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

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.