Energy Saving Potential for Residential Buildings in Hot Climates: The Case of Oman

Chaham Alalouch (Lead / Corresponding author), Saleh Al-Saadi, Husam Al Waer, Kamel Al-Khaled

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63 Citations (Scopus)
776 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper examines the potential of energy saving in electrical consumption if the concept of energy-efficient house is implemented in Oman. Energy consumption in the residential sector in Oman was critically analysed and forecasted based on its growth rate and its historical consumption. Then, a base-case validated simulation model for a typical residential dwelling in different cities was generated using a dynamic building simulation software, covering a wide variation of climate conditions in Oman. A variety of modified design cases that met the minimum requirements for code compliance in residential buildings for four Gulf Cooperation Council countries were developed and subsequently simulated. Then, an economic analysis was performed. The results showed that due to the high annual growth rate of the residential sector (28.5%), a considerable amount of energy (13.2% in warm tropical climate to 48% in hot dry climate) could be saved if proper building codes are put in place. Thus, this paper calls for immediate action to start a large scale programme to promote and subsequently, to enforce the use of the principles of energy-efficient house in Oman.
Original languageEnglish
Article number101442
Number of pages14
JournalSustainable Cities and Society
Volume46
Early online date25 Jan 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2019

Keywords

  • Building energy code
  • Energy consumption
  • Energy-efficient house
  • eQuest
  • GCC countries
  • Hot and arid climate
  • Oman
  • Passive house

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Transportation

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  • National Research Award 2020

    Al Waer, H. (Recipient), 18 Jan 2021

    Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)

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