Do green buildings provide benefits to the residential sector in Jordan? Yes, but…

Ammar Alkhalidi,Osama Aljolani

doi:10.1093/ijlct/ctz080

Abstract

Abstract The concept of green buildings has recently arisen in order to contribute to solving some environmental, energy and economic issues. To meet the green building requirements, this paper describes an integrated design approach to improve the energy and water efficiency of the mid-rise residential buildings in Jordan using the eQUEST energy simulation tool. The results show that savings of 77.9% in the annual requirements of electricity, 65.0% in the requirements of diesel oil and 19.5% in the indoor water consumption can be achieved. Finally, the Jordanian green building model had achieved 44 points in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system and will have the ‘Certified’ classification.

Highlights

Energy, water and the environment are key issues faced by countries worldwide
In 2012, the Jordanian ministry of energy conducted a study about the energy consumption of residential buildings in Jordan; it was shown that the residential sector formed 23% of the total energy consumption and 40% of the total electrical energy consumption
By validating the suggested Jordanian green building model versus to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green buildings rating system, the results showed that the building will achieve 44 points and will have the “Certified” classification [21]

Summary

Introduction

Water and the environment are key issues faced by countries worldwide. Jordan has no indigenous fuels and has to rely on imported fossil fuels. Jordan is one of the four most water-stressed countries in the world, especially for the purposes of potable water and agriculture [1]. In Jordan, residential buildings are responsible for a large share of energy consumption. In 2012, the Jordanian ministry of energy conducted a study about the energy consumption of residential buildings in Jordan; it was shown that the residential sector formed 23% of the total energy consumption and 40% of the total electrical energy consumption.

Methods

Results

Conclusion