Country report on building energy
codes in Australia; United States Department of Energy, 2009
[CUB Engineering & LCEC 2011] Support to the Lebanese Center for Energy
Conservation EuropeAid /129347/D/SER/LB
[El-Fadel 2009] El-Fadel, R. H. , et al., The Lebanese electricity system in the context of
sustainable development. Energy Policy (2009), doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2009.10.020
[IEA 2008] Energy Efficiency Requirements in Building Codes, Energy Efficiency
Policies for New buildings, IEA Information paper, Mr. Jens LAUSTSEN, International
Energy Agency, March 2008
[IEA 2010] Energy Efficiency Governance, International Energy Agency. 2010
[Isabella 2011] Isabella Ruble, Pamela Nader, 2011. Transforming shortcomings into
opportunities: Can market incentives solve Lebanon’s energy crisis? Energy Policy 39
[2011] 2467-2474
[MEW 2010] Ministry of Energy and water, 2010, Policy Paper for the Electricity Sector.
Government of Lebanon [COM#1-21/6/2010] June.
[NEEAP 2010] National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, LCEC –
Lebanon, developed jointly by RCREEE and MEDEMIP. 2010
[REEEP 2010] Compendium of Best Practices, Sharing Local and State Successes in
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy from the United States. A collaborative report
by REEEP, ASE, ACORE, April 2010.
[RICS 2008] Can building codes deliver energy efficiency? Defining a best practice
approach A report for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors by the Building
Research Establishment, June 2008.
[WB 2010] Feng Liu, Anke S. Meyer, John F. Hogan; World Bank Working Paper No.
204; Mainstreaming Building Energy Efficiency Codes in Developing Countries: Global
Experiences and Lessons from Early Adopters, 2010.
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APPENDIX 1- COMPARISON OF TSBL 2005 AND TSBL 2010 WITH INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES
International
Best practices
TSBL2005 TSBL 2010 Recommendation
Whole building
scope
X It is based on thermal cooling/heating
energy requirements, and addresses
only the envelope of buildings.
It only addresses the thermal loads and
not fuel and cost of primary energy
required to meet the loads.
X It is based on thermal cooling/heating
energy requirements, and addresses
only the envelope of buildings.
It only addresses the thermal loads and
not fuel and cost of primary energy
required to meet the loads.
Both the standards don’t address the whole
building. A lot of fuel is imported in
Lebanon, electricity is subsidized and the
supply of electricity is intermittent leading
to widespread use of on-site diesel operated
electricity generators as back-up that are
usually expensive to run. The common
metric for the whole building approach
would hence be very important.
Addressing
climatic variation
√ It addresses the climatic variations.
However, TSBL-2005 does not split of
climatic zone-1 in two sub-categories.
√ In TSBL-2010, the climatic variation in
addressed. Climatic zone 1 is split as 1A
and 1B, whereas the requirements for
envelope as mentioned in the TSBL-
2010 are common for these sub-zones
are identical.
Split of climatic zone in sub-categories in 1A
and 1B to be retained as in TSBL 2010.
However, requirements for these sub-
categories should be revisited.
Addressing
residential and
commercial
buildings
√ TSBL-2005 has taken care of the
difference in requirements for
residential and commercial buildings
through providing different set of
specifications. However, only two types
of building categories have been
considered i.e. residential and
commercial.
√ TSBL-2010 has taken care of the
difference in requirements for
residential and commercial buildings
through providing different set of
specifications. However, only two types
of building categories have been
considered i.e. residential and
commercial.
It might be helpful if the standard considers
further classification such as low-rise and
high-rise.
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Specific
calculation
structure
√ In TSBL 2005, the compliance through
performance path can be achieved if the
computed annual thermal energy needs
of the proposed building is less than
computed annual thermal energy needs
of the reference building in
kWh/sqm/yr. The reference building is
similar to the proposed building except
that the building envelop components
should comply with the requirements of
the individual component approach of
the prescriptive path. The Reference
Building thermal energy usage is the
total heating and cooling energy
requirements in kilowatt-hours [kWh]
determined by the building simulation
software using the same inputs as the
reference building, including the same
weather files and fixed simulation
parameters which have been approved
by the competent Lebanese authority.
This is on the similar lines as per the
international best practices.
X In TSBL 2010, compliance through
performance path is achieved if the
computed annual specific thermal
energy needs (cooling and heating) of
the proposed building is less than
Reference annual specific thermal
energy needs [cooling and heating] of
same category of building in the
specified climatic zone (kWh/m2.year).
