Alexandria Engineering Journal (2020) 59, 519–531

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Alexandria University

Alexandria Engineering Journal

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

LEED v4.1 operations & maintenance for existing

buildings and compliance assessment: Bayt
Al-Suhaymi, Historic Cairo
Dalia A. ElSorady a,*, Sahar M. Rizk b

a
Department of Architectural Engineering, Pharos University in Alexandria, Canal ElMahmoudia Street, P.O. Box 37, Sidi
Gaber, 21311, Alexandria, Egypt
b
Department of Architectural Engineering, Beni Suef University, Abdel Salam Aref Street, 62511 Beni Suef, Egypt

Received 29 December 2019; revised 13 January 2020; accepted 18 January 2020

Available online 30 January 2020

KEYWORDS Abstract The architectural design and environmental treatments have shown a large impact on
Historic buildings; environmental indoor performance and energy efficiency of buildings. Designers have been working
LEED; on more efficient buildings using tools like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Environmental treatments; (LEED) which is developed within the US Green Building Council (USGBC). This research aims
Indoor performance; to emphasize the passive design aspects of Islamic buildings in Historic Cairo, with special focus
Energy efficiency on Bayt Al-Suhaymi. Passive design elements such as architectural design aspects, orientation,
façade treatments, selected materials and their impact on the energy efficiency levels are investigated
in the research. Measurements of environmental indoor performance levels are carried out within
the building where the temperature variance, humidity changes, TVOC and CO2 particles number
are considered in a pilot survey. These measurements are employed in the assessment of the indoor
environmental quality. Additionally, the building is assessed with reference to all other LEED cri-
teria such as transportation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy, materials and innovation.
LEED assessment revealed that Bayt Al-Suhaymi as an Islamic historic building could comply with
the LEED rating system and could be a candidate to receive LEED gold certification.
Ó 2020 Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an
open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

