Residential buildings are vital in the energy scenario of Saudi Arabia as they account for 52% of the total electricity consumption. The Eastern Province, due to its harsh weather conditions, is one of the most challenging areas in Saudi Arabia in terms of residential energy consumption. The province is vital also because of its large land area, accounting for almost one third of the entire country. This article investigates some of the important factors related to the residential energy consumption i.e. weather conditions, types of dwellings, building envelops, air-conditioning (A/C) systems and domestic appliances especially cooking ovens. The work is based upon an analysis of the actual monthly electricity consumption for 115 dwellings in Dhahran for the year 2012. The investigated buildings include 62 apartments, 28 villas, and 25 traditional houses. The annual average electricity consumption for the surveyed dwellings was found to be 176.5 kWh/m², a value higher than international energy-efficiency benchmarks. It is found that the use of mini-split A/C systems, thermal insulation and double-glazed windows can help reduce the electricity consumption by over 30%.
Sustainable buildings have an important role to play in achieving sustainable development through their improved energy and environmental performance. In Saudi Arabia, the significance of the building sector can be realised from the fact that the per capita carbon dioxide emissions, per capita electricity consumption, and number of buildings are on a steep rise due to the economic and population growth. It is therefore vital for the country to consider energy-efficient buildings in order to promote sustainable development. This article investigates the prospects of sustainable buildings in Saudi Arabia by reflecting upon the findings of a questionnaire survey conducted with pertinent professionals. The analysis in this work is based upon 122 responses received from architects, engineers, project managers, construction contractors, developer and investors. The findings of the survey indicate that the Saudi building industry has yet to realise the importance of sustainability. It is found that the level of formal education and work experience tend to have a positive influence on the appreciation of sustainable buildings.
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