Ajman University Student and Faculty Emerge as Proud Winners in First Edition of Ajman Sustainability Awards

Ajman University College of Architecture student, Ahmed Muheeb Oudah along with his supervisor and AU faculty Dr. Muna Salameh, have won the Humaid Bin Rashid International Award for Sustainability in its very first edition.

They designed a prototype of a sustainable school entitled Al Zorah Green School in Ajman, which was adjudged as one of the two best sustainable school designs by the awarding committee, thereby winning the second place in the competition.

Their design incorporated sustainable building concepts, including natural shading devices, evaporative cooling systems and solar energy to satisfy the energy needs of the building. The overall effect of these concepts resulted in a highly innovative design which would utilise abundant natural resources to achieve a highly sustainable school building.

AU student Ahmed, guided by Dr. Muna overcame tough competition from a number of other participating institutions from across the UAE to win this highly coveted competition, which was launched this year by the Municipality and Planning Department of Ajman.

The winners were announced in the opening ceremony of the Sixth Ajman International Conference on the Environment and were honoured by His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi at the event.

Notably, Dr. Muna participated as a speaker at the Conference, with her research paper entitled ‘Thermal Conditions and PMV Enhancements in Modern Urban Districts in relation to Traditional ones in Hot-Arid Climate – Ajman-UAE as a case study.’

Commenting on the award, Dr Muna Salameh said, “It is vital to increase awareness about green and sustainable buildings among Architecture students, as sustainability is key to mitigating climate change. Our project won against stiff competition from 30 other sustainable projects, as it includes innovative approaches to sustainability that could potentially reduce energy consumption of school buildings, while increasing the thermal comfort of students.”

Student Ahmed Moheeb Odeh added, “The school design we proposed includes a number of innovative solutions such as shading devices, proper orientation, and courtyard. Trees were included in the design as a natural shading device and to cool down the area by an evaporative cooling system. In addition, solar panels on the roof of the sports hall can provide electricity to the whole school with the abundant sun energy available in Ajman. All these solutions will help in energy efficiency and natural cooling of buildings in the hot arid climate of UAE.”

The Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid International Award for Sustainability has been launched at the  Ajman International Conference on the Environment under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman.

Sustainability Award, the first of its kind in the Emirate of Ajman, attracts all those who have a footprint and interest in the field of sustainability and the environment. The award provides a platform to showcase abilities, innovations and research that serve sustainability and the environment.