An approach to enhancing energy performance in residential buildings in hot climate regions (The case of Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia, like many developing countries, is experiencing rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion, especially in the area of residential buildings. As an oil-producing nation with an extremely hot climate, the country is also renowned for high rates of energy consumption and carbon emissions. The construction sector is no exception, accounting for approximately 80% of total national electricity consumption, with residential cooling demand consuming almost 66% of domestic energy use. Although sustainability has now become a major focus for the Saudi government, with sustainable development being a key goal of the country’s economic and social development plan, the Saudi Vision 2030, the lack of energy efficiency in Saudi buildings has yet to be given serious consideration. However, with current demand threatening long-term energy security and forecasts indicating that domestic energy consumption will rise at a rate of 5% to 7% annually, it is crucial to improve the energy and environmental performance of the building stock. In order to support sustainable development within the Saudi residential sector, this study identifies the main causes of high energy consumption in the sector and the key barriers to enhancing building energy performance from a design and operational perspective, including environmental, economic and socio-cultural factors. It goes on to explore a number of possible solutions, assessing their effectiveness via simulation and calculating cost benefits in order to identify the optimal energy efficiency measures. These are then tested against local building regulations and benchmarked against international low-energy standards. The most effective measures are incorporated into a proposed framework for energy-efficient building design in the Saudi context, which takes local environmental, economic and socio-cultural factors into account. The framework covers both new builds and retro-fitting and constitutes one of the main contributions of this research. The study was performed in four stages, each utilising a specific methodology. Stage one involved an exploratory public survey, distributed electronically, designed to gauge public awareness of the benefits of sustainable building design and to identify design and operation factors causing energy consumption in residential buildings. Next, an existing family villa, representing a typical dwelling type in Saudi Arabia, was selected for modelling purposes and examined to identify design weaknesses. The third stage involved a consultation with experts in the field to assess current building issues and identify viable solutions in the local context. A model was then created using DesignBuilder simulation software, and its energy performance validated using data collected from the case study villa. Additional simulations targeting building design and operating parameters to enhance energy efficiency were also analysed to establish the optimal solutions within the local context. The use of surveys, a case study, and computer simulations to collect and validate the results is considered appropriate for the purposes of proposing energy strategies for residential buildings in hot climates. The findings indicate that much of the high energy consumption in the residential sector results from poor building design and construction techniques, inefficient operating practices, a lack of stakeholder engagement, and an absence of coordinated enforcement. However, the results of the simulations show that energy consumption and peak electricity demand could be reduced significantly by implementing the optimal strategies proposed in the framework. A potential reduction of 68% in total electricity consumption and 74% in peak electricity demand was shown to be possible, with an 81% reduction in cooling energy use intensity (EUI) bringing Saudi Arabia within the range of recommended European standards. Analysis of the improvement simulations also indicated that a reduction of 80% in carbon emissions was achieved in comparison with the base case study building. This amounted to almost 23 tonnes of CO₂ avoided annually and was equivalent to nearly five cars not being used per year. The cost-saving analysis employed to determine the economic viability of incorporating the proposed techniques indicated a typical payback period of 7 years, average annual savings of 1,603 USD, and total operational cost savings of up to 51% over a 30-year period. By incorporating the optimal sustainable design features, energy-efficiency measures, and renewable solar energy technologies proposed in the framework, the representative home was transformed into an energy-efficient structure. This study demonstrates that relatively simple strategies can significantly reduce residential energy demand in hot climate conditions and that the strategies in the proposed framework are effective. These findings have significant implications for building sector professionals, policy-makers and building occupants. A dramatic reduction in energy consumption would save costs, reduce CO₂ emissions, alleviate the need to increase power generation capacity, and enhance the country's profile internationally, resulting in significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. However, this cannot be achieved without support from the government, the housing industry; and the general public, so the study concludes by recommending further measures to support the development of a sustainable building sector in Saudi Arabia in line with the aims expressed in Vision 2030

