Office For Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer an option, it is an imperative.
Universities worldwide are embedding sustainability into research, curricula, and operations.
At LAU, we have taken a decisive step by establishing the Office for Sustainability (OfS) in March 2024.
Established in the spring of 2024, the Office for Sustainability (OfS) leads and coordinates university-wide efforts to implement a university-wide strategy aligned with the institution’s goals to foster environmental responsibility, social impact, and sustainable governance.
Sustainability at LAU is not just about policies, it is about people.
We collaborate with the Council of Deans, academic departments, University committees, facilities management, and administrative staff to integrate sustainability into research, teaching, operations, and campus infrastructure. By engaging students, faculty, and staff, we cultivate a culture of sustainability awareness and action across the University and its Medical Centers.
A key part of our mission is monitoring and reporting on sustainability performance, including Environmental, Social, and Governance metrics. We stay informed on best practices, trends, and regulations in the education sector, providing policy recommendations that position the University as a sustainability leader.
Beyond campus, we represent the University in sustainability-related forums and events, building relationships with external stakeholders, community partners, and funding bodies to advance sustainability initiatives. Through guidance, training, and capacity-building programs, we empower students, faculty, and staff to incorporate sustainability best practices into their work and daily lives
By identifying opportunities for growth, securing funding, and cultivating strategic partnerships, the Office for Sustainability continues to drive meaningful change, reinforcing the University’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
Meet The Team:
Dr. Nadim Farajalla
Chief Sustainability Officer
Contact Information:
Office: +961 1 786456 ext. 3009
Email: nadim.farajalla@lau.edu.lb
Dr. Nadim Farajalla is the Chief Sustainability Officer at the Lebanese American University (LAU), a position he assumed in March 2024. In this role, he leads the development and implementation of LAU’s sustainability strategy, fostering a culture of sustainability across all departments to ensure the university’s long-term environmental and social impact.
Before joining LAU, Dr. Farajalla served as the Director of the Climate Change and Environment Program at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut (AUB). His research focused on the impacts of climate change on urban areas and the interconnections between water, energy, food, and climate change, with an emphasis on adaptation and resilience.
Dr. Farajalla holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences from AUB, a Master of Science in Irrigation Engineering from Utah State University, and both a Master of Science and a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
In the private sector, he worked as a Senior Scientist at Stone Environmental, Inc. in Montpelier, Vermont, USA, and later as a Senior Environmental Engineer at Dar al-Handasah (Shair and Partners) in Beirut, Lebanon. His work focused on water resources management, environmental impact studies, and infrastructure design.
Dr. Farajalla has contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications, addressing topics such as water scarcity, climate change adaptation, and environmental sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Manale Abou Dagher
Lead Sustainability Coordinator
Contact Information:
Office: +961 1 786456 ext. 3405
Email: manale.aboudagher@lau.edu.lb
With 17 years of experience in sustainability research, climate change, and environmental policy, Manale Abou Dagher is a seasoned expert in environmental management and higher education.
Manale Joined the OfS in May 2024 as Lead Sustainability Coordinator. She drives initiatives that integrate sustainable practices, engage the university community, and advance research. She has a deep understanding of Lebanon’s policy landscape and expertise in GIS applications, decision support systems, and sustainable development.
A published researcher with a Master’s in Geography-Environment and Land Management from Saint Joseph University, Manale combines academic insight with hands-on experience to lead impactful sustainability efforts.
Contact Us:
Address: LAU Beirut Campus, Orme Gray 201
Email: sustainability@lau.edu.lb
Sustainability Committee
LAU has formed a University Sustainability Committee after consultation with the President. The committee includes representatives from all seven schools, multiple research centers (such as the Arab Institute for Women, the Center for Policy Action, and the Fouad Makhzoumi Innovation Center), Facilities Management, the Medical Centers, and the University’s Upper Administration. It is chaired by the Chief Sustainability Officer, who is an executive officer and part of the President’s Office. The committee’s initial mandate is to develop LAU’s Sustainability Strategy and guide its implementation and evolution. Its tenure is currently set for three years.