Further, Simulation Parameters related
to occupancy and usage of the building
are not fixed but shall be justified
according to ASHRAE Fundamentals
Book. As per international best
practices this is not very desirable in a
code, especially for new buildings. This
method is more appropriate for existing
buildings and these specific energy
targets are based on measured
performance of existing buildings.
Further, it is desirable that these
targets are different for different types
of buildings such as hotels, offices,
malls etc. TSBL- 2010 has only two
building categories i.e. residential and
non-residential.
The approach of TSBL2005 may be used for
calculation structure.
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Calculation
procedure
√ A compliance tool was developed for
TSBL-2005. This tool is specific for
TSBL-2005 compliance and hence is on
the similar lines as per international
best practices
X For TSBL-2010, as of now, similar tool
does not seem to be available.
The compliance tool developed for
TSBL2005 may be updated or enhanced for
use in short term plan to include proposed
prescriptive requirements for lighting,
HVAC, SWH etc.. For medium term plan,
separate tool, covering whole building
approach may be developed.
Regular updating
of BEEC
X TSBL 2005 has not been updated so
far. It does not specify any mechanism
for regular updating cycle of the
standard.
X
TSBL 2010 is relatively new from the
point of view of updating. It also does
not specify any mechanism for regular
updating cycle of the standard.
An updating mechanism can be defined to
follow the international best practices.
Staged
implementation
√ The development of TSBL-2005 seems
to be on the similar lines as
international best practices, starting
from thermal requirements that can be
extended to fully integrated energy
performance code.
√ The development of TSBL-2010 seems
to be on the similar lines as
international best practices, starting
from thermal requirements to fully
integrated energy performance code as
shown in Appendix-1.
Since there a spurt of construction activities
in Lebanon, it might be better to speed up
the staged implementation of BEEC and go
for whole building energy efficiency based
code at the earliest. This will allow Lebanon
to capture the potential of energy savings in
all the upcoming construction works.
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Mandatory
compliance
X Currently TSBL2005 is not a
mandatory standard.
X Currently TSBL2010 is not a
mandatory standard.
TSBL should be made mandatory as per
international best practices. It is a very
crucial exercise at this juncture and
mandating the code will really help in
achieving a larger penetration of code which
in turn would yield energy savings for the
country. Either the thermal code should be
mandated in short term or simple building
energy code addressing the envelope,
HVAC, lighting, and SWH system through
prescriptive approach should be developed
and mandated. In medium term, whole
building BEEC can be targeted for being
mandatory.
Thorough
enforcement
procedure
X As per available documents
enforcement procedure for TSBL is not
yet developed.
X As per available documents
enforcement procedure for TSBL is not
yet developed.
The introduction of a mandatory building
energy codes would require the
establishment of a verification check at the
building permit phase, at the building
construction phase, and at the pre-
operation phase. The process has not been
established as yet in Lebanon. As per the
best practice, the enforcement of code
would require a holistic approach in tandem
with operational agencies at all the phases
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Penalties for lack
of compliance
X As per available documents penalties
for lack of compliance have not been
spelled out. TSBL 2005 is still not
mandatory.
X As per available documents penalties
for lack of compliance have not been
spelled out. TSBL 2010 is still not
mandatory.
Since the enforcement procedure for TSBL
is not yet developed in Lebanon, provisions
of penalties should be planned for the
medium term implementation. The carrot
and stick approach has given better results
in almost all parts of the world where initial
handholding to the new regimes are
provided to incentives schemes [favorable
policies], recognition followed by corrective
actions through penalties and allied
controlling measures.
Track compliance
rates
X As per available documents mechanism
for tracking compliance rates has not
been spelled out.
X As per available documents mechanism
for tracking
compliance rates has not been spelled
out.
As per international best practice, a
mechanism for tracking compliance rates
should be defined for TSBL/BEEC.
Code training and
certification
X The available documents do not show a
well planned, systematic, multi tier
training and certification program for
TSBL2005.
X The available documents do not show a
well planned, systematic, multi tier
training and certification program for
TSBL2010.
In most countries, induction of the code and
related skills in the academic curriculum
has helped a great deal in developing
trained manpower. The channel can be
established in Lebanon for rigorous training
of professional through any of the
operational regulatory / statutory bodies
responsible for building approvals.
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Voluntary high
performance
incentive
programs
X TSBL-2005 is silent about voluntary
high performance incentives.