Factors Leading to High Energy Consumption in Residential Buildings in Saudi Arabia

In developing countries like Saudi Arabia, the experience of a rapid rate of urbanisation and ‎ infrastructure expansion, especially with respect to buildings is immense. The role of buildings is even more ‎ important as they account for around 80% of the total national electricity consumption. Based on the 2030 local ‎ energy consumption trends, forecasts indicate an increase in domestic energy consumption with a growth rate ‎ which could reach 4 to 5% annually. A significant portion of this energy consumption growth results from the ‎ inefficient use of energy, and absence of coordinated enforcement and stakeholder engagement.This paper ‎ reports on an exploratory public survey to elicit information on respondent's views on issues such as the ‎ awareness and applications of sustainable building. The aim of this article is to identify factors influencing the ‎ development of sustainable buildings and energy consumption in residential sector in Saudi Arabia. A ‎ structured questionnaire was designed and electronically distributed to collect information from respondents ‎ across Saudi Arabia, employing a random sampling technique (Snowball Technique). The findings have ‎ significant implications for policy makers and practitioners. The implementation of sustainable residential ‎ buildings code requires strong support from the public, government and the housing industry.

Building energy performance simulation: a case study of modelling an existing residential building in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, like many other developing countries, has had extensive experience with rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion, especially in the area of buildings. Buildings play an even bigger part, accounting for roughly 80% of total national electricity consumption. Forecasts indicate that domestic energy consumption will rise at a rate of 4 to 5% annually by2030, based on current local energy consumption patterns. A significant portion of this energy consumption growth results from the inefficient use of energy, and absence of coordinated enforcement and stakeholder engagement. This paper presents results of a study performed to propose potential energy-saving and CO₂ reduction techniques for residential buildings in hot climates, by critically examining an existing and recent building types. A model was designed using computer-based simulation software, DesignBuilder (DB), and the energy performance was then validated against the actual collected data. Building related parameters that make the construction systems behave differently in terms of energy efficiency were analysed. Additional simulations were run with the chosen building's shape, fabric, and user behaviour. Thermal insulation in the walls and roof can save about 45% in overall energy consumption, and when combined with other energy efficiency measures (EEMs), a substantial reduction of 67% can be achieved, according to the findings. In the residential sector, improvements in building energy efficiency were obtained from the perspectives of both technological capacity and initiative energy conservation consciousness

Impact of the Prevalence of Physical Activity among Adult Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Makah- Almokarramah, Saudi Arabia 2022

Background: Physical activity (PA) is defined as any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles that results in a substantial increase in caloric requirements over resting energy expenditure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is considered the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Physical inactivity is associated with excess weight and adverse health outcomes. In particular, office-based screening of activity levels and physical activity counseling coupled with regular follow-ups and community support and referrals for physical activity, have been proven effective in increasing physical activity levels. In addition, the cost of integrating physical activity counseling and referral schemes into primary health care teams has been found feasible and cost-effective Physical activity can be defined as any movement of the body that requires energy expenditure. Aim of this study: To Assessment of the Prevalence of Physical Activity among Adult Patients attend primary health care centers in Makah city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: Cross sectional design has be adopted .The study has be conducted in Makah city, Saudi Arabia. The present study was conducted at primary health care centers In Makah city. Systematic random sampling was be adopted to select persons during the March to June, 2022.The sample (300). Results: Exercise milieu these study results showed that Positive Exercise milieu proportions (62.0% ),  and Negative Exercise milieu proportions (38.0% ) while  the Range  (8-22)  Mean +SD (13.254±3.215) while Time expenditure the most of them negative were(69.0%)but positive (31.0%)while the Range (6-13) Mean +SD (10.812±2.77) Conclusion: Physical inactivity among Arab adults and children/adolescents is high. Studies using harmonized approaches, rigorous analytic techniques and a deeper examination of context are needed to design appropriate interventions. Physical activity likely has a greater role in promoting health in disease populations than previously thought and may confer substantial reductions in disease burden Primary health care centers in Makah should be active and able to provide health advice and behaviour to their patients. There will a strong intention to increase physical activity among physically inactive primary care physicians (PHCPs)

