Jeanne D’Arc street – JAS committee pilot project

2024 – Year 1

• Mapping of JAS buildings and shops (January 2024): door to door field mapping conducted, under the supervision of LFD project manager and coordinator, by AUB students volunteers.
  
• Kick off meeting – 2nd February, 2024: held at AUB – College Hall and attended by AUBNI director, JAS buildings’ representatives and Ms. Yusra Sidani, member of Beirut municipality board, representing the mayor Mr. Abdallah Darwish.
  This was an introductory meeting that established the JAS committee that will collaborate throughout 2024 to cover the following areas of interventions:
  
  1- improvement of the street infrastructure (road, pavement, lighting, garbage disposal, sewers, etc.) in close collaboration with Beirut municipality
  2- improvement of JAS bldgs and street hygiene (pest control and reduction of solid waste by adopting solid waste sorting at the source, etc.)
  3- air pollution reduction and control (regular inspection of generators filters and installation of solar power generation systems where applicable, etc.)
  4- inspection and monitoring of water quality (of bldgs wells and trekked water, etc.)
  
• Survey filled by JAS buildings’ representatives provided the baseline data in preparation of the first working session.
  
• 1st JAS committee members working session – 24th February held at AUB College Hall:
  
  This workshop presented an overview of the JAS committee pilot project’s main areas of intervention that will contribute to the materialisation of the high priority improvements needed in the JAS street and neighbourhood during the year 2024 and covered all JAS committee pot project’s aspects and areas of interventions into details.
  
  Working session program:
  
  – 10:00 am – 10:10 am: Introduction and JAS latest updates
  – 10:10 am – 10:20 am: presentation about:
  a- air pollution sources, measurements & indicators
  b- JAS air pollution level today
  c- recommended standards for generators’ filters and inspection frequency to lower air pollution in JAS
  – 10:20 am – 10:35 am: presentation about solar power generation and solar systems available with respective cost range, best standards and practises and recommendations
  – 10:35 am – 10:50 am: solar system for buildings – showcase of JAS bldgs solar systems in place today and future prospects
  – 10:50 am – 11:00 am: Q & A
  – 11:00 am – 11:10 am: break
  – 11:10 am – 11:20 am: presentation about water quality standards, tests, pollution and available solutions for improved hygiene
  – 11:20 am – 11:25 am: Q & A
  – 11:25 am – 11:35 am: presentation about solid waste sorting at the source and recycling
  – 11:35 am – 11:40 am: Q & A
  – 11:40 am – 11:50 am: presentation about potential improvements and landscape options for JAS street
  – 11:50 am – 12:00 am: Q & A
  
• Field visit to one of JAS buildings that installed a solar systems for all sections and for common services as well as a show case to inspire other buildings of the street to install such a system.
  
• Participation in AUB – Faculty of Architecture – Urban Planning and Policy master’s students’ workshop “Towards a Water-Energy Justice in Hamra: a Collaborative Model” – 15th March: this was the starting point of a collaborative relation between AUB research teams and JAS committee to further support the ongoing pilot project in JAS.
  
• field visit to one of JAS buildings that has put in place a rainwater collection system as a show case to inspire other buildings of the street to install such a system.
  
• Participation in “Transforming Neighborhoods! Hamra Lebanon” Exhibition at AUB, that explored innovative urban planning initiatives and ideas for Hamra neighborhood – 26th March.
  
• Working session dedicated to renewable energy with an emphasis on solar energy systems, latest technologies and practical adapted solutions in collaboration with Eng. Walid El Baba founder and member of “Lebanon Solar Energy Society – LSES” – 3rd April.
  
• Participation in a panel discussion about RE community projects at Project Lebanon, the 25th International Exhibition for Construction & Renewable Energy that took place from 24-26 Apr at Seaside Arena.
  
• Working session on collaborative community solar energy projects including social gardens/ farms held at AUB College Hall – 30th April
  
• Working session about air pollution, practical remedial measures applicable to diesel generators emissions, Ministry of Environment – MoE related laws/decrees/regulations – 19th June
  
• Mid-term review session covered the following: 1- wrap up of the 1st phase of the project that covered mainly awareness raising of JAS bldgs’ representatives about the improvements (installation of: solar power generation system, generator filter for nanoparticles filtration, reverse osmosis systems for clean water and sorting solid waste at the source) that they are encouraged and ought to implement in their respective bldg to transition to a clean energy cost effective and green bldg model and 2- introduce the next phase of the project that will cover the improvement of JAS landscape through joint initiatives and in kind contributions in close collaboration with AUBNI and Beirut municipality – 19th July at AUB College Hall
  
