Analysis and Comparison of Energy Efficiency Code Requirements for Buildings: A Morocco–Spain Case Study

The trend in energy consumption, with a particular focus on heating and cooling demand, is an issue that is relevant to the promotion of new energy policies and more efficient energy systems. Moreover, heating and cooling energy demand is expected to rise in the next several decades, mainly due to climate change as well as increasing incomes in developing countries. In this context, the building sector is currently a relevant energy-intensive economic sector in Morocco; it accounts for 33% of the country’s total energy demand (as the sector with the second highest energy demand, after the transport sector), with the residential sector accounting for 25% and the tertiary sector accounting for 8%. Aiming to reduce energy dependence and promote sustainable development, the Moroccan government recently issued a comprehensive plan to increase the share of renewables and improve energy efficiency. This strategy includes novel thermal building regulations promoted by the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency. This paper analyzes the thermal behavior and heating-cooling energy demand of a residential building located in Tangier (Morocco) as a case example, based on the country’s new thermal regulations and considering specific climatological conditions. A comparison with common Moroccan residential buildings as well as with those in nearby countries with similar meteorological conditions but significant differences in terms of energy demand regulation and requirements, such as Spain, is also included. Simulations were carried out using the DesingBuilder and EnergyPlus Software packages. According to the results, the last building thermal regulation requirements in Morocco need to be revised and extended in order to achieve the energy efficiency objectives established by the Moroccan government for 2030.

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Application of Rough Set Theory (RST) to Forecast Energy Consumption in Buildings Undergoing Thermal Modernization

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13061309 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1309 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tomasz Szul ◽

Stanisław Kokoszka

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Energy Consumption ◽

Set Theory ◽

Rough Set ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Rough Set Theory ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Simple Procedure ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Improve Energy Efficiency

In many regions, the heat used for space heating is a basic item in the energy balance of a building and significantly affects its operating costs. The accuracy of the assessment of heat consumption in an existing building and the determination of the main components of heat loss depends to a large extent on whether the energy efficiency improvement targets set in the thermal upgrading project are achieved. A frequent problem in the case of energy calculations is the lack of complete architectural and construction documentation of the analyzed objects. Therefore, there is a need to search for methods that will be suitable for a quick technical analysis of measures taken to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. These methods should have satisfactory results in predicting energy consumption where the input is limited, inaccurate, or uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this work was to test the usefulness of a model based on Rough Set Theory (RST) for estimating the thermal energy consumption of buildings undergoing an energy renovation. The research was carried out on a group of 109 thermally improved residential buildings, for which energy performance was based on actual energy consumption before and after thermal modernization. Specific sets of important variables characterizing the examined buildings were distinguished. The groups of variables were used to estimate energy consumption in such a way as to obtain a compromise between the effort of obtaining them and the quality of the forecast. This has allowed the construction of a prediction model that allows the use of a fast, relatively simple procedure to estimate the final energy demand rate for heating buildings.

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Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Apartment Buildings through Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks Infill Walls

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11143939 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (14) ◽

pp. 3939 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Antonio Artino ◽

Gianpiero Evola ◽

Giuseppe Margani ◽

Edoardo Marino

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Limit State ◽

Infill Walls ◽

High Performing ◽

Heating And Cooling ◽

Infill Panels ◽

Damage Limitation ◽

Structural Contribution

All around the world, a huge amount of buildings have been built before the enforcement of specific codes for seismic resistance and energy efficiency. Particularly in Italy, over 74% of residential buildings were constructed before 1980, when only 25% of the territory was classified as seismic, and nearly 86% were built before 1991, when the first restrictive regulation on energy efficiency was issued. This means that most buildings need both seismic and energy renovation actions to improve their sustainability level. The proposed combined retrofit strategy for reinforced concrete framed buildings is based on the replacement of the external layer of double-leaf infill walls, made of hollow bricks, with high-performing AAC blocks: this solution can be implemented by operating mainly from the outside of the building, thus reducing occupants’ disruption during retrofitting. The generally neglected structural contribution of masonry infill panels is here considered using a recently developed macro-element modeling approach. The results suggest that, from a structural viewpoint, the proposed intervention involves the highest improvement at the damage limitation limit state, while lower upgrades are recorded at life safety limit state and near-collapse limit state. In regards to the energy issues, the energy demand can be reduced by 10% and 4% for heating and cooling, respectively, just by replacing the outer layer of blocks; further savings can be achieved through the application of a supplementary insulation layer.

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Energy efficiency and economic analysis of retrofit measures for single-family residential buildings

Thermal Science ◽

10.2298/tsci170518298h ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (3 Part B) ◽

pp. 2071-2084 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Norbert Harmathy ◽

Danijela Urbancl ◽

Darko Goricanec ◽

Zoltán Magyar

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Economic Evaluation ◽

Low Temperature ◽

Economic Analysis ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Residential Building ◽

Expanded Polystyrene ◽

Temperate Climate ◽

Single Family

The research elaborates various solutions using detailed economic evaluation and energy efficiency calculation and simulation technology for formulating applicable, energy and cost-efficient retrofit solutions of single-family residential buildings located in temperate climate areas. Primarily the annual energy demand for a reference existing single-family residential building was determined. The economic analysis was performed for six formulated refurbishment scenarios in order to determine which of the scenarios will demonstrate optimal performance both in energy and cost efficiency. A feasibility study was performed for the most efficient scenario, which included an economic evaluation of low temperature radiant heating systems were three energy suppliers (oil, natural gas and electricity for air to water heat pump) were compared. According to financial analyses the optimal scenario includes the replacement of windows, installation of 15 cm expanded polystyrene thermal insulation, low temperature radiant floor heating, with a payback period of ten years.