Diagnostic accuracy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of thyroid lesions along with histopathological correlation. A 3-year retrospective study

Background: Among endocrine malignancies, thyroid carcinoma is by far the most frequent. Approximately 5 to 15 percent of all thyroid nodules have been found to be cancerous in recent years. The results of a cytology test can help doctors determine the best course of therapy for their patients, including surgery. There has been a great deal of research into the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosing thyroid cancer. Objectives: Diagnose thyroid FNAC lesions according to the Bethesda approach and compare them with histological diagnoses to establish diagnostic value and accuracy. Materials and Methods: This is a three-year retrospective research conducted at the King Khalid Hospital in Najran. Data including demographics, FNAC report and histopathological diagnosis was collected from the hospital records. Thyroid cytology was classified into six categories based on the Bethesda system and histopathological correlation was done. Calculations were performed to determine the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Results: The average age was 36.6 ±11.9 years, ranging from 16 to 83 years.. Females made up 91.5 percent of the sample, having a male-female ratio of 1:10. There were 24 (29.3%) Bethesda category II lesions, 28 (34.14%) Bethesda category IV lesions, and the least 2 Bethesda category III lesions (2.4 percent ). On FNAC, 12 (14.63 %) of the lesions were malignant. There was a 92.4 percent sensitivity, 68.9 percent specificity, 84.5% positive predictive value (PPV), 83.3% negative predictive value (NPV), and an accuracy of 84.1 percent for FNAC validity. Conclusion: This study found that in FNAC thyroid the sensitivity and specificity are both satisfactory and our findings are comparable. The Bethesda Tiered Diagnostic System is a great tool for diagnosing and managing thyroid lesions. Cytopathologists should be mindful of potential diagnostic pitfalls, which can be minimized even more if aspirates are acquired under USG supervision

Effectiveness of Educational and Vaccination Interventions in Preventing Monkeypox: Case of Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

Preventing the spread of Monkeypox in endemic countries in low-resource settings is important to address the prevalence of this disease and avoid outbreaks in other regions, mostly in the Central African countries and Northern Europe. The concepts covered in this area are educational and vaccination interventions to prevent Monkeypox transmission as a vital public health priority. The aim of this dissertation is to review evidence about the effectiveness of educational and vaccination interventions in low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs) and to examine factors affecting successful implementation of these interventions. A critical review of current literature enabled to evaluate the preventative interventions and factors affecting their implementation to address Monkeypox incidence. The range of evidence included comprised nine studies, eight of which provided evidence from LMICs, while one study was from a high-resource economy, namely the United States. This paper on a high-resource setting was included to assist in establishing factors that have enabled the effective implementation of an intervention in this context to promote public health and suggest ways in which low-income settings could manage implementation challenges. LMICs have differing abilities to handle the factors that affect the successful implementation of intervention efforts. The educational intervention activities increase the ability to identify and address suspected and confirmed Monkeypox cases, while vaccination intervention approaches reduce vulnerability to Monkeypox virus exposure among community members and health care workers. A major finding revealed is that vaccination interventions increased the safety levels among the health care workers infected by Monkeypox virus over a period of four years, with an incidence of 17.4 cases per 10,000 people compared to a range of 0.6-1.8% by year. Corrective and concentrated intervention efforts by the government, health workers, and community members through relaying information and providing follow-up programs is an opportunity to cushion against vulnerability to Monkeypox in low-and-middle-income countries