X TSBL-2010 is silent about voluntary
high performance incentives.
Some of the voluntary programs for high
performance buildings are already present
in Lebanon. The Lebanon Green Building
Council [GBC] is an independent body and
is working towards Lebanese applicable
certification and labeling of buildings. This
is in line with international best practices.
However, some additional incentives can be
floated through the TSBL or BEEC.
Demonstration
projects
X The available documents do not show
plans for showcasing TSBL2005
through demonstration project.
X The available documents do not show
plans for showcasing TSBL2010
through demonstration project.
Demonstration projects would be required
for TSBL to document the design process
including design discussions and decisions,
together with the evaluation and approval
process.
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APPENDIX 2- REVIEW AND COMPARISON OF TSBL 2005 AND TSBL 2010
General observations:
S.
No
Observations Reference Recommendations
1. Multilevel numbering
The document has bulleted points and unnumbered sections at several
places. It becomes difficult to cite any specific section or bulleted point.
Use of multilevel numbering throughout the document might be useful.
-- Multilevel numbering to be followed in
the further development of standard.
2. Standard test procedures
Standard test procedures for determining the properties such as U-
value of glass, insulation, etc. are not mentioned in either of the codes.
To avoid ambiguity, standard test procedures followed by the
country/internationally may be mentioned in the code.
-- Standard test procedures for
determining the properties such as U-
value of glass, insulation, etc. should be
mentioned.
3. Trade-off method
In TSBL 2005, section 6.2 ‘Compliance with the Thermal Transmittance
using the Overall Envelope Approach’ gives the trade-off approach. This
approach is part of prescriptive path. The overall envelope approach
permits trade off between building envelope components, and as such
provides more building design flexibility.
In TSBL 2010, section 6, the trade-off method is a separate compliance
path. There are three compliance path in TSBL 2010- prescriptive
option, trade-off option, performance option.
Technically both the codes have similar approach for trade-off method,
except that in TSBL 2005 it is part of prescriptive approach, and in
TSBL 2010 it is a separate option.
Page-7, TSBL
2005
Page 8, TSBL
2010
Trade-off method as give in TSBL 2005
can be adopted for further development.
Trade off method should be part of
prescriptive approach
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Comparison of TSBL2005 and TSBL2010 related to prescriptive and trade-off method:
S.
No
Observations Reference Recommendations
1. TSBL2010 uses the term ‘Cooling/heating thermal
energy requirement/need’. At several places, term
‘Cooling/heating energy requirement/need’ is used. It
will be helpful if the terms used are consistent
throughout the document and are clearly defined in the
code since one of the best practices for building energy
efficiency codes is ‘not to have any ambiguity in
interpretation’.
TSBL-10, Page-2, last
point.
TSBL-10, Page-6, para-3.
TSBL-10, page-15, section
7.1: ‘Compliance’
Consistency in the terms to be ensured.
2. Climatic sub zone 1A, 1B
In TSBL-2010, Table-2 shows that climatic zone 1 is split
as 1A and 1B, whereas the requirements mentioned in the
TSBL-2010 are common for these sub-categories. TSBL-
2005 does not split of climatic zone-1 in two sub-
categories.
The climatic zone-1 is split into two sub-zones based
upon altitude, wherein 1A is applicable for altitude less
than 400m, and 1B is for altitude greater than 400m.
The main difference between these two sub-zones is the
intensity and duration of winters. 1A has warm and short
winter and 1B has cold and long winter that increases
with altitude. However the requirements for envelope in
these two sub-zones are identical. This may be revisited.
TSBL 2010Page-6, Table-2 Requirements for building envelope for sub-
zones 1A and 1B should be revisited.
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3. Location of insulation above/below deck.
Section 6.1 of TSBL 2010 specifies the maximum
reference U-values for roofs, walls, glazing and exposed
and semi-exposed floors for the four climatic zones and
two building categories viz. Residential and non-
residential. Similar table [having different values] is
given in TSBL-2005 under section 6.11.
However, the code is silent for placement of insulation
especially for the roof i.e. over deck or under deck.
As per the best practices for energy efficiency, placement
of insulation is done as per the climatic conditions.
To reduce ambiguity it will be helpful if the code clearly
specifies placement of insulation with respect to the
deck.
TSBL 2010, Page-8,
section 6.1
Over-deck insulation may be recommended
for cooling dominated zones, whereas under-
deck placement of insulation is recommended
for heating dominated zones.
