Energy consumption in buildings accounts for about 40% of total energy consumption [1]. The residential sector alone has seen a rise in electricity consumption by 54% since 1991 [2]. To a large extend, this increase can be traced back to the growing number of electrical appliances. While most large appliances (e.g., dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) have become more efficient over the years,...

This paper assesses the energy and water consumption practices of existing housing in Saudi Arabia, with the ultimate aim of establishing guidelines for delivering sustainable residential buildings in the near future. In order to achieve this aim the current status of a typical Saudi residence (i.e. an apartment complex) is investigated in terms of energy and water consumption using simulation ...

Background: Rapidly increasing residential electricity demand has made raising energy efficiency an important policy issue in controlling electricity demand. Methods: This study uses a stochastic frontier model to estimate the residential electricity demand function and analyse electricity energy efficiency levels and their determinants using regional data on Japan. Results: The results confirm...

Upgrading the thermal performance of building envelope of existing residential buildings is an effective way to reduce heat gain or heat loss. Overhang device is a common solution for building envelope improvement as it can cut down solar heat gain and thereby can reduce the energy used for space cooling in summer time. Despite that, overhang can increase the demand for indoor heating in winter...

The construction industry is one of the biggest and most active sectors of the European Union (EU), consuming more raw materials and energy than any other economic activity. Furthermore, construction waste is the commonest waste produced in the EU. Current EU legislation sets out to implement construction and demolition waste (CDW) prevention and recycling measures. However it lacks tools to ac...