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Improving the Thermal Performance of Building Envelopes: An Approach to Enhancing the Building Energy Efficiency Code

Author

Listed:
  • Muhannad Haj Hussein

    (Building Engineering Department, An Najah National University, Nablus P.O. Box 7, Palestine)

  • Sameh Monna

    (Architectural Engineering Department, An Najah National University, Nablus P.O. Box 7, Palestine)

  • Ramez Abdallah

    (Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering Department, An-Najah National University, Nablus P.O. Box 7, Palestine)

  • Adel Juaidi

    (Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering Department, An-Najah National University, Nablus P.O. Box 7, Palestine)

  • Aiman Albatayneh

    (Energy Engineering Department, School of Natural Resources Engineering and Management, German Jordanian University, Amman 11180, Jordan)

Abstract

Cities on the east Mediterranean coast, especially in Palestine, are struggling to move towards sustainability as they are vulnerable to climate change and lack natural resources, especially energy resources, and this situation is further aggravated by high energy prices. The problem is the building sector, which is the most challenging sector when it comes to cities’ sustainability and, specifically, energy sustainability. In Palestine, this sector is the main consumer of energy but it lacks energy efficiency measures, such as up-to-date building energy codes. This study analyzed building thermal performance under different scenarios with a focus on building envelopes. We aimed to evaluate the benefits of introducing an updated building energy code—mainly addressing U-values for building envelopes—on future reductions in energy demand. We used a simulation tool (DesignBuilder) to evaluate typical existing building-envelope thermal and energy performances. Then, we undertook a comparison between the existing conditions and the proposed application of different scenarios, including the existing Palestinian building energy code and green building guidelines, the ASHRAE code for building envelopes, and the Jordanian building energy code, in order to introduce an updated building envelope energy code. The results showed that the current situation—building without applying any energy code or applying the existing Palestinian building energy code—is far from the high-energy performance that could be achieved by applying international or local green building codes. The use of thermal insulation could reduce the energy demand for heating by 83 to 43%, depending on the building type, climatic zone, and U-value. We recommend utilizing different U-values for building envelopes in different climatic zones to achieve high thermal performance. The results from this study have implications for construction industry professionals, local governments, and researchers seeking to establish high-energy-performance building envelopes.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhannad Haj Hussein & Sameh Monna & Ramez Abdallah & Adel Juaidi & Aiman Albatayneh, 2022. "Improving the Thermal Performance of Building Envelopes: An Approach to Enhancing the Building Energy Efficiency Code," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:16264-:d:994759
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sameh Monna & Adel Juaidi & Ramez Abdallah & Mohammed Itma, 2020. "A Comparative Assessment for the Potential Energy Production from PV Installation on Residential Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Mohamed H. Elnabawi, 2021. "Evaluating the Impact of Energy Efficiency Building Codes for Residential Buildings in the GCC," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-22, December.
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    5. Sameh Monna & Adel Juaidi & Ramez Abdallah & Aiman Albatayneh & Patrick Dutournie & Mejdi Jeguirim, 2021. "Towards Sustainable Energy Retrofitting, a Simulation for Potential Energy Use Reduction in Residential Buildings in Palestine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-13, June.
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    8. Hye Gi Kim & Hyun Jun Kim & Chae Hwan Jeon & Myeong Won Chae & Young Hum Cho & Sun Sook Kim, 2020. "Analysis of Energy Saving Effect and Cost Efficiency of ECMs to Upgrade the Building Energy Code," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-22, September.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Raniero Sannino, 2023. "Thermal Loads Map and Overall Energy Analysis Depending on Low-Effort Parameters Change: A Commercial Building Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    3. Christopher Ileanwa Abdul & Roshida Binti Abdul Majid & David B. Dalumo & Adejoh Andrew Ekule & Usman Abdulazeez Adeiza & Isah Obenege Suleiman & Idachaba Kareen Mamenoma, 2024. "An Investigation into the Impact of Orientation on the Thermal Performance and Occupant’s Productivity in Curtain Wall High-Rise Office Working Spaces During the Dry Season: A Case Study of Abuja, N," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(9), pages 208-224, September.
    4. Joel Alpízar-Castillo & Laura Ramírez-Elizondo, 2025. "Analysis on the Insulation Improvements in Dutch Houses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-21, October.

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