• Field visits to YallaReturn solid waste recycling center in JAS, to introduce JAS bldgs representatives to a practical, rewarding and sustainable way to dispose of their solid waste recyclables which are to be sorted at the source in their homes/shops/bldgs – 25th and 30th July
  
• On 1st August, the launching session of the 2nd phase of the project for the year 2024 was held to study and discuss: JAS road repair, street’s lighting on solar energy, the sorting at the source and recycling of solid waste by all JAS buildings (apartments, shops and organisations) and JAS trees planting/trimming and beautification of the street buildings’ facades and walkways
  
• on 28th August LFD, represented by it’s Executive Director, participated in a panel about buildings and streets committees’ role in local development and governance. The panel was held at Beyt Aam, Sioufi – Beirut
  
• on 11th September a session was held at Near East School of Theology – NEST, to study and discuss community joint solar systems projects to generate clean energy and reduce JAS neighborhood pollution (potential and prospective projects: Mayfair-ICRC bldgs; Divan hotel-Taqqoush bldgs; NEST and surrounding buildings)
  
• on 25th September the guards’ prefabricated units that were obstructing the walkway next to NEST were finally removed upon a previous written request presented by JAS committee to Beirut Mohafez office and municipality of Beirut
  
• JAS trees trimming activity, that was scheduled to take place on 28th September in close collaboration with the Municipality of Beirut and the Lebanese Scouts, was postponed due to the dire security situation prevailing in Lebanon
  
• on 2nd October an awareness raising session about Lebanese municipal law and municipality of Beirut’s organisation, scope of work responsibilities and prerogatives, was held at NEST to shed light on community participation in local development
  
  2025 – Year 2
  
• on 11th January, the initiative that JAS committee took by having SETS transportation consultants prepare a study to repair the road and the follow-up of the matter with AUBNI and the municipality of Beirut paid back and the repair works started after close to 7 years of neglect
  
• on 15th January, the evaluation session of year 1 of the JAS committee pilot project, that was initially scheduled at the end of 2024 but had to be postponed due to the dire situation that resulted from the war on Lebanon, took place at AUB College Hall and it was decided unanimously to continue the project for 2 other years coordinated and facilitated by LFD. NEST offered to host the committee meetings from this date on
  
• on 4th February the committee held at NEST a brainstorming and working session to agree on year 2, 2025 action plan and it was decided to focus on environmental initiatives, activities and projects to reduce pollution (further installation of solar projects at bldg level as well as joint projects for the community; sorting solid waste at the source and recycling; planting available areas and maintenance trimming of existing trees) and improvement of services provided by the government water establishment, street cleaning and mendicity reduction as well as street safety (safe sidewalks circulation, adequate signage, etc.)
  
• on 13th March and upon JAS committee request, RAMCO the company contracted by the municipality of Beirut to collect garbage, started the installation of waste bins along JAS street on both sidewalks
  
• throughout the months of March and April, the JAS committee mobilized the community to stop the cutting of an old tree, a landmark in the neighbourhood, and the implementation of a Padel courts project in an existing private parking surrounded by residential buildings
  
• on 8th April, JAS committee held a session at NEST to agree and follow-up hygiene and cleanliness measures in JAS (including locations of Ramco small bins, the scheduling of awareness and training sessions on solid waste sorting at the source by all the community members: apartments, shops and organisations, etc.) in close collaboration with Lebanese Scouts volunteers. It was decided to sollicit RAMCO to dedicate the last Saturday of every month to conduct a thorough cleaning, with water and detergents, of the street (sidewalks and road)
  
• on 30th April, JAS committee represented by its coordinator participated in an awareness session about solid waste management presented by an engineer member of the Environment Committee at the Order of Engineers & Architects – OEA
  
• on 24th May, JAS coordinator facilitated the implementation of the awareness session about solid waste sorting at the source conducted by the volunteers of the Lebanese Scouts to all shops and restaurants of JAS
  
• on 31st May, RAMCO implemented the 1st cleaning day of JAS which will be repeated every last Saturday of every month
  
• on 24th June, JAS committee met at NEST to prepare and follow through with the petition to stop the Padel Court implementation in the neighbourhood and which was signed by representatives of surrounding buildings and registered at the Mohafez of Beirut office on 26th June
  
