In Abu Dhabi city, the residential sector consumes 30% of the total electricity and it is projected to grow by 70% during 2020 comparing to 2013. In addition, car dependency and low use of outdoors is a common characteristic of residential real estate areas. This paper compares the energy performance and outdoor comfort of contemporary and traditional Emirati neighborhoods. A common newly built and planned neighborhood in Abu Dhabi is compared to a field-studied traditional neighborhood. In regards to energy consumption, the analysis considers parameters such as glazing, construction materials, design, and for the outdoor comfort, the walking distance, temperature, and predicted mean value (PMV). The results of the contemporary neighborhood model are compared to statistical data from Abu Dhabi government dependences as well as from external consultants for its validation. Preliminary results show that traditional designs outperform contemporary designs in terms of energy efficiency and livable outdoors. Lessons from the past are drawn and recommendations to include elements therefrom in new developments are made without compromising the high-life standards of the Emirati citizens nowadays.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability of Abu Dhabi Neighborhoods: Lessons from the Past

BANDE, LINDITA
2015-01-01

Abstract

In Abu Dhabi city, the residential sector consumes 30% of the total electricity and it is projected to grow by 70% during 2020 comparing to 2013. In addition, car dependency and low use of outdoors is a common characteristic of residential real estate areas. This paper compares the energy performance and outdoor comfort of contemporary and traditional Emirati neighborhoods. A common newly built and planned neighborhood in Abu Dhabi is compared to a field-studied traditional neighborhood. In regards to energy consumption, the analysis considers parameters such as glazing, construction materials, design, and for the outdoor comfort, the walking distance, temperature, and predicted mean value (PMV). The results of the contemporary neighborhood model are compared to statistical data from Abu Dhabi government dependences as well as from external consultants for its validation. Preliminary results show that traditional designs outperform contemporary designs in terms of energy efficiency and livable outdoors. Lessons from the past are drawn and recommendations to include elements therefrom in new developments are made without compromising the high-life standards of the Emirati citizens nowadays.
2015
Proceedings of the 11th Ecocity World Summit, Abu Dhabi – UAE
978-9948-18-687-8
Emirati neighborhood, sustainability, urban planning, energy saving, energy simulation models
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11311/983729
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