Although Saudi Arabia empowers the world with energy, the country is faced with unprecedented demand on electric energy. The issue, however, is neither affordability nor shortage but the exponential growth of demand on electricity, which reached an annual rate of 17% [Ministry of Industry and Electricity (MIE), 1995). This figure indicates that we need to double the number of our power generation plants within few years in order to meet the kingdom's present and near future demand.
The thermal behaviour of an office building is presented and discussed, as well as the results of a sensitivity study, which analyses the impact of architectural decisions and the effect of occupancy in terms of energy consumption (cooling and heating loads). This study was carried out using one floor of an office building, with large glazed facades, recently built in S. Paulo in Brazil, which was monitored for a short period (11 days)]. This building has been used as reference, for the sensitivity studies carried out for two climates, S. Paulo in Brazil and Lisbon in Portugal.
In 1991 the UK Audit Commission produced energy performance indicators for hospitals based on the type of care provided. However, an analysis of over I 00 hospitals throughout 1he United Kingdom has found the type of care provided to have relatively little effect on rhe energy performance of hospital . Although other factors influenced energy use to some degree, the major factor affecting performance was found to be the plan of the hospital, as this influenced the amount of mechanical ventilation required.
The Netherlands Agency for Energy and the Environment(NOVEM) is conducting a program for the implementation of Low Temperature Heating (LTH) systems in buildings. The primary goal is to enable the use of Low Talued Energy as a heating source. Major savings in enery consumption can be realised by fully utilising the potential of Low Valued Enery. Besides the argument of savings in energy supply, there are additiond benefits in the fields of. Indoor Air Quality (particles, mites, lower air temperature, annoyance and dust);.
Ventilation is essential for the maintenance of good indoor air quality, although there is evidence to suggest that energy loss through uncontrolled or unnecessary air infiltration is excessive. In this study, estimates are presented for air change (ventilation and infiltration) energy use in non-industrial buildings for 13 countries. Various methods are used for the estimates, but they are mainly based on calculating the total annual enthalpy change needed for the conditioning of air. The potential for reduced energy use by improved ventilation control is also briefly reviewed.
To remedy comfort problems in a 99,000 fi2 (9,200 m2) office building, the total airflow rate was reduced by 35%, and the total outside airflow was reduced by 86% in four multi-zone air-handling units that serve the office building. After the airflow reduction, the peak room relative humidity level was reduced from 70% to 55%, and cold and hot deck reset schedules were implemented. These improved operating practices reduced building energy consumption by 27%.
Login