An approach to enhancing energy performance in residential buildings in hot climate regions (The case of Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia, like many developing countries, is experiencing rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion, especially in the area of residential buildings. As an oil-producing nation with an extremely hot climate, the country is also renowned for high rates of energy consumption and carbon emissions. The construction sector is no exception, accounting for approximately 80% of total national electricity consumption, with residential cooling demand consuming almost 66% of domestic energy use. Although sustainability has now become a major focus for the Saudi government, with sustainable development being a key goal of the country’s economic and social development plan, the Saudi Vision 2030, the lack of energy efficiency in Saudi buildings has yet to be given serious consideration. However, with current demand threatening long-term energy security and forecasts indicating that domestic energy consumption will rise at a rate of 5% to 7% annually, it is crucial to improve the energy and environmental performance of the building stock. In order to support sustainable development within the Saudi residential sector, this study identifies the main causes of high energy consumption in the sector and the key barriers to enhancing building energy performance from a design and operational perspective, including environmental, economic and socio-cultural factors. It goes on to explore a number of possible solutions, assessing their effectiveness via simulation and calculating cost benefits in order to identify the optimal energy efficiency measures. These are then tested against local building regulations and benchmarked against international low-energy standards. The most effective measures are incorporated into a proposed framework for energy-efficient building design in the Saudi context, which takes local environmental, economic and socio-cultural factors into account. The framework covers both new builds and retro-fitting and constitutes one of the main contributions of this research. The study was performed in four stages, each utilising a specific methodology. Stage one involved an exploratory public survey, distributed electronically, designed to gauge public awareness of the benefits of sustainable building design and to identify design and operation factors causing energy consumption in residential buildings. Next, an existing family villa, representing a typical dwelling type in Saudi Arabia, was selected for modelling purposes and examined to identify design weaknesses. The third stage involved a consultation with experts in the field to assess current building issues and identify viable solutions in the local context. A model was then created using DesignBuilder simulation software, and its energy performance validated using data collected from the case study villa. Additional simulations targeting building design and operating parameters to enhance energy efficiency were also analysed to establish the optimal solutions within the local context. The use of surveys, a case study, and computer simulations to collect and validate the results is considered appropriate for the purposes of proposing energy strategies for residential buildings in hot climates. The findings indicate that much of the high energy consumption in the residential sector results from poor building design and construction techniques, inefficient operating practices, a lack of stakeholder engagement, and an absence of coordinated enforcement. However, the results of the simulations show that energy consumption and peak electricity demand could be reduced significantly by implementing the optimal strategies proposed in the framework. A potential reduction of 68% in total electricity consumption and 74% in peak electricity demand was shown to be possible, with an 81% reduction in cooling energy use intensity (EUI) bringing Saudi Arabia within the range of recommended European standards. Analysis of the improvement simulations also indicated that a reduction of 80% in carbon emissions was achieved in comparison with the base case study building. This amounted to almost 23 tonnes of CO₂ avoided annually and was equivalent to nearly five cars not being used per year. The cost-saving analysis employed to determine the economic viability of incorporating the proposed techniques indicated a typical payback period of 7 years, average annual savings of 1,603 USD, and total operational cost savings of up to 51% over a 30-year period. By incorporating the optimal sustainable design features, energy-efficiency measures, and renewable solar energy technologies proposed in the framework, the representative home was transformed into an energy-efficient structure. This study demonstrates that relatively simple strategies can significantly reduce residential energy demand in hot climate conditions and that the strategies in the proposed framework are effective. These findings have significant implications for building sector professionals, policy-makers and building occupants. A dramatic reduction in energy consumption would save costs, reduce CO₂ emissions, alleviate the need to increase power generation capacity, and enhance the country's profile internationally, resulting in significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. However, this cannot be achieved without support from the government, the housing industry; and the general public, so the study concludes by recommending further measures to support the development of a sustainable building sector in Saudi Arabia in line with the aims expressed in Vision 2030

Examining the benefits, challenges, and drivers of open user innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises operating in low R&D industries