4. Roof insulation for climatic zones
In TSBL-2005 Table-2, reference thermal transmittance
values are given for roof. According to this table, for both
the building types in Zone-1,2,3 thermal transmittance
values are same i.e. 0.57W/m2K. For zone-4, this value is
0.44W/m2K for both the building categories.
In TSBL-2010 Table-3, value for climatic zone-1, non-
residential building category is 0.71 W/m2K, and value
for non-residential building in Zone-2,3,4 is 0.55
W/m2K.
It is observed that not only the values are different in
TSBL-2005 and TSBL-2010, but the trend of the values
is also different.
This may be revisited.
TSBL 2005 Page-6, Table-
2
TSBL 2010 Page-8, Table-3
The values for TSBL 2005 were arrived at
much before the values of TSBL 2010. Also the
payback analysis must have been done based
on the cost of electricity and materials
prevailing at these times. Further, both the
codes are addressing only the thermal energy
aspect of the building the equipment
efficiencies considered might not be same as
the efficiencies that might be mandated in the
proposed elemental code. Hence it is
recommended that these values be revisited
after the equipment efficiencies are included
in the elemental code
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5. Maximum allowable WWR in cold zone:
TSBL-2010 puts a restriction on maximum allowable
WWR for all the building categories in all the climatic
zones. TSBL-2005 also puts such a restriction. In TSBL-
2005, the maximum reference effective fenestration ratio
in Zone-4 [high mountain] is 21% for non-residential
buildings as compared to 10-13% in other zones. In
TSBL-2010, the values in all the zones ranges between
19-21%. Rather the value in zone-4 [high mountain] for
non-residential is 0.2 and in zone-1 for non-residential is
0.21. The values in TSBL-2010 and 2005 are different
and the trend also seems to be different. This may be
revisited.
TSBL 2005, Page 10,
Table-8,
TSBL 2010, Page 13, Table-
9,
Before finalization of the standard, a
simulation based exercise may be carried out
[with combined thermal and lighting analysis]
to make sure that the recommendation are
based on the current costs and include the
efficiency of lighting and HVAC.
Use of term WWR is recommended for this
purpose as done in TSBL 2010.
6. Architectural shading factor:
TSBL 2010 gives the architectural shading factor for
windows protected by overhangs only, fins only, both fins
and overhangs in Tables 6,7,8. TSBL 2005 also gives the
architectural shading factor for windows protected by
overhangs only, fins only, both fins and overhangs in
Tables 5,6,7. However, the categories of projection factor
[PF] for which the architectural shading factor [ASF] is
given, as well as values of the architectural factors in
both the codes are significantly different. Snapshot of
ASF for overhangs only in TSBL-2005:
TSBL 2005, page 9, Table
5,6,7
TSBL 2010, Page 12,13,
Table 6,7,8
This difference between the two standards
needs to be revisited.
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The above is the snapshot of ASF for overhangs only in
TSBL-2010.
The values of ASF for overhangs, fins and combination of
overhangs and fins may be revisited.
7. Maximum WWR
As per TSBL-2010 the prescriptive and Building-
Envelope Trade-Off path cannot be used when the
proposed building has a window to gross wall ratio
greater than 45%, or when the proposed building has a
skylight to gross roof ratio [the gross roof area is
TSBL 2010, Page 7, last
para
The values for TSBL 2005 were arrived at
much before the values of TSBL 2010. Also the
payback analysis must have been done based
on the cost of electricity and materials
prevailing at these times. Further, both the
codes are addressing only the thermal energy
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inclusive of the skylight area] greater than 5%. The
performance path should be used in these cases.
Whereas, as per TSBL-2005 the prescriptive path cannot
be used when the proposed building has a window to
gross wall ratio [the gross wall area is inclusive of the
window area] greater than 0.30, or when the proposed
building has a skylight to gross roof ratio [the gross roof
area is inclusive of the skylight area] greater than 0.05.
The performance path should be used in these cases.
The increase in limit from 30% to 45% may be revisited.
TSBL 2005, Page 4, last
para
aspect of the building the equipment
efficiencies considered might not be same as
the efficiencies that might be mandated in the
proposed elemental code. Hence it is
recommended that these values be revisited
after the equipment efficiencies are included
in the elemental code
8. Provision of cool roof:
In both the standards TSBL-2005 and TSBL-2010, there
is no mention of high albedo roofs in either the
prescriptive or performance method. High albedo roof
can help in reducing the heat ingress and can help in
saving cooling energy consumption.
