Project Coordinator: Univ. Ass. DI Dr.techn Kristina Kiesel
Coordinating Institution: Vienna University of Technology (TU WIEN)
Partner Institution: Islamic University of Gaza (IUG)
Partner Country: Palestinian Territories
Project Duration: 1st of May 2015 - 30st of April 2017
International Engineering Conference IEC6
Video from the conference opening, inclusive the welcome address by Andreas Obrecht, Head of the APPEAR programme (beginning at 1:00:00)
Conference documentation
Flickr offers a photo gallery with pictures from the conference
IUG website reports about visit of APPEAR
Abstract:
The energy situation in the Gaza strip is severely deteriorated and unable to meet people's everyday needs. There is a shortage of about 35% of the required electricity. As a result, people suffer from daily power cuts lasting up to 8 hours. Using renewable energy resources available in the Gaza strip in the domestic housing sector, especially solar energy, as well as improving energy-efficiencies in buildings as far as possible, is proposed as part of an overall solution to the energy problems in the Gaza strip. Applying energy conservation and efficiency measures in residential buildings is highly recommended to improve the overall energy situation in the Palestinian Territories. Buildings that adopt sustainable energy applications contribute to minimize the dependence on inadequate conventional energy sources in Gaza, reduce the adverse environmental effects caused by burning fossil fuels, as well as help easing the energy crisis. This can also help to create green job opportunities for architects, engineers, technicians and workers involved in energy generation and conservation processes in the construction sector. Accordingly, it is believed that a strong supply of awareness and skills can help to drive sustainable construction forward, making skills-led strategies for energy efficient buildings viable. Therefore, it is proposed through this project to develop a specific module on energy-efficient buildings to be incorporated in the curricula of the architecture department at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG). In addition, to establishing a training programme on different sustainable construction solutions and technologies aimed to minimize the energy consumption of buildings. The programme is aimed to improve the practical skills of architects and engineers working in local organizations involved in the sector of building design and construction in the Gaza strip. Various promotion activities, including a scientific conference, workshops and lectures will be organized to promote the subject of energy efficiency of buildings and to create a general trend towards developing sustainable built environment in the Palestinian Territories. Moreover, the project will contribute to strengthen the cooperative relations between the Palestinian and Austrian institutions and establish a long lasting academic and research links. Enumeration of results - final report RESPOND-HER-website