Investigate the Impact of Climatic Conditions on the Building Energy Performance of Low-income Housing in Jordan

Abstract.

Background Context - Energy security remains a crucial barrier to achieving sustainable development in Jordan, particularly given the substantial energy demands of the residential sector. In this context, this study will focus on this issue by focusing on low-income housing, considering that it accounts for a substantial portion of the total housing demand in the nation at 44% and experiences high energy consumption due to inadequate environmental design [1], [2]. Low-income households continue to experience persistently high energy consumption rates, indicating significant challenges in improving buildings' energy efficiency due to insufficient knowledge, understanding, and evidence [3]. 

Purpose - This study will investigate the energy performance of low-income designs and their energy consumption pattern in the country's four primary climate zones, namely semi-arid Mediterranean, hot Sahara Mediterranean, warm Sahara Mediterranean, and cool arid Mediterranean.

Case Study – This study will focus on two predominant public low-income typologies, Type-I and Type-M, constructed by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDC). These typologies are applied throughout the whole country without consideration for their climatic contexts [4], leading to high heating and cooling demand.

Methodology - Using the ClimateStudio plug-in that integrates the EnergyPlus simulation algorithm in the Rhino-Grasshopper software as a primary simulation tool followed by a comparative analysis, allows for a comprehensive understanding of how the two low-income perform under the various climatic conditions present in the country.

Findings - The findings of this study will identify whether these current designs are more appropriate for the different climate zones of Jordan. This study is anticipated to provide evidence-based recommendations for the type of potential energy efficiency improvements that can be targeted at each climatic zone. In addition, it will be intended to guide the designers and decision-makers in promoting and developing energy-conscious housing solutions in low-income settings that align with each climatic zone, thereby mitigating the effect of the energy crisis on the national economy and enhancing sustainability.

Keywords: Building Performance, Energy-Efficiency, Low-Income Housing, Climate Zones.

 

References

[1]      M. Al-Homoud, S. Al-Oun, and A. M. Al-Hindawi, ‘The low-income housing market in Jordan’, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 233–252, Aug. 2009, doi: 10.1108/17538270910977536.

[2]      H. H. Ali and S. N. Alzu’bi, ‘Design optimization of sustainable affordable housing model in hot-arid climate-case of Jordan’, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 607–627, Nov. 2017, doi: 10.1108/IJHMA-01-2017-0009.

[3]      F. S. Hafez et al., ‘Energy Efficiency in Sustainable Buildings: A Systematic Review with Taxonomy, Challenges, Motivations, Methodological Aspects, Recommendations, and Pathways for Future Research’, Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 45, p. 101013, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.esr.2022.101013.

[4]      A. A. Al Haija, ‘Environmental and Social Issues in Jordanian Low-Income Housing Design’, Open House International, vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 111–120, Dec. 2011, doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2011-B0010.