In cooling dominated climatic zones, high
albedo roof (cool roof) may be inserted as one
requirement for building envelope.
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Comparison of TSBL-2005 and TBL-2010 for performance method:
S.No. Observations Reference
1. In TSBL 2005, the compliance through performance
path can be achieved if the computed annual thermal
energy needs of the proposed building is less than
computed annual thermal energy needs of the
reference building in kWh/sqm/yr as given in section
7.3. The reference building is similar to the proposed
building except that the building envelop components
should comply with the requirements of the individual
component approach of the prescriptive path. The
Reference Building thermal energy usage is the total
heating and cooling energy requirements in kilowatt-
hours [kWh] determined by the building simulation
software using the same inputs as the reference
building, including the same weather files and fixed
simulation parameters which have been approved by
the competent Lebanese authority.
In TSBL 2010, compliance through performance path
is achieved if the computed annual specific thermal
energy needs [cooling and heating] of the proposed
building is less than Reference annual specific thermal
energy needs [cooling and heating] of same category of
building in the specified climatic zone [kWh/m2.year]
as given in section 7.2. Further, Simulation Parameters
related to occupancy and usage of the building are not
fixed but shall be justified according to ASHRAE
TSBL 2005, Page 13
TSBL 2010, Page 15
Approach of TSBL 2005 is on the lines of
international best practices. The performance
path of TSBL 2010 is based on specific energy
targets, this method is generally applied to
existing buildings. Hence it is recommended
to follow the approach given in TSBL 2005.
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Fundamentals Book.
Approach of TSBL 2005 is on the lines of international
best practices. The performance path of TSBL 2010 is
based on specific energy targets, this method is
generally applied to existing buildings. For simulation
parameters, TSBL 2005 refers to competent Lebanese
authority, whereas, TSBL 2010 standard refers to
ASHRAE Fundamental Book for various parameters.
2.
Simulation software
In TSBL 2005, under the section 7.2, it is mentioned
that the list of approved software packages will be
established by the relevant National Institution. From
then, any of the approved software packages can be
used for the calculation of the expected total annual
energy requirements for heating and cooling for the
proposed and reference buildings.
In TSBL 2010, under section 7.1, it is mentioned that
the list of approved software packages will be
established periodically by the Order of Engineers and
Architects and LIBNOR. From then, any of the
approved software packages can be used for the
calculation of the expected total annual thermal energy
requirements for heating and cooling for the proposed
buildings. Whereas, in the compliance form on page-
44, names of seven software are listed. It is not clear if
these software are approved by the Order of Engineers
and Architects and LIBNOR.
TSBL 2005, Page 12
TSBL 2010, Page 15
The list of the approved software should be
clearly mentioned and it should cover several
commonly used software worldwide.
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Comparison of TSBL-2005 and TBL-2010 for compliance forms and tools:
S.No. Observations Reference
1. Compliance tools
A compliance tool was developed for TSBL-2005. This
tool is specific for TSBL-2005 compliance and hence is
on the similar lines as per international best practices.
For TSBL-2010, as of now similar tool does not seem
to be available.
It is recommended to continue the
development of the tool developed for
compliance for TSBL 2005 and include the
proposed prescriptive requirements for
lighting, HVAC etc
2. Compliance forms
Annexure-5 gives the compliance forms for TSBL-
2010. No such forms are available for TSBL 2005.
TSBL 2010, Page 34-45
It is recommended to continue the
development of the compliance forms
developed for compliance for TSBL 2010 and
include the proposed prescriptive
requirements for lighting, HVAC, SWH etc
3. Ambiguity in compliance forms:
Compliance table on page-39 of TSBL 2010, column
headings ‘double glazing e [mm]’, ‘single glass e [mm]’,
‘thick [cm]’ are not clear.
These headings should be self explanatory or be
clarified separately.
TSBL 2010, Page 39
The forms should not be ambiguous.
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APPENDIX 3- RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADOPTING TSBL 2005 AND TSBL 2010 FOR DEVELOPING ELEMENTAL CODE AND BEEC
Based on the comparison of TSBL 2005 and TSBL 2010 with international best practices,
some recommendations have been arrived at. Some of the recommendations are related
to the development of the code and are technical in nature. Others are related to the
implementation of the code. Recommendations regarding implementation will be
discussed in details in the roadmap to be provided later by PwC consortium.