• on 8th July, JAS committee held at NEST its mid year project evaluation meeting and it was agreed to follow through with the solid waste sorting at the source awareness and trying sessions, the planting of Tulbaghia and trees as needed and the trimming of JAS trees at year end, the painting of JAS old buildings façades and of street benches and the follow up of solar systems community joint projects
  
• on 19th July, upon JAS committee meeting with Beirut Mohafez, an order was issued by the Mohafez to stop the Padel project for good
  
• on 26th of July, RAMCO conducted the monthly cleaning day while Lebanese Scouts volunteers were following their awareness raising activities with JAS shops and restaurants
  
• on 28th July, JAS committee met again with Beirut Mohafez to confirm the stopping of the Padel courts project, to agree on the implementation of a door to door garbage collection pilot project in JAS by RAMCO as an alternative to the existing system and its drawbacks (garbage containers’ overflow causing pest proliferation and traffic jams at collection times, etc.) and to get authorisation for the planting of JAS
  
• on 31st August, JAS committee coordinator supervised the hanging of cleanliness awareness signs on JAS trees by the volunteers of the Lebanese Scouts
  
• on 7th August, JAS committee held another follow up meeting with Beirut Mohafez to confirm the authorisation for the planting of JAS
  
• on 30th August, the Lebanese Scouts volunteers planted Tulbaghia and 2 Jacaranda trees sponsored by bldgs and shops in JAS and facilitated by JAS committee coordinator
  
• on 2nd September, JAS committee coordinator upon collaborating with University College London research team and Jibal NGO (contreacted by UCL), scheduled at NEST for JAS community an introductory session about UCL energy “Citizens’ Assembly” initiative
  
• on 27th September JAS road repair works implemented by AUBNI and Municipality of Beirut respective contractors were completed
  
• on 5th November, JAS committee held a session at NEST to follow through with the painting of the street benches, the door to door garbage collection pilot project, the measures to stop water and mazout trucks’ pollution and the Christmas and year end celebration in JAS
  
• UCL energy “Citizens Assembly” three sessions were conducted by Jibal at NEST, respectively on 6th, 8th and 15th November allowing JAS & Hamra community to voice out their needs, concerns and recommendations to improve energy supply in a sustainable and cost effective manner while transitioning to clean sources of energy to stop pollution
  
• on 22nd November, “Dutch Boy” paint company sponsored the painting of all JAS benches and sent their team to implement the works as previously agreed with JAS committee and facilitated by JAS committee coordinator
  
• on 24th November, JAS committee held a session to coordinate JAS Christmas and year end decoration and celebration
• on 6th December, JAS committee coordinator facilitated the planting of Poinsettias, sponsored by JAS bldhs and shops, and implemented by the Lebanese Scouts volunteers
  
• on 15th December, JAS community enjoyed the Christmas parade that was facilitated by JAS committee coordinator and organized by Wein App and sponsored by organisations located in JAS and Hamra
  
• on 16th December, JAS committee held its last meeting of the year to evaluate the activities of the year 2025 and to brainstorm about future prospects for 2026
  
• on 27th December, a community get together breakfast, organised by JAS committee, took place at Tasty café in JAS to exchange end of year greetings
  
  2026 – year 3
  
• on 10th January, JAS committee held a planning meeting for the year 2026 which prioritised the hygiene, cleanliness and pollution mitigation activities as well as the improvement and uograding of JAS infrastructure and services as well as the beautification of the street and neighbourhood
  
• on 27th February, JAS committee held a meeting at NEST with the representative of the Lebanese Scouts to discuss the “Maintenance Manual” that will be developed to ensure the sustainability of all implemented improvements in JAS
  
• on 23rd and 25th April, JAS committee responded to the emergency that resulted from the Israeli war on Lebanon, by organizing in collaboration with the Lebanese Red Cross – LRC, two workshops dedicated respectively to “emergency preparedness for disasters, armed conflicts and evacuation plans” and to “1st Aid hands on training”
  
• on 24th June, JAS committee held a meeting to resume the activities that were halted during the war. It was decided to organize for the community other rounds of workshops with LRC, continue the follow-up with Beirut Mohafez and municipality of the door to door garbage collection pilot project implementation in JAS, sorting solid waste at the source and handing out of recyclables to L’Ecoute NGO in close coordination with NEST, repairs of JAS sidewalks and road bumps and the “Maintenance Manual” production with the Lebanese Scouts

This project is in collaboration with the AUB Neighborhood Initiative – AUBNI
Duration: From January 2024 to December 2026
Status: ongoing