Solar panels and passive cooling built into the design of nine new MNU campus projects
The Maldives National University (MNU) is embedding a common set of sustainable development design standards into nine new campus and student accommodation projects across the country, so that sustainability is written into each project before construction begins.
For energy, every design specifies solar panels together with passive lighting and passive cooling systems to cut energy consumption. Using solar as a source of renewable energy on site, and reducing demand through passive design, is intended to make the new buildings energy-efficient and to lower their utility costs.
The standards also cover open spaces or a gym facility for health and wellbeing; wheelchair-accessible ramps and inclusive layouts; greenery, planters, sustainable building materials and waste management; water-efficient utilities, sanitation and drainage; and shared spaces for students, staff and the local community. Five of the projects add native landscaping and biodiversity conservation measures.
The projects, and the stage each had reached when reported, are:
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences campus and Dhanaal, Aa. Thoddoo: design and tender stage (2025), with two design-and-build tenders with MOFPE.
- MNU Campus and Dhanaal, N. Holhudhoo: accommodation tender live on the e-Government Portal since 19 May 2026.
- MNU Campus, Lh. Hinnavaru: detailed design under way, delivered by RDC under a design-and-build contract.
- University Campus L. Gan (Campus 1 and Dhanaal): main building design received on 17 May 2026; tender documents in preparation.
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and CMS Building, Vilimale: tender documents in preparation.
- MNU Campus, M. Muli: tender documents in preparation following NPI approval on 17 May 2026.
- MNU Campus, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo: tender documents in preparation following NPI approval on 17 May 2026.
- MNU Campus, Th. Vilufushi: delivered by MTCC; at agreement signing stage, with a revision sent to MOFPE on 24 June 2026.
- MNU Campus, Ga. Kolamaafushi: revised tender submitted to MOFPE on 13 May 2026.
The standards are to be carried into the tender documents and locked into each construction contract. Once the buildings are complete, MNU expects energy-efficient, accessible learning and living spaces, a smaller environmental footprint and a design precedent for future regional campuses. Feedback will be collected after completion and occupancy.
- MNU Sustainability Policy
- MNU Sustainability Action Plan
- MNU Energy Efficient Policy
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan
