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Energy Benchmarking Analysis of Multi-Family Housing Unit in Algiers, Algeria

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  • Marwa Afaifia

    (Laboratoire Ville, Urbanisme et Développement Durable (VUDD), Ecole Polytechnique d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme (EPAU), Algiers 16200, Algeria)

  • Meskiana Boulahia

    (Laboratoire Ville, Urbanisme et Développement Durable (VUDD), Ecole Polytechnique d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme (EPAU), Algiers 16200, Algeria)

  • Kahina Amal Djiar

    (Laboratoire Ville, Urbanisme et Développement Durable (VUDD), Ecole Polytechnique d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme (EPAU), Algiers 16200, Algeria)

  • Nariman Aicha Lamraoui

    (Laboratoire Ville, Urbanisme et Développement Durable (VUDD), Ecole Polytechnique d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme (EPAU), Algiers 16200, Algeria)

  • Amina Naouel Mansouri

    (Laboratoire Ville, Urbanisme et Développement Durable (VUDD), Ecole Polytechnique d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme (EPAU), Algiers 16200, Algeria)

  • Lyna Milat

    (Laboratoire Ville, Urbanisme et Développement Durable (VUDD), Ecole Polytechnique d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme (EPAU), Algiers 16200, Algeria)

  • Sihem Chourouk Serrai

    (Laboratoire Ville, Urbanisme et Développement Durable (VUDD), Ecole Polytechnique d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme (EPAU), Algiers 16200, Algeria)

  • Jacques Teller

    (Local Environment Management and Analysis (LEMA) Lab, Department of UEE, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Université de Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

Abstract

Improving residential energy efficiency is essential for optimizing energy consumption. This article analyzes the electricity and natural gas consumption of a benchmark multi-family housing model in Algiers, based on data from 295 residential units collected over three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024). A comprehensive approach combining data visualization, statistical analysis, a clustering approach, a tariff structure assessment, and an energy performance index is applied to assess residential energy-consumption trends. The findings reveal opposing trends between electricity and natural gas consumption. The electricity demand increased steadily (+15% from 2022 to 2024), particularly in the third trimester (summer), where 40% of the housing unit consumption exceeded 1000 kWh per trimester, indicating a growing reliance on air conditioning. In contrast, natural gas consumption declined significantly, with winter usage dropping by more than 20%, suggesting improved heating efficiency, better thermal insulation, and/or milder weather conditions. The clustering analysis also highlights a shift toward more homogenous consumption profiles, with fewer outliers and a narrower interquartile range, indicating greater energy efficiency across households. The results underscore the need for adaptive energy pricing policies and targeted household awareness programs. They further suggest that incentive-based measures, particularly during peak summer periods, could mitigate demand spikes and enhance energy system resilience. The energy benchmarking approach developed in this study can support decision-makers in adjusting tariff structures according to household energy profiles to improve overall energy efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Marwa Afaifia & Meskiana Boulahia & Kahina Amal Djiar & Nariman Aicha Lamraoui & Amina Naouel Mansouri & Lyna Milat & Sihem Chourouk Serrai & Jacques Teller, 2025. "Energy Benchmarking Analysis of Multi-Family Housing Unit in Algiers, Algeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-32, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:4120-:d:1648285
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    References listed on IDEAS

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