American University in Cairo
OP-2: Building Operations and Maintenance

The American University in Cairo (AUC) collaborates with an external cleaning service provider, FMPLUS Property & Facility Management, which holds multiple internationally recognized certifications. These certifications confirm the company's compliance with high standards in quality, occupational health and safety, and environmental management. Below is an analysis of the attached certifications:

1. ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System (QMS)

   • This certification ensures that FMPLUS Property & Facility Management has an effective quality management system in place.
   • It signifies that the company consistently meets customer requirements and regulatory standards while continuously improving its processes.
   • The certificate has been renewed and is valid until 26/10/2025.

2. ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS)

   • This certification confirms that FMPLUS adheres to strict occupational health and safety protocols.
   • It demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing a safe working environment for its employees, reducing workplace risks, and improving overall employee well-being.
   • The certification is valid until 06/05/2025, with surveillance audits scheduled for 07/04/2025 and 07/04/2026.

3. ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System (EMS)

   • This certification ensures that FMPLUS follows best practices for environmental sustainability.
   • It signifies that the company actively manages its environmental impact, reduces waste, and complies with environmental regulations.
   • The certification is valid until 06/05/2025, with surveillance audits scheduled for 07/04/2025 and 07/04/2026.

These certifications affirm that FMPLUS Property & Facility Management meets international standards in quality, safety, and environmental responsibility, making it a reliable cleaning service provider for AUC.

AUC employs various technologies, such as real-time energy use tracking, to ensure efficient energy use across campus. Installation of occupancy sensors in classrooms and meeting rooms helps ensure lights are off when rooms are not in use. The occupancy sensors can also set the temperature to different settings based on occupancy. Sensors are also used as part of the campus’ automated fire detection and suppression system. Currently, a program is in place to test motion sensors in classroom building hallways as well. Lutron software is used to control lights across campus, and HVAC fans and temperatures are controlled through our Building Management System (BMS). The BMS is a computer-based control system that controls and monitors a building’s mechanical and electrical equipment, such as ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems. 

• To sustain its daily operations, AUC consumes cooling, heating, and lighting energy. The primary energy source is an on-campus co-generation plant powered by natural gas, a cleaner alternative to coal, with electricity sourced as a secondary source from the Egyptian Electricity Authority (EEA). This plant efficiently produces steam, which is repurposed for heating rather than being wasted as in conventional plants. Consequently, the overall energy demand is reduced, leading to a decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels for energy generation.

• To effectively lower its energy consumption, AUC has implemented various strategies, including the utilization of a campus-wide building management system (BMS), motion sensors, continuous retro-commissioning, and other advanced technologies. The BMS is aligned with an awareness campaign on campus, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to turn off lights when leaving a room or when adequate natural light is available. Furthermore, the BMS oversees and regulates the building's mechanical and electrical equipment, encompassing ventilation, power supply, fire systems, and security systems. Additionally, the well-designed existing buildings with insulated exteriors and double-glazed windows also contribute to the reduction of energy demands.

• AUC diligently gathers and maintains comprehensive data on energy consumption throughout its sprawling campus. Each month, the Energy and Resource Conservation and Efficiency (ERCE) energy task force convenes to analyze energy usage patterns and devise innovative strategies for the university to curtail its energy consumption while satisfying its daily energy needs. Spearheaded by the Office of Sustainability, the ERCE energy task force comprises members from the facilities and operations team, budget office, and School of Science and Engineering Faculty, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to addressing energy challenges.

Building-level Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) is typically assessed through a combination of monitoring systems, occupant feedback, and periodic inspections to ensure healthy and comfortable indoor conditions. Here's a clear breakdown:

How AUC Assesses Building-Level IEQ:

1. Air Quality Monitoring

   • Sensors are installed to track levels of CO2, humidity, temperature, and particulate matter (PM2.5).
   • Ventilation systems are regularly checked to meet ASHRAE standards.
   • Fresh air intake is optimized to reduce indoor pollutants, especially in high-traffic areas.

2. Lighting Assessments

   • Measurements are taken to ensure natural and artificial lighting supports student and staff comfort.
   • AUC uses energy-efficient lighting (like LEDs) and maximizes daylight use, minimizing glare.

3. Thermal Comfort Evaluation

   • Regular HVAC system maintenance ensures that indoor temperatures stay within comfort ranges.
   • Seasonal adjustments are made, and feedback from occupants helps fine-tune settings.

4. Acoustic Quality

   • Noise levels in classrooms, libraries, and study areas are measured to ensure minimal disruption.
   • Sound-absorbing materials are used to enhance learning environments.

5. Occupant Surveys

   • AUC distributes surveys to collect feedback on comfort, air quality, noise, and lighting.
   • This qualitative data helps identify problem areas that might not appear through monitoring systems.

6. Facility Inspections

   • Scheduled inspections ensure that materials (like flooring, paints, and furniture) are low-emitting and meet green standards, supporting better air quality.

How Results Are Used to Improve Performance at AUC:

• Operational Adjustments:
  Based on the collected data, ventilation rates, temperature settings, and lighting schedules are modified for better performance.

• Targeted Maintenance:
  Areas showing poor IEQ results (like hotspots of high CO2 or humidity) receive prioritized maintenance or system upgrades.

• Sustainable Initiatives:
  Results guide projects like adding air purifiers, increasing greenery for natural filtration, and upgrading old systems with energy-efficient alternatives.

• Continuous Improvement:
  By comparing IEQ data over time, AUC tracks whether implemented changes are effective, ensuring that the campus stays a healthy and productive space.

Water 

• Egypt is in a constant state of water scarcity, and the projected population growth will only put further stress on the fixed water output of the Nile River.
• Sustainable water management is one of the country's most important environmental issues.
• At AUC, the Office of Sustainability established the Energy and Resource Conservation and Efficiency (ERCE) Task Force in 2012. The ERCE task force, comprised of staff and faculty, created a multi-part plan to study the University’s water needs and develop recommendations for increasing the available water supply while simultaneously reducing demand.
• The Office of Sustainability and the Office of Facilities and Operations collect and analyze monthly data about on-campus water consumption, divided into three categories: air conditioning cooling towers, landscaping irrigation, and building use. This data is discussed within the ERCE to pilot or initiate new ideas to responsibly manage and reduce water consumption on-campus and its corresponding CO2 emissions.

For more information visit AUC's Sustainability Resource Management

The American University in Cairo's Faculty Housing Plot 3 is the only awarded building in the institution. It is awarded with the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold v4.1 for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance, the leading green building rating system with a global reputation for excellence.