Sustainability Expert, Issam Alhariri, Shares Insights on Green Infrastructure

On October 6, 2024, the American University of Kurdistan’s (AUK) College of Engineering hosted a seminar in the University’s auditorium, led by Issam Alhariri, a renowned civil engineer with over 40 years of experience.

Mr. Alhariri holds a PE, LEED AP, ENV SP, and F.ASCE. He has been a registered civil engineer in California since 1983. His extensive background includes 30 years with consulting engineering firms and a decade with the Orange County Public Works. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Sustainability Committee for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in addition to his role as a guest lecturer at the University of California, Irvine.

During the seminar, titled “Envision: A Rating System for Sustainable Infrastructure,” Alhariri shared his expertise on designing environmentally friendly infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water resource structures. He also delved into the specifics of the LEED certification process, which is vital for AUK’s Architectural Engineering students, who are currently enrolled in LEED Lab courses. The seminar offered essential insights into sustainability practices that are critical to the students’ future careers in engineering and architecture.

The Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Razaq Ferhadi, remarked, “This seminar is essential for Iraqi Kurdistan, especially as we face the pressing challenges of climate change and drought. With Iraq’s growing vulnerability to these issues, it’s vital that we prioritize sustainable practices in our infrastructure development. By adopting innovative approaches and working together, we can build a resilient future where both our communities and the environment thrive.”

This seminar was organized with support from the International Council for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ICAEE), as AUK is working toward obtaining ICAEE accreditation for its engineering programs. The seminar marked a key step in preparing for the accreditation visit and program reviews at AUK’s College of Engineering.