In the Middle East 40% of energy use is consumed in buildings, more than by industry or transport, and the absolute figure is rising fast, because of the recent construction booms. In hot arid climate, the energy consumption in office building for cooling and lighting is enormous due to problems of overheating and high solar gain. Since that they function as an environmental filter, and control the influence of the outdoor on the indoor environment, buildings envelope design strategies and technologies are necessary. This paper is directed to optimize the thermal and visual comforts, and energy efficiency through applying different technologies and design strategies for office building envelope in hot arid climate. The study analysed the outdoor and indoor climatic conditions, to understand the problems of overheating, discomfort, and the energy needed to achieve the indoor environment quality. Building simulation programs were used to evaluate the effects of applying different technologies and design strategies on the comfort and energy consumption. The technologies included: glazing performance, shading and solar control, insulation and thermal mass, and daylight systems. In addition, the design strategies included: opaque transparent ratio, orientation, and natural day and night ventilation. The results were a significant decrease in energy consumption for cooling and lighting. On the other hand, the thermal and visual comforts were increased. Reducing the energy consumption for cooling and lighting, as will as improving the indoor comfort are of a great importance towards sustainable and climate responsive building

Title

The Implementation of Energy Efficient Buildings Policies: an International Comparison

Publisher

CIB Publication 386

Publisher Country

Netherlands

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

386

Year

2013

Pages

140-141