1. Introduction ronment is derived from the reference ‘‘Earth and what it

encompasses of living organisms.” There are many Islamic
Although the word ‘‘environment‘‘ is not frankly mentioned in rules to preserve the environment. This includes taking respon-
the Qur’an or the Muslim Sunnah, but the concept of the envi- sibility, non-destruction, or corrupting any organism or ele-
ment, and to keep away from everything that pollutes
* Corresponding author. human beings’ habitat which are the same goals that sustain-
E-mail addresses: dalia.elsorady@pua.edu.eg (D.A. ElSorady), Sahar.
ability seeks to achieve. This adheres to the Muslim daily
rizk@hotmail.com (S.M. Rizk). behavior and his/her relationship with the built environment.
Peer review under responsibility of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria In spite the fact of socio-cultural variances within every terri-
University. tory, residential planning and form in the Islamic regions have
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2020.01.027
1110-0168 Ó 2020 Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
520
attained common environmental aspects. These responded to
arid atmosphere characteristics in addition to widespread Isla-
mic demands. This research adopts the analytical approach to
analyze climate treatments of the design principles for the
selection of building materials, passive design elements and
construction methods for traditional Islamic historic houses
and public buildings. The research further applies a method-
ological approach to realize field measurements for tempera-
ture, humidity and CO2 particles to be utilized in the
assessment of indoor and outdoor environmental quality dur-
ing several hours for several days in different seasons to eval-
uate the efficiency of its performance. In addition, the house is
assessed and compared to the LEED criteria evaluation. The
LEED criteria assessment checklist reveals the compliance of
Bayt Al-Suhaymi to the LEED rating system to a reasonable
extent. This emphasizes the potential of the building to be a
candidate for LEED certification.
2. Literature review
2.1. Energy, the environment in the international context
In1983, the Brundtland Commission was held by the United
Nations to emphasize their anxiety regarding the hastening
depletion of the environment and natural resources and the
impact of that depletion on economic and social development
[1]. The Commission’s feedback was announced in 1987 in Our
Common Future report; which points out sustainable develop-
ment as it explains sustainability in the following words ‘‘de-
velopment that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.” [1, p. 41]. Holding the Brundtland Commission
and the generated report in 1987 have aroused worldwide
awareness to the serious impacts of climate variation, and
started an international endeavor to decrease greenhouse gas
discharges, and set up sustainable development policies. The
report is still currently publicly acknowledged despite the con-
stant alteration of the world’s position with respect to conserv-
ing the environment for future generations.
2.2. The U.S. green building council and leadership in energy and
environmental design
The Green Building Council based in the United States
(USGBC) is considered one of the main nonprofit organiza-
tions advocates for sustainable design. Its main objective is to
initiate a rating system for new and existing constructions. It
is influenced by the effective utilization of substances, construc-
tion methods, utilities and minimization of energy consumption
[2]. Its President, in cooperation with those involved in the con-
struction industry, generated the prime sustainable rating sys-
tem for buildings. The outcome was the Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system utilized for
the buildings assessment in an environmental friendly way
[2,3]. The basic form for a green construction is established
within seven diverse groups to increase the effectiveness of
any construction with relevance to location and transportation,
sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere,
materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innova-
tion and regional priority [3,4]. The whole extent of LEED
standards classifies three main sorts of requirements:
D.A. ElSorady, S.M. Rizk
 Prerequisites– present required aspects prior to the LEED
certification assessment of a project.
 Core credits– particular activities that a building would
accomplish within the main 7 categories.
 Innovation - granted for the recruitment of an accredited
LEED professional in management.
Each group comprises a particular number of points. These
points are utilized to attain various certification levels with a
maximum 100 credit points [3]. The Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) is booming because it han-
dles sustainable design, sets up a system of comparison of
buildings within the market and generates a competitive envi-
ronmental experience [4]. LEED-rated buildings are theoreti-
cally known to be environmentally excelling at least 75% of
comparable buildings in the market [2]. Besides, skilled experts
generate LEED-rated buildings which are considered to be
more environmental friendly [2]. Besides, the LEED rating sys-
tem is a main incentive which faster propels designers and con-
struction experts to realize an innovative direction in buildings.
In addition, LEED Certification Levels have a wide range
according to rating earned points [2,4].
To stay competitive, in the real estate market, firms have to
be actively engaged in LEED and sustainable design in various
construction domains. With the increase in sustainable build-
ings number, a greater number of partnerships will be formed;
since construction processes and system decisions are mostly
instituted with relevance to cost [5]. Therefore, supplementary
green aspects should be respected and integrated to the cost.
Eventually going green will not be an applicable substitute if
it doesn’t prove to be an economic gain over common con-
struction methods. Besides, while energy savings throughout
the structure life cycle are weighed out, the additional costs
generate fundamental savings in the long term [6].
2.3. Green buildings
Several construction materials such as brick, concrete, glass,
metal and wood have survived for ages. Sustainability com-
prises prompting the consideration of the substance choice
with regard to its impacts on the environment. It likewise pre-
sents the characteristic outcome of the green building in the
generation of a better quality environment due to the enhanced
indoor air quality. Moreover, executed green projects demand
a cumulative cooperation between designers and owners.
Another issue is that green-educated architects are hard to
be found. Energy and environmental costs could be minimized
by precocious decisions within the design process, by means of
location selection and orientation. With the utilization of an
intelligent sustainable design and tools, designers could mini-
mize the energy use and other unfavorable effects within a
huge percentage beneath common comparable buildings [7,8].
The building situation in the proper southern exposition
and the site choice are main aspects of making use of solar
energy; dealing with energy conservation possibilities and
achieving a sustainable building. Residential buildings which
face south utilize less energy throughout the winter. This is
due to the energy gained from the sun which makes up for
most of the required energy load. Using an appropriate passive
design, the energy obtained is diminished throughout the sum-
mer, producing minimal claim for main air conditioning.
LEED v4.1 operations & maintenance for existing buildings 521

Besides, indoor environmental quality (IEQ) comprises-in
addition to air quality- other elements concerning levels of pol-
lutants, humidity, and air movement and acoustics regarding
noise transmission. Indoor light quality due to the installation
of various types of openings is taken into consideration as well
[9].
The effective use of the selected substances support reach-
ing a green building [10]. All materials enclose emissions,
and possibly take part in air quality degeneration. Substances
choice is a multi-faceted process. Green material choice nor-
mally comprises an estimation of a material life-cycle, its envi-
ronmental effects and its potential for reuse and/or recycling
[10]. According to Elefante, several characteristics for diverse
construction materials are specified [11]. This includes materi-
als’ embodied energy, renewability, recyclability, durability
and environmental impact.

Fig. 1 The air malqaf operation at Khatkhuda hall in a historic Islamic house. Source: Authors. The Section Drawing is adapted from
Preservation Department of Arab Antiquities.

