Effects of energy conversation measures the life cycle cost of Kuwaiti residential buildings

Abstract

With increasing energy supply costs, considerable interest is now being shown in introducing energy conservation measures in the construction of residential houses. Kuwait, like any other country, is becoming increasingly aware of the value of conserving its natural fuel resources. For seven months of the year the temperatures in Kuwait are above comfort level; consequently 60% of its consumed energy is used for space cooling. The effects of energy conservation measures are evaluated for a typical two-storey residential building for two design alternatives. The analysis shows that adding insulation material to the walls and roof will reduce owning and operating costs by 173 Kuwaiti Dinars (K.D.) ∗ annually for the houseowner, while the saving to the Government will be 1982 K.D. annually for each such housing unit. If additional measures are introduced, such as double glazing of windows, shading devices, use of air-to-air heat exchangers and tight construction to reduce infiltration, the owning and operating costs will be reduced by 870 K.D. annually for the houseowner and an annual saving of 4287 K.D. will be realized for the Government. These figures are based on a 10% discount rate.