Energy saving potential for residential buildings in hot climates: The case of Oman.

Highlights • Energy consumption of the residential sector in Oman was examined and forecasted. • A validated simulated model of a typical Omani house was compared to an energy-efficient one. • This was done in three climatic zones in Oman using four GCC energy codes. • Saving ranged between 13.2%–48.2%. UAE Estidama and Saudi Building Code achieved better saving depend on the climatic zone. • Economic analysis show that these building codes are not always leading to economical solutions in some climates. Abstract This paper examines the potential of energy saving in electrical consumption if the concept of energy-efficient house is implemented in Oman. Energy consumption in the residential sector in Oman was critically analysed and forecasted based on its growth rate and its historical consumption. Then, a base-case validated simulation model for a typical residential dwelling in different cities was generated using a dynamic building simulation software, covering a wide variation of climate conditions in Oman. A variety of modified design cases that met the minimum requirements for code compliance in residential buildings for four Gulf Cooperation Council countries were developed and subsequently simulated. Then, an economic analysis was performed. The results showed that due to the high annual growth rate of the residential sector (28.5%), a considerable amount of energy (13.2% in warm tropical climate to 48% in hot dry climate) could be saved if proper building codes are put in place. Thus, this paper calls for immediate action to start a large scale programme to promote and subsequently, to enforce the use of the principles of energy-efficient house in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]