The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

A Sustainability Evaluation of the University of Tehran’s Central Campus Development Plan Based on LEED-ND Rating System Criteria

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2024.466285.5651
Volume 21, Issue 140
February 2025
Pages 79-88
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Ehsan Ahmadi 1
Zahra Zamani 2
Zeinab Kafizadeh Derakhtanjani 3

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architectural Technology, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran.

3 Master in Architecture and Energy, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Sustainability in the design and development of university campuses has become a significant and prominent issue. Today, universities seek development plans that not only meet the environmental and physical standards of green projects but also align with the long-term social sustainability agenda. The development plan of the University of Tehran’s central campus has faced various changes and challenges in recent years, eliciting both supportive and critical opinions regarding sustainability issues, particularly social sustainability. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of the sustainability of this plan from multiple perspectives using a sustainability rating system appropriate to the plan’s conditions and scope is essential.
Research objective: This study examines the components of sustainability, especially social sustainability, in the University of Tehran’s central campus development plan.
Research method: To evaluate sustainability in this development plan, the LEED-ND rating system was applied. Additionally, necessary data for evaluating different components of this rating system was collected through library research and on-site local surveys. The data were then rated and evaluated through several urban design workshop sessions at the University of Tehran and subsequently by the authors using the specified criteria in LEED-ND. The findings from the various sections and components obtained from LEED-ND were discussed and analyzed in accordance with the needs and priorities of the project area, comparing them with other successful projects in this field.
Conclusion: The University of Tehran’s central campus development plan has succeeded in certain components, such as those related to location and accessibility, while neglecting others, particularly social and environmental components. Overall, this plan has failed to achieve the minimum required points to obtain LEED-ND certification.

Keywords

LEED-ND rating system
Sustainable urban design
Social sustainability
University of Tehran’s campus development plan
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