Fig. 2a Bayt Al-Suhaymi Ground Floor Plan and Passive Design Elements. Source: Photos by Authors and Plan Architectural Drawing
is adapted from Preservation Department of Arab Antiquities.
522
2.4. Islamic Houses’ vocabulary and the green passive design
Elefante [11] has pointed out that the greenest building is the
one that is already built. His standpoint has become the frame-
work for defending the existence and the conserved embodied
energy in historic buildings [11–14]. Climate within the passive
design presented a crucial function as a mitigating agent. It
was also integrated with attaining the family privacy demand.
The design respects the layout and orientation, and green
design aspects such as: climate adaptation, fresh water capac-
ity, grazing proximity; using thick stone walls and timber. The
residences of hot arid zones are introspective as family-life was
oriented into a courtyard instead of being oriented outwards to
the street. Nevertheless, the architectural vocabulary that has
always governed the Islamic-Arab house design and empha-
sized its distinguishing attributes considers passive design to
attain indoor thermal comfort. Passive design elements were
presented in the courtyard, especially with the incorporation
of the hall and the malqaf, the takhtabush, and the mashrabiya
[15]. The house spaces environmental adaptability transcended
living spaces’ functions which are relocated in accordance with
day time and four seasons [16].
2.4.1. The malqaf
In order to attain human comfort in the reception hall, the
malqaf (a wind catcher) is employed [15]. It represents a higher
shaft than a building, and ends upwards with an aperture to
catch wind (Fig. 1) [17]. It is usually erected towards the north
Fig. 2b Bayt Al-Suhaymi First Floor Plan and Passive Design Elements. Source: Photos by Authors and Plan Architectural Drawing is
adapted from Preservation Department of Arab Antiquities.
D.A. ElSorady, S.M. Rizk
side of the building (Fig. 1). It grabs the cool air and forces it
down inside the building. To intensify the humidity in hot sea-
sons, a running-water fountain was incorporated as well. The
salsabil (water fountain) was positioned to permit the water
dripping outwards [18]. The roof of the hall possesses a shokh-
shikha (an elevated polygonal lantern structure in the roof cen-
ter). The shokhshikha comprises apertures to facilitate hot air
getting-away (Fig. 1). The exterior of the roof surface was
even; to support heating the air by means of direct orientation
to the sun. All these measures were taken to emphasize an
appropriate air ventilation system.
2.4.2. The majaz
It is the fundamental entrance among two entrances in Islamic
Arab houses which commonly opens onto a doorway and a
courtyard (Fig. 2a). The majaz was planned to lead into an
outright wall and to be bent. The bent corridor which leads
to the court contribute to an essential role in defending the
house interior from weather changes, dust and noise [15].
2.4.3. The courtyard
The number of courtyards, and the size of each, differ accord-
ing to the obtainable [16]. The organization of the courtyards
supplied convenient solutions to particular social, religious
and environmental issues. The courtyard helped with the
increase of the internal thermal comfort [15]. It helps in the
generation of air circulation via convection [17]. Sun-heated
air throughout the day ascends in the courtyard. It is
 LEED v4.1 operations & maintenance for existing buildings
Table 1 Variance in Bayt Al-Suhaymi Measurements with reference to temperature and humidity in Winter and Summer. Source: Authors.
Location Place/Season Case 1: Bayt Al-Suhaymi/Winter Measurements Case 2: Bayt Al-Suhaymi/Summer Measurements
Date/Time Measurements in 23rd December 2018 Measurements in 19th July 2019
Space Existing spaces/elements 9:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
Temp Humidity Temp Humidity Temp Humidity Temp Humidity Temp Humidity Temp Humidity
°C % °C % °C % °C % °C % °C %
Exterior Open-air Exterior Street 19.4 °C 67.7% 23.0 °C 53.8% 22.9 °C 50.4% 30.3 °C 57.2% 36.2 °C 35.8% 34.4 °C 31.1%
Outdoor
Outdoor Open Court Planted and/or Paved 17.1 °C 66.9% 20.7 °C 52.8% 20.7 °C 50.2% 28.1 °C 56.1% 33.8 °C 35.2% 33.0 °C 30.9%
Spaces in
House
Back Garden Planted 19.0 °C 67.1% 22.8 °C 53.7% 22.8 °C 50.9% 29.6 °C 56.8% 34.9 °C 35.8% 33.9 °C 31.0%
Ground Takhtabush Covered 3 sided wall hall 16.9 °C 66.2% 20.3 °C 52.8% 20.7 °C 49.8% 27.9 °C 55.5% 33.5 °C 35.0% 32.1 °C 30.6%
Floor
First Floor Evening Open hall and overlooks 16.4 °C 65.9% 20.1 °C 52.5% 20.5 °C 49.0% 27.4 °C 55.6% 33.1 °C 35.0% 31.5 °C 30.3%
Gents’ the court
Maq’ad/
Loggia
Ground Majaz Covered Corridor 16.3 °C 66.9% 20.0 °C 54.6% 20.2 °C 49.9% 25.4 °C 54.0% 30.4 °C 34.8% 28.9 °C 30.1%
Floor
Main Hall Two iwans and fountain 16.9 °C 66.2% 20.1 °C 52.6% 20.3 °C 50.1% 25.7 °C 55.5% 30.5 °C 34.9% 29.3 °C 30.6%
Gents Winter Durqaa and two iwans 17.0 °C 66.4% 20.4 °C 52.8% 20.7 °C 50.2% 27.5 °C 55.8% 31.3 °C 35.2% 30.4 °C 31.5%
Hall
Gents Summer One iwan/durqaa and 16.5 °C 65.5% 19.6 °C 52.6% 20.3 °C 50.0% 25.5 °C 55.1% 30.0 °C 34.5% 28.9 °C 30.2%
Hall fountain
First Floor Winter Hall and mashrabyyia 16.4 °C 65.7% 19.7 °C 52.6% 20.0 °C 49.9% 26.9 °C 55.6% 31.0 °C 35.5% 30.2 °C 31.0%
Haramlik
Summer Hall, Shokhshikha, water 16.0 °C 65.5% 19.0 °C 52.4% 19.4 °C 49.0% 25.1 °C 54.8% 29.5 °C 34.6% 28.4 °C 29.90%
Haramlik fountain and
mashrabyyia