Recent studies have indicated that many challenges exist in implementing open user innovation in SMEs. As a more advanced paradigm of traditional innovation, open user innovations are developed by users and other stakeholders who share tasks and costs of innovation development and then freely unwrap results. The work presented in this article examines the main factors driving open user innovation in SMEs, operating in industries with low investment in R&D. The work accounts for differences in the economics categorisation of the countries in which the organisations operate in (developing vs developed), and how that impacts various factors related to open user innovation adoption. The findings of this study indicate that differences between Australian and Kuwaiti SMEs exist, in terms of perceptions of success, benefits, challenges, and ease of implementation related to open user innovation. In addition, some differences are observed in the drivers for sensing open user innovation opportunities between the two countries examined

Influence of Heat–Cool Cyclic Exposure on the Performance of Fiber-Reinforced High-Strength Concrete

Sometimes civil engineering infrastructures have been constructed in hot and cold weathering regions such as desert areas. In such situations, the concrete is not only smashed by hot and cold processes but also spoiled by shrinkage cracking. Therefore, this study intends to examine the influence of heat–cool cycles on high-strength concrete comprising various fibers, such as natural date palm, polypropylene, and steel fibers, and their different volume percentages. The most popular technique for improving the structural behavior of concrete is fiber insertion. Fibers decrease cracking occurrences, enhance early strength under impact loads, and increase a structure’s ability to absorb additional energy. The main goal is to examine the effects of three different types of fibers on regular concrete exposed to heat–cool cycles. For each type of fiber, three dosages of 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1% were used to create high-strength concrete. After 28 days of regular water curing and six months of exposure to heat-and-cold cycles, all specimens were tested. The heat–cool cycles entailed heating for two days at 60 °C in the oven and cooling for another two days at room temperature. The results of the experiment showed that fiber reinforcement in concrete improves its strength and durability. The flexural strength was substantially improved by increasing the date palm, polypropylene, and steel fibers into the high-strength concrete with and without heat–cool cycles. Adding increments of date palm, polypropylene, and steel fibers into high-strength concrete revealed a significant improvement in energy absorption capacity in both cases, i.e., with or without the implementation of heat–cool cycles. Therefore, the natural date palm fibers might be utilized to produce sustainable fibrous high-strength concrete and be applicable in severe weathering conditions

Estimation of compressive strength of waste concrete utilizing fly ash/slag in concrete with interpretable approaches: optimization and graphical user interface (GUI)

Geo-polymer concrete has a significant influence on the environmental condition and thus its use in the civil industry leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. However, problems lie with its mixed design and casting in the field. This study utilizes supervised artificial-based machine learning algorithms (MLAs) to anticipate the mechanical characteristic of fly ash/slag-based geopolymer concrete (FASBGPC) by utilizing AdaBoost and Bagging on MLPNN to make an ensemble model with 156 data points. The data consist of GGBS (kg/m3), Alkaline activator (kg/m3), Fly ash (kg/m3), SP dosage (kg/m3), NaOH Molarity, Aggregate (kg/m3), Temperature (°C) and compressive strength as output parameter. Python programming is utilized in Anaconda Navigator using Spyder version 5.0 to predict the mechanical response. Statistical measures and validation of data are done by splitting the dataset into 80/20 percent and K-Fold CV is employed to check the accurateness of the model by using MAE, RMSE, and R2. Statistical analysis relies on errors, and tests against external indicators help determine how well models function in terms of robustness. The most important factor in compressive strength measurements is examined using permutation characteristics. The result reveals that ANN with AdaBoost is outclassed by giving maximum enhancement with R2 = 0.914 and shows the least error with statistical and external validations. Shapley analysis shows that GGBS, NaOH Molarity, and temperature are the most influential parameter that has significant content in making FASBGPC. Thus, ensemble methods are suitable for constructing prediction models because of their strong and reliable performance. Furthermore, the graphical user interface (GUI) is generated through the process of training a model that forecasts the desired outcome values when the corresponding inputs are provided. It streamlines the process and provides a useful tool for applying the model&amp;apos;s abilities in the field of civil engineering.Validerad;2024;Nivå 2;2024-04-04 (joosat);Funder: Najran University (NU/DRP/SERC/12/6);Full text license: CC BY</p