1. Both the standards don’t address the whole building. A lot of fuel is imported in
Lebanon, electricity is subsidized and the supply of electricity is intermittent
leading to widespread use of on-site diesel operated electricity generators as
back-up that are usually expensive to run. The common metric for the whole
building approach would hence be very important.
2. Split of climatic zone in sub-categories in 1A and 1B to be retained as in TSBL
2010. However, requirements for these sub-categories should be revisited.
3. It might be helpful if the standards consider further classification such as low-rise
and high rise.
4. Specific calculation structure of TSBL 2005 is on the lines of international best
practices. The performance path of TSBL 2010 is based on specific energy targets,
this method is generally applied to existing buildings. Hence it is recommended
to follow the approach given in TSBL 2005.
5. The compliance tool developed for TSBL2005 may be updated or enhanced for
use in short term plan to include proposed prescriptive requirements for lighting,
HVAC, solar water heating etc. For medium term plan, separate tool, covering
whole building performance based approach may be developed.
6. An updating mechanism can be defined to follow the international best practices.
7. Since there a spurt of construction activities in Lebanon, it might be better to
speed up the staged implementation of BEEC and go for whole building energy
efficiency based code at the earliest. This will allow Lebanon to capture the
potential of energy savings in all the upcoming construction works.
8. TSBL should be made mandatory as per international best practices. It is a very
crucial exercise at this juncture and mandating the code will really help in
achieving a larger penetration of code which in turn would yield energy savings
for the country. Either the thermal code should be mandated in short term or
simple building energy code addressing the envelope, HVAC,lighting and solar
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water heating through prescriptive approach should be developed and mandated.
In medium term, whole building BEEC can be targeted for being mandatory.
9. The introduction of a mandatory building energy codes would require the
establishment of a verification check at the building permit phase, at the building
construction phase, and at the pre-operation phase. The process has not been
established as yet in Lebanon. As per the best practice, the enforcement of code
would require a holistic approach in tandem with operational agencies at all the
phases
10. Since the enforcement procedure for TSBL is not yet developed in Lebanon,
provisions of penalties should be planned for the medium term implementation.
The carrot and stick approach has given better results in almost all parts of the
world where initial handholding to the new regimes are provided to incentives
schemes (favorable policies), recognition followed by corrective actions through
penalties and allied controlling measures.
11. As per international best practice, a mechanism for tracking compliance rates
should be defined for TSBL/BEEC.
12. In most countries, induction of the code and related skills in the academic
curriculum has helped a great deal in developing trained manpower. The channel
can be established in Lebanon for rigorous training of professional through any of
the operational regulatory / statutory bodies responsible for building approvals.
13. Some of the voluntary programs for high performance buildings are already
present in Lebanon. The Lebanon Green Building Council (GBC) is an
independent body and is working towards Lebanese applicable certification and
labeling of buildings . This is in line with international best practices. However,
some additional incentives can be floated through the TSBL or BEEC.
14. Demonstration projects would be required for TSBL to document the design
process including design discussions and decisions, together with the evaluation
and approval process.
15. Mulitlevel numbering to be followed in the further development of standard.
16. Standard test procedures for determining the properties such as U-value of glass,
insulation, etc. should be mentioned.
17. Trade-off method as give in TSBL 2005 can be adopted for further development.
Tradeoff method should be part of prescriptive approach
18. Over-deck insulation may be recommended for cooling dominated zones, whereas
under-deck placement of insulation is recommended for heating dominated
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zones.
19. The values for TSBL 2005 were arrived at much before the values of TSBL 2010.
Also the payback analysis must have been done based on the cost of electricity
and materials prevailing at these times. Further, both the codes are addressing
only the thermal energy aspect of the building, the equipment efficiencies
considered might not be same as the efficiencies that might be mandated in the
proposed elemental code. Hence it is recommended that these values be revisited
after the equipment efficiencies are included in the elemental code
20. In cooling dominated climatic zones, high albedo roof (cool roof) may be inserted
as one requirement for building envelope.
21. Instead of giving the list of approved software, it might be better, to give the
capabilities and requirements of the energy simulation software and any software
meeting these requirements should be allowed to be used. Some names can be
listed as examples.
22. It is recommended to continue the development of the tool developed for
compliance for TSBL 2005 and include the proposed prescriptive requirements
for lighting, HVAC etc
23. It is recommended to continue the development of the compliance forms
developed for compliance for TSBL 2010 and include the proposed prescriptive
requirements for lighting, HVAC, SWH etc