523
524
substituted by the cooled night air arriving from the higher
level. The cumulative cool air moves in and cools the spaces
surrounding the courtyard. Throughout daytime, the four
walls of the courtyard keep it shaded (Fig. 2a). This assists
its air to acquire heat and lose it slowly. Thus, it keeps cool till
late in the day [18].
2.4.4. The takhtabush
A constant air current was attained by convection through
using an open court and the takhtabush. The takhtabush is con-
sidered a three sided space with one or more open sides,
(Fig. 2a). Air heats up easily in the un-shaded courtyard com-
pared to the back garden generating minimal air pressure [15].
Hot air moves upwards and drags the cooled one instead into
the takhtabush; thus producing a cool draft.
2.4.5. The haramlik
The haramlik area (ladies’ spaces) is normally located in upper
floors. It comprises a main hall, or a reception hall, a winter
and a summer hall. It also includes private spaces and a bath-
room (Fig. 2b). It is linked to the open court by external stairs.
The haramlik various windows employ mashrabiyas for better
air flow conditions in summer.
2.4.6. The mashrabiya
It is a significant element in the house that was utilized to
screen openings to acquire thermal relief associated with pri-
vacy. Its rubric originates from the Saracenic term which
means ‘‘drink”. Thus, it was pointed out as a drinking place.
The mashrabiya generally attains five functions and its design
would fulfill some or all of them (Fig. 2b). These include pas-
sage of light control, air flow control, internal temperature
reduction, humidity of air, current increase and privacy attain-
ment [15].The quantity of natural light in addition to internal
air are regulated through using a variance of diameters and
dimensions of mashrabiya units [18].
2.5. Bayt Al-Suhaymi green design description
Bayt Al-Suhaymi in Cairo was built in 1648 CE with additions
in 1796 during the Ottoman era. The house is currently used as
a museum and it represents a successful model that demon-
strates the connection between its various internal and external
spaces [15]. It separates public (salamlik) in the ground floor,
and private ladies’ spaces (haramlik) in the first floor substan-
tially. The salamlik comprised several reception halls. It also
included the takhtabush, which is a cool 3 sided sitting space
used in mornings and lies between the two courts (Fig. 2a).
The first floor maq’ad (terraced gallery) is an informal living
space for men and normally used after sunset. The haramlik
(ladies’ spaces) is located in the first floor and could be reached
Equation 1: CO2e for route (lbs.) = (CO2e lbs./mile) * distance traveled in miles
Equation 2: CO2e for individual occupant (lbs.) = (Σ CO2e for route) / # routes
Fig. 3 Transportation Equations 1 and 2 are used to calculate transportation efficiency. Source: [3].
D.A. ElSorady, S.M. Rizk
through stairs from the courtyard. The originality of Islamic
historic houses lies in the design that has generated indepen-
dent spaces which adapted to different environmental changes.
The open court functions as the house temperature optimizer.
The shokhshikha and the salsabil in the main hall attain aper-
tures to drive hot air outwards. Materials choice, such as thick
rock walls and marble cooling characteristics, keep spaces
cool. Cool air is grabbed to the interior by means of the mal-
qaf. Additionally, the mashrabiyas help attain the cool interior
of all spaces during hot weather.
3. Methodology
Based on the literature review through the examination of the
green building aspects and LEED criteria in addition to the
examination of the building orientation, building passive
design elements, façade treatments, selected materials and their
impact on the energy efficiency levels, it was decided that mea-
surements of temperature, humidity, CO2 particles and TVOC
will be significant as a pilot survey in the assessment of the
energy, atmosphere and indoor environmental quality aspects.
TVOC (total volatile organic compounds) points out the whole
amount of various existent VOCs in atmosphere. TVOC mea-
surements vary for different spaces.
Various house spaces were investigated and measurements
