District S is a neighborhood development project located in Beirut, Lebanon, that employs green planning and design principles in architecture, materials, mobility, and energy and water consumption. The development of the neighborhood adopts the premise that environmentally sustainable communities will offer residents and visitors a better quality of life and health. District S qualifies Lebanon as the fifth country worldwide to apply the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system to neighborhood development (ND), endorsing green living on a lifecycle basis. District S will be the first sustainable neighborhood in Lebanon, the Arab world, and the Mediterranean basin, according to LEED-ND.
 

District S integrates the principles of new urbanism, green building, and smart growth. It is carefully sited to be in close proximity to basic community services such as schools, convenience stores, places of worship, recreational facilities, and public transportation. These destinations are reachable by foot or bike, hence reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. The neighborhood infrastructure will be green. Street lighting will use energy efficient fixtures, the sewage system will use recycled content, inner roads will be shaded with trees, and a portion of rain water will be harvested. Pedestrian areas will be lined by trees, bushes, and greenery, allowing residents and visitors to walk or ride their bikes to the café, gym, school, or community center. Biking racks will be available for residents, visitors, employees, and shoppers. Hybrid and all-electric cars will have preferred parking spots. All roofs will be green. In summary, District S will exemplify green city development in Beirut.
 

The developers of District S are collaborating closely with their sustainability consultants to integrate environmentally friendly components in all phases of the project. All buildings will have green roofs that will decrease the heat island effect caused by the absorption and retention of heat by city building roofs and asphalt. Wood used in construction will be sustainably harvested. Most building materials will have recycled content. Highly efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC), proper insulation, and building orientation will cut energy usage by around 30% compared with a similar, conventionally-developed neighborhood. Air conditioners will use environmentally friendly gases. Sophisticated air filters and paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will ensure improved indoor air quality for building occupants. Daylight views are integrated into building design to maximize productivity and reduce the use of artificial lighting. State-of-the-art water conserving fittings and fixtures will decrease water consumption by around 40%. The introduction of waste segregation at source will divert approximately 70% of generated waste from landfills.

District S cannot fight climate change alone, but it can contribute to protecting Beirut’s heritage and environment, hoping that many others will follow and undertake similar initiatives to preserve the environment (or what’s left of it.)