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Green Retrofit Energy Efficiency Potential on Existing Building Envelope for Residential and Non-Residential Building

Research Anthology on Clean Energy Management and Solutions ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-9152-9.ch053 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1227-1257

Author(s):

Robert Staiger

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Fossil Fuels ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Ecological Impact ◽

Residential Building ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Existing Building ◽

Primary Energy Demand ◽

Energy Efficiency Potential

The chapter deals with the green energetic consideration of today's building envelopes for residential and non-residential buildings. It investigates the energetic effects the envelopes have on energy efficiency, energy consumption, material use, sustainable use of resources, lifetime considerations, economic and ecological impact. Today's it is estimated that approximately 30% of the annual primary energy demand for residential and non-residential buildings is needed. Energy resources for heat, electricity, air conditioning and cooling purposes, fossil fuels in form of gas and liquid are predominantly used.

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Development and validation of a simple estimating tool to predict heating and cooling energy demand for attics of residential buildings

Energy and Buildings ◽

10.1016/j.enbuild.2012.07.037 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 12-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Somayeh Asadi ◽

Marwa Hassan ◽

Ali Beheshti

Keyword(s):

Energy Demand ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Heating And Cooling ◽

Development And Validation ◽

Cooling Energy Demand

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Energy development in Nigeria and the need for strategic energy efficiency practice scheme for the residential building sector

Management of Environmental Quality An International Journal ◽

10.1108/meq-10-2013-0117 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 21-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ibrahim Udale Hussaini ◽

Noor Hanita Abdul Majid

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Energy Efficient ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Residential Building ◽

Strategic Plan ◽

Energy Development ◽

Building Sector ◽

Content Type ◽

Improve Energy Efficiency ◽

The Government

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek ways to improve energy efficiency in the residential building sector of Nigeria. This is necessary so as to promote a wider scope of energy efficiency practice in order to reduce energy demand on the central power supply of the nation and as well-attain reasonable level of energy security. Design/methodology/approach – However, the objective of the study is to propose a strategic plan (scheme) of energy efficiency practice for the housing sector of the Nigerian economy. To accomplish this task, a review of the main issues of energy efficiency; the current energy situation in Nigeria; and the challenges to implementing energy efficiency in the country was undertaken. Findings – Finally, remedial measures to achieving energy efficiency in the Nigerian households were proffered by the provision of a “strategic scheme” to be accomplished by the government and the housing stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – It is evident that a strategic plan or framework must be put in place in order to overcome the challenges of energy efficiency in the residential building sector. And this framework is to adequately address the issues of design practice, the efficiency of appliances in use and the housing occupant behaviour. Practical implications – The main goal is the attainment of energy-efficient households in Nigeria through the application of EE practice strategies. Originality/value – The study highlights on the energy development level of the country. It has also identified the numerous barriers as well as the principal actors to achieving energy-efficient households in Nigeria. After all, the suggested “plan of action” as provided in the scheme is to serve as a benchmark and reference point to the government, the housing stakeholders as well as the housing occupant for the attainment of energy efficiency.

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CHANGES IN LIGHTING STANDARDS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ARCHITECTURE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF MODERN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Bulletin of Odessa State Academy of Civil Engennering and Architecture ◽

10.31650/2415-377x-2020-81-9-17 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 9-17

Author(s):

E.V. Vitvitskaya ◽

◽

D.V. Tarasevich ◽

Keyword(s):

Heat Transfer ◽

Energy Efficiency ◽

Energy Savings ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Residential Building ◽

High Heat ◽

Transfer Resistance ◽

Heating And Cooling ◽

Shielding Properties ◽

Heat Shielding

Abstract. State regulations on the design of lighting in residential buildings in recent years have undergone significant changes, which in turn will significantly affect the architecture and energy efficiency of modern buildings of this type. This can be observed from the authors' analysis of the change in only one regulatory document given in this article – SCS (State Construction Standards) V.2.5-28: «Natural and artificial lighting» and only one lighting indicator: permissible deviation of the calculated value of CNL (coefficient of natural lighting) from the standardized value when choosing translucent structures of buildings. This article presents an analysis of this normative document in two versions – in the old one from 2012 and new from 2018. Based on the results of the analysis, the authors of this article found that, at the request of the architect, the area of translucent structures on the facades of two identical modern residential buildings can differ significantly: from the minimum with piece (separate) windows on the facades – where glazing occupies from 14.3% to 18.3% of the area of the facades; up to maximum with continuous glazing of facades – where glazing occupies up to 100% of the area of the facades of a residential building. These two facade glazing options are not only architecturally perceived differently, but they must also have different energy efficiency in order to provide different minimum allowable values of heat transfer resistance: for piece (individual) windows on the facade, this is R∑ ≥ Rq min = 0.6 m2•K/W and ordinary silicate glasses are suitable for their glazing, and for continuous glazing of the facade this should already be R∑ ≥ Rq min = 2.8 m2•K/W, that is, they must have the same heat-shielding properties as the outer walls, and their minimum allowable value of the heat transfer resistance must be 4.66 times more than for piece (separate) windows. For this option, ordinary silicate glass is no longer suitable, but modern glass-transparent structures with high heat-shielding properties should be used, for example Qbiss_Air, Pilkington, Heat Mirror Glass and others. They provide excellent protection against hypothermia in winter and overheating in summer, and have good sun protection properties. Their use in modern buildings contributes to energy savings for heating and cooling rooms throughout the year and creates increased comfort, but such translucent structures are much more expensive and better suited for elite housing construction than for social.

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