were utilized in LEED criteria evaluation. Furthermore, the
assessment of Bayt Al-Suhaymi in accordance with LEED cer-
tification criteria based on the application of LEED v4.1 for
Operations & Maintenance: Existing Buildings scorecard was
applied according to rating earned points [3]. This was found
to be the optimum choice assessment after investigating other
choices such as LEED v4.1 for BD + C: New Construction
and major renovation in addition to older LEED versions such
as LEED v2 for Historic Buildings. The reason is that the
LEED v4.1 for BD + C: New Construction and major reno-
vation is not applicable for an existing building that doesn’t
include major renovation such as considerable building envel-
ope modifications or major HVAC enhancements. Therefore,
it was decided that Bayt Al-Suhaymi project should fall under
the LEED v4.1 for Existing Building (O + M) rating system.
This would provide a substantial chance to attain most prereq-
uisites and more credits.
The AMI 300 Multi-Parameters Portable Environment
Measurement was used to carry out temperature, humidity
and CO2 particles measurements within the pilot survey as it
is considered a multi-parameters mobile instrument [19]. The
TVOC was measured using VOC Environmental Meter PCE-
VOC 1. These measurements would be reflected in water effi-
ciency, energy and atmosphere and indoor environmental
quality. Measurements using the above mentioned instruments
were taken at several time-intervals for one day in winter and
for one day in summer for several internal and external spaces
LEED v4.1 operations & maintenance for existing buildings
Fig. 4 Average one way commute distance and popularity of transport modes. Source: Authors based on Users’ survey- www.
arcskoru.com.
to evaluate the output in each case. Selected time intervals were
at 9:30 am, 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to comply with the opera-
tion hours as a museum (Table 1). Additionally, water meter-
ing, electricity metering and light control information in
addition to waste measurements and calculations were received
within the consultation of an officer working at the museum.
3.1. Bayt Al-Suhaymi pilot survey measurements
In winter, the measures were taken on 23rd December 2018.
With regard to the exterior conditions, the temperature ranged
from 19.4 °C to 22.9 °C, the humidity ranged from 50.4% to
67.7% and a 240 CO2 particles. Concerning the house indoor
conditions, the open court temperature ranged from 17.1 °C to
20.7 °C, humidity ranged from 50.2% to 66.9% and 236 par-
ticles were measured for CO2. In the ground floor main hall,
the temperature ranged from 16.9 °C to 20.3 °C, humidity ran-
ged from 50.1% to 66.2% and 245 particles were measured for
CO2. The gents’ winter hall temperature ranged from 17 °C to
20.7 °C, and humidity ranged from 50.2% to 66.4% and 244
particles were measured for CO2. The winter haramlik hall in
the first floor temperature ranged from 16.4 °C to 20.0 °C,
525
humidity ranged from 49.9% to 65.7% and 241 particles were
measured for CO2 (Table 1).
In summer, the measures were taken on 19th July 2019.
With regard to the exterior conditions, the temperature ranged
from 30.3 °C to 36.2 °C, humidity ranged from 31.1% to
57.2% and 240 CO2 particles were measured. In ground floor
main hall, the temperature ranged from 25.7 °C to 30.5 °C,
humidity ranged from 30.6% to 55.5% and 247 particles were
measured for CO2. The gents’ summer hall temperature ranged
from 25.5 °C to 30.0 °C, humidity ranged from 30.2% to
55.1% and 244 particles were measured for CO2 (Table 1).
The temperature of the haramlik summer hall, in the first floor,
ranged from 25.1 °C to 29.5 °C, humidity ranged from 29.9%
to 54.8% and 240 particles were measured for CO2.
All informed TVOC concentrations measurements in
indoor spaces ranged between 110 mg/m3 and 195 mg/m3.
The main hall, summer gents hall and summer haramlik
reported 110 mg/m3, 119 mg/m3 and 98 mg/m3 in summer
respectively while the winter gents hall and winter haramlik
reported 195 mg/m3 and 178 mg/m3 in winter. Previous mea-
surements were uploaded and human experience calculations
were carried out through the arcskoru website.
526 D.A. ElSorady, S.M. Rizk

