C h a l l e n g e s F a c i n g t h e A p p l i c a t i o n o f Z e r o – E n e r g y H o m e s
419
Discussion
It is observed from the survey results that though the majority of industry professionals
are familiar with the three main principles for ZEHs
- sustainable design features, the use
of low-energy technologies and the application of renewable energy resources - there is
a lack of experience.
The percentage of professionals with adequate experience for
energy-efficiency measures, sustainable design features and renewable energy
applications are 26%, 11% and 10%, respectively. Additionally, the cheap electricity tariff
is a major barrier to achieve ZEHs Saudi Arabia. The electricity tariff varies between 0.05
SR (£0.0085) and 0.26 SR (£0.044) depending upon the consumption. With such a low
tariff, renewable systems with high capital cost become less attractive to stakeholders.
These low tariffs reflect on the users’ behaviour as only 16% of users have their external
walls thermally insulated. The study also shows that there is a lack of public awareness
on the subject, which needs to be addressed.
Unlike sustainable design features and renewable energy applications, energy-efficiency
in buildings has received more attention in Saudi Arabia. The country has made
considerable progress toward energy-efficiency in the building sector. A key
development is the establishment of the National Energy Efficiency Programme (NEEP)
in 2005. The NEEP is a national organization involves with many governmental
ministries and other organisations to help in achieving a cleaner environment and more
reliable and affordable energy system. The NEEP has made some significant initiatives
including developing energy-efficiency codes for new buildings, initiating energy-
efficiency training and awareness programs, as well as, issuing energy-efficiency
standards for selected household appliances. This is also reflected in the wider use of
energy-efficiency measures. Despite these developments, there is still a lack of
awareness in users regarding some important areas such as thermal insulation, multi-
glazing and air infiltration. It is vital to educate users because often they are to decide on
the construction details of buildings and the choice of domestic appliances.
Conclusions
The results of the questionnaire survey reveal that the construction industry in Saudi
Arabia regards sustainability as one of its least important priorities. Other major factors
that hinder the uptake of ZEHs include lack of awareness and expertise, cheap electricity
tariffs, aesthetic issues and absence of supportive government policies. The
apprehension about renewable energy technologies in terms of their cost effectiveness,
maintenance, performance, durability and reliability is also regarded as a hindrance. In
order to promote ZEHs, the government needs to formulate conductive policies to
encourage both the construction industry and public.
References
ANON, 1999, Solar Radiation Atlas for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2
nd
edition), King
Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh.
BAUMERT, K., HERZOG, T., and PERSHING, J. Navigating the Numbers: Greenhouse
Gas Data and International Climate Policy, World Resources Institute, Washington.
DECC, 2011, Energy Consumption in the United Kingdom
retrieved on May 23, 2012.
