Energy Consumption Patterns for Domestic Buildings in Hot Climates Using Saudi Arabia as Case Study Field: Multiple Case Study Analyses

Abstract

The paper presents the evaluations and debates surrounding residential energy consumption in Saudi Arabia, a country distinguished by its fiercely hot weather and geographical position in a global area prominent for heightened energy consumption and carbon emissions. The cases chosen for the research comprise several residences situated in various climatic situations across Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the case study concerns multiple domestic buildings in the scorching, arid climate of Riyadh, multiple domestic buildings in the hot but humid weather of Jeddah City, and multiple domestic buildings in the hot, dry mountainous area of Al Baha City. The main objective of the evaluation is to identify the average energy consumption in the residential sector in Saudi Arabia, based on (a) monthly electricity bills for each residence, (b) occupant behaviour as determined by interviews for every chosen residence, and (c) analysis and discussion of energy consumption through modelling and simulation for every selected dwelling, using the IES-VE software tool. Energy consumption for the residential division is thus explored and debated, with an emphasis on architectural design, building materials used and occupants’ conduct. Subject to established failures, several solutions were proposed with the objective of reducing energy consumption; they encompass shading techniques, renewable energy techniques, and efficient glazing. The proposed solutions were assessed by remodelling every residence using IES-VE and the outcome was a decrease in energy utilisation, varying but reaching 37%, subject to local weather circumstances. The regional, financial and environmental benefits of the energy saving that would result from these measures being implemented for existing dwellings across Saudi Arabia were then presented.