Fig. 5 Total water consumption and water intensity per occu-

pant. Source: Authors based on Users’ survey- www.
arcskoru.com.

3.2. The LEED application on Bayt Al-Suhaymi

Based on Bayt Al-Suhaymi pilot survey measurements, it was

decided to apply the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) criteria which comprises prerequisite points
and credit points on the building to examine its compliance.
The prerequisite points are mandatory for attainment by the
building and these have no credits in return and are assessed
Fig. 6 Site energy, source energy and emissions. Source: Authors
by a ‘‘Yes or No”. Other credit points are received for achieve-
based on Users’ survey- www.arcskoru.com.
ment and these credit points’ counts for the building rating.
Such rating varies through a wide range from certified to plat-
inum [20]. After the consultation with two LEED Accredited
3.3. Results of the LEED application on Bayt Al-Suhaymi
Professionals with reference to the assessment of Bayt Al-
Suhaymi, the research adopted the application of LEED v4.1
for Operations and Maintenance: Existing buildings checklist The www.arcsokru.com website generates a maximum perfor-
on the case building [3]. Additionally, measurements concerning mance of 90 credits [21]. An additional 10 credits are calcu-
Bayt Al-Suhaymi settings, CO2 measurements, TVOC, Waste lated on the LEED v4.1 for Operations & Maintenance:
stream, electricity metering, water metering were uploaded Existing Buildings scorecard which reflects certain characteris-
where all measurements were assessed via www.arcsokru.com tics of site in addition to achieving specific green procedures.
website. Accordingly, the website created a link for users’ sur- The points’ sum of these two categories accumulation is a total
vey. Filling out a short questionnaire using the link by at least of 100 points.
25% of the number of occupants and visitors generated the
performance scores of users’ satisfaction and transportation 3.3.1. Location and transportation
performance. Finally, overall LEED criteria assessment was The two following equations 1 and 2 were applied to calculate
produced. CO2e values for a one-way trip (Fig. 3). This is further verified
LEED v4.1 operations & maintenance for existing buildings 527

through the transportation survey which was conducted via
arcskoru website [21] to assess the transport patterns of occu-
pants and visitors using rates of CO2e pounds/mile (Fig. 4).
The generation of the users’ survey result of transportation
was 6 credit points out of 14. Both occupants and visitors were
262. Of them, 91 respondents filled out the questionnaire and
formed 35%. Occupants were officials affiliated to the Ministry
of Antiquities (Total 12 occupants) and they either came to the
building on foot, by bus or metro. The building visitors (Total
visitors 250 and were both local and international tourists)
mainly used the bus or metro. The transport calculated for
average one way distance for occupants and visitors was
36.02 miles (i.e.57.96 Kms.).
3.3.2. Sustainable sites
This is not available on the Arcskoru website and needs to be
calculated for each project. The project site could achieve 1
point in rainwater management credit because it possessed veg-
etated areas in the open court and back garden. The heat
island reduction also achieved 1 credit due to the presence of
plants, roof and pavement materials such as wood and stone
with a solar reflection (SR) value at least 0.28. The light pollu-
tion reduction and site management credit points were absent.
Therefore, the sustainable site achieved 2 credits out of 4.
3.3.6. Indoor environmental quality
The AMI 300 Multi-Parameters Portable Environment Mea-
surement was used to carry temperature, humidity and CO2
particles measurements as it is considered a multi-parameters
mobile instrument within the pilot survey [19]. Average CO2
reading was 285.7 ppm. Additionally, TVOC measurements
were found important to be carried out since they contribute
to personal comfort, perception of cleanliness and human
health. The TVOC was measured using VOC Environmental
Meter PCE-VOC 1 as well. All informed TVOC concentra-
tions measurements in indoor spaces ranged between
110 mg/m3 and 195 mg/m3. This means that the indoor spaces
ranged between excellent and good class spaces. The main hall,
summer gents hall and summer haramlik reported 110 mg/m3,
119 mg/m3 and 98 mg/m3 respectively while the winter gents
hall and winter haramlik reported 195 mg/m3 and 178 mg/
m3. All reported measurements were below 200 mg/m3 which
are considered good class spaces measurements for TVOC
according to WHO standards. Previous measurements were
uploaded and human experience calculations were carried
out through Arcskoru website. Thus, the building achieved
17 points out of 22 points as it lacked the 2 credit points of
green cleaning and integrated pest management (Figs. 8–10).

3.3.3. Water efficiency

To calculate the water efficiency, annual water consumption,
gross floor area, weighted occupancy and weighted operating
hours were required. The building operation hours were 7 h
per day for 7 days (i.e. 49 h per week). To know about water
efficiency, personal communication was carried out with an
official to check meters with an officer, inquire about water
use and consumption quantities. The water consumption ran-
ged between 12,936 Gal- 16,368 gallon per month using Zenner
Water meter. Received data was inserted within the LEED
online spreadsheet to be able to find out water performance
score (Fig. 5). The Arcskoru website generated 14 credit points
out of 15.

3.3.4. Energy and atmosphere

This category comprises actual metered data. The standard is
the USGBC’s dataset. This category considers the greenhouse
gas discharges in addition to energy consumption. Purchased
electricity from grid ranged between 367 kwh and 405 kwh
per month. The Arcskoru website generated 31 points out of
33 (Figs. 6, 9 and 10). It also scored 1 extra credit for enhanced
refrigerant management as it did not possess HVAC equip-
ment on the supplementary spread sheet. Therefore, the build-
ing achieved 32 credit points out of 35.

3.3.5. Materials and resources

Although the building lacked the purchasing policy and facility
maintenance and renovation policy prerequisite credits, the
Waste Performance score was calculated by utilizing the Arc
online program. Data about site waste provided by the
museum officer was used and included the uploaded Arc Data
template. Waste ranged between 180 lbs- 205 lbs per month
and diverted waste average was 5 lbs per month. The waste Fig. 7 Waste generated and waste diverted. Source: Authors
performance scored 8 out of 9 (Figs. 7, 9 and 10). based on Users’ survey- www.arcskoru.com.
528
Fig. 8 Survey responses, satisfaction and dissatisfaction rates. Source: Authors based on Users’ survey- www.arcskoru.com.
3.3.7. Innovation
The building lacked the innovation credit as it did not hire a
LEED accredited professional to integrate the LEED expertise
with project management. Therefore, the building achieved 0
credit points in innovation.
3.3.8. Overall result of the LEED application on Bayt Al-
Suhaymi
The building received 76 credit points out of 90 in performance
credit points via arcskoru website [21] and only 3 out of 10 in
nonperformance credit points which are considered green pro-
cedures on the scorecard. The building therefore received an
overall 79 points out of 100 using the LEED v4.1 for Opera-
tions & Maintenance: Existing Buildings scorecard (Figs. 9
D.A. ElSorady, S.M. Rizk
and 10). Some of prerequisites such as the grid harmonization
for energy and atmosphere, purchasing policy for materials
and resources, green cleaning policy and integrated pest man-
agement for indoor environmental quality, in addition to the
need for the recruitment of an accredited LEED professional
for innovation are still absent. Accordingly, Bayt Al-
Suhaymi possesses a great potential to be gold LEED certified
according to the LEED v4.1 for Operations & Maintenance:
Existing Buildings (76/90–79/100) (Figs. 9 and 10).
4. Discussion
Sustainable development encompasses a responsibility in
applying the best practices to utilize the built environment in
LEED v4.1 operations & maintenance for existing buildings 529

Fig. 9 Project eligibility for certification for performance credit points out of 90. Source: Authors based on Users’ survey- www.
arcskoru.com.

Fig. 10 Total project eligibility for certification 79 credit point out of 100. Source: Authors based on LEED v4.1 for Operations &
Maintenance: Existing Buildings scorecard.

the ultimate effective way possible, and that waste is recycled
and/or reduced. Throughout the applied environmental treat-
ments, orientation and used materials within Bayt Al-
Suhaymi [15,17], it is obvious that they have significantly con-
tributed to mediating internal temperature and humidity. This
has led to an increase in indoor environmental quality which is
also verified through the research measurements results as it
achieved 17 out of 22 credit points. Additionally, through
assessment on arcskoru website [21], it was also proved that
Bayt Al-Suhaymi possesses a great chance to be gold LEED
certified (76/90–79/100).
Through point assemblage and evaluation of Bayt Al-
Suhaymi, with reference to existing buildings performance
checklist, Bayt Al-Suhaymi received only 6 points out of 14
in location and transportation as the average one way route
was 36.02 miles (i.e. 57.96 Kms). Most of the visitors were
from other governorates outside Cairo. Several of them had
to travel for long distances that reached 210 kms for one route
such as visitors’ visiting from Alexandria. The building scored
2 out of 4 credit points in sustainable sites, 14 points out of 15
considerable points in water efficiency and 32 points out of 35
within the energy and atmosphere. Bayt Al-Suhaymi also
earned 8 points out of 9 credit points within materials and
resources due to the limited waste quantity. This is due to
the absence of a food outlet as food is not allowed in the build-
ing. Mainly plastic water bottles were the main source of waste
in site and the option of their recycling was present as well due
to available garbage collection system. However, the building
530
achieved 0 in purchasing. Thus, the building achieved 8 credit
points out of 9. It was also noticed that the building received
17 credit points out of 22 points in indoor environmental qual-
ity due to air quality, cleanliness, daylight, thermal comfort.
Most visitors satisfaction ranged between satisfied and extre-
mely satisfied while a few number of winter visitors was not
satisfied with the humidity, coldness and darkness. Besides,
the building lacked the 2 points of green cleaning and inte-
grated pest management. Furthermore, it received 0 credit
points for innovation, due to the absence of an accredited
LEED professional. Accordingly, with the presence of Islamic
historic buildings qualities and the support of the contempo-
rary technology in the field of the green buildings, Bayt Al-
Suhaymi, and other comparable buildings could earn various
LEED certifications.
The application of the LEED checklist analysis for the Bayt
Al-Suhaymi pointed out associated shortcomings. For exam-
ple, LEED [3] does not allocate points that demonstrate the
value of sustainable qualities inherent with historic buildings
referred to by preservationists, such as the embodied energy
[11,13,14], the life cycle assessment of used materials [10] in
addition to the adaptability criteria of historic buildings to dif-
ferent uses [22]. This may lead to the proposal of an upgrade
within LEED categories and subcategories with reference to
existing buildings in general and historic buildings in
particular.
5. Conclusion
The research displays how Islamic historic buildings were
designed and constructed in a way that currently supplies prac-
tical systems with the realization of indoor environmental
quality, thermal comfort and energy efficient buildings con-
cept. Measurements carried out within the internal spaces of
Bayt Al-Suhaymi revealed that the material choice and passive
design elements are critical in ensuring that the design inte-
grates with energy conservation requirements, and leads to
an enhanced indoor environmental quality. The research there-
fore points out the great potential of Islamic historic buildings
to be LEED certified, and that they could make use of their
green and energy conservation characteristics.
As the LEED standards develop, historic preservationists
should adopt a primary role to achieve sustainability. Among
other tasks, this may include developing LEED standards for
existing and/or historic buildings to overcome the absence of
points’ allocation that demonstrates the sustainable qualities
inherent within historic buildings such as the embodied energy
in existing buildings, the life cycle assessment of used materials
and the adaptability criteria of historic buildings for different
uses. All these provide a green building with economic cost
advantages, minimization of health problems and raised prop-
erty value. Adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of historic build-
ings will assist as well in the alleviation of the excessive request
for energy and sustain future generations’ use, where the plan-
ning to fulfill their needs is the core of sustainability.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing
financial interests or personal relationships that could have
appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
D.A. ElSorady, S.M. Rizk
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to express their deep gratitude and forever
lasting appreciation for the comprehensive assistance and
support of Dr. AbdelHamid Beshara and Arch./Reham
Gamal- LEED accredited professionals at Masader for Energy
and Environmental Solutions, Cairo.
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Dalia A. ElSoradya* is a professor of Architecture and she is special-
ized in Rehabilitation and Heritage Conservation at Pharos University
in Alexandria. She received her PhD from the University of Cairo and
her MA in Civic Design from the University of Liverpool. She has
served as a consultant for Alexandria and Mediterranean Research
531
Centre at Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the General Authority for
Physical Planning in Egypt. She has authored several articles in the
fields of heritage conservation concerning aspects such as heritage
legislations, heritage economic value, adaptive reuse, revitalization,
open-air museums, and stakeholders’ role in heritage management,
community participation, community involvement in heritage conser-
vation and urban design.
Sahar M. Rizkb is an assistant professor of Regional Planning at
Beni Suef University. She received her Ph.D. from Cairo University
in architectural education quality and her M.Sc. in information
technology from Alexandria University. She authored several
researches in the fields of architectural education development and
architectural creativity. She is also interested in the field of heritage
conservation.