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Energy Performance in Kuwaiti Villas: Understanding the Social and Physical Factors That Drive Energy Use

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Energy Performance in Kuwaiti Villas: Understanding the Social and Physical Factors That Drive Energy Use UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Energy performance in Kuwaiti villas: understanding the social and physical factors that drive energy use Badria Nabil Jaffar UCL Energy Institute The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources (BSEER) University College London A Thesis Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy University College London July 2020 1 Declaration I, Badria Nabil Jaffar, confirm that the work presented in this thesis is my own. Where information has been derived from other sources, I confirm that this has been indicated in the thesis. July 2020 Badria N. Jaffar 2 Abstract In Kuwait almost 60% of electrical energy is used in residential buildings and this is predicted to grow with the rapid increase in population and demand for housing. Despite the magnitude of residential energy demand, there is limited data and research reported about the Kuwaiti housing stock and its energy use. To assess the potential for efficiency improvements and demand reduction in this sector, an understanding of the factors that drive household energy use is crucial. This thesis utilizes a mixed-method research approach to identify key physical and social drivers of energy use in Kuwaiti villas. A quantitative household survey, of 250 villas geographically stratified throughout Kuwait, was undertaken to better understand household socio-demographic characteristics, building form and fabric, space conditioning, lighting, appliances, and energy use. This was followed by a 12-month longitudinal investigation of four case study villas whose energy and internal temperatures were monitored and occupant behaviour, building fabric and appliances surveyed. This empirical data was then used in the development of energy models for each villa to help better understand energy use. Key drivers found to impact energy use are air-conditioning thermostat set points, building size and number of occupants. While the impact of insulation and double glazing on energy use could not be determined, monitoring suggests these technologies create more uniform internal temperatures. Models grounded with empirical data suggest that space cooling accounts for 50% to 75% of total energy use, and that drivers of cooling energy demand can vary significantly between villas. The research concludes with recommendations that could potentially save considerable energy in Kuwait, such as increasing air-conditioning thermostat settings during periods of summer travel. This thesis has collected valuable household-level energy, building and occupant data, about which little has been published, and has laid the groundwork for future evidence- based energy policy in Kuwait. 3 Impact Statement This research has generated a number of findings that benefit academia and other stakeholders in the energy and residential building sector. The thesis has shown academic impact via two peer-reviewed academic journal papers and a presentation at a conference (listed at the end of this statement). These demonstrate a novel and integrated approach towards a more empirically based examination of energy use in residential villas. In particular, the research’s quantitative household survey provided a comprehensive information base about the physical and social characteristics of Kuwaiti villas on a national level, of which published data is virtually non-existent. Similarly, while many studies only collect temperature data in one or two rooms of a dwelling, the mixed-method multi-case study collected longitudinal indoor temperature data, at 20-minute intervals, in almost every room, providing greater insight into the cooling and heating of households. Another unique aspect of the multi-case study is the interactive feedback between monitoring data and occupant interview data, demonstrating the value of longitudinal studies of energy use that also incorporate a longitudinal social element. In addition, research findings are of relevance to the Kuwaiti government that is seeking to meet the residential energy demands of a growing population while reducing carbon emissions and capital infrastructure costs for power generation. Impact on government is especially important in Kuwait as all developments in the country’s energy sector are owned and controlled by government, including production, supply, and distribution of energy. Primarily findings highlight the value of an evidence-based approach to policy evaluation, particularly in the development and validation of energy models commonly used as tools to inform interventions. Findings have also supported the development of policy recommendations that could potentially save considerable energy in Kuwait, particularly at times of peak demand. These include policies that encourage higher air-conditioning thermostat settings during the summer travel period, more efficient appliances, a reduction in villa size, air-conditioning maintenance schemes, electricity tariff redesigns, and endorsement of robust national databases with empirically measured energy, building and occupant data. Such recommendations are relevant to a number of government organizations, including the Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait Municipality, and the Public Authority for Housing welfare. 4 Research findings and recommendations are also likely to impact decisions and actions of other stakeholders including designers, engineers, contractors, material and equipment suppliers and homeowners. A list of academic publications developed from this thesis: Refereed Journals • Jaffar, B., Oreszczyn, T., Raslan, R., Summerfield, A., 2018. Understanding energy demand in Kuwaiti villas: findings from a quantitative household survey. Energy and Buildings. 165: 379-389 • Jaffar, B., Oreszczyn, T., Raslan, R., 2019. Empirical and modelled energy performance in Kuwaiti villas: understanding the social and physical factors that influence energy use. Energy and Buildings. 188-189: 252-268 Refereed Conference • Jaffar, B., Oreszczyn, T., Raslan, R., 2014. A framework to evaluate the energy efficiency potential of Kuwaiti homes. In Energy and Sustainability V conference - WIT Transactions on Ecology and The Environment. 186: 25-38 5 Acknowledgements First and foremost, praise is to God, the Gracious and Merciful, for His countless bounties and blessings. Throughout this journey there have been many people to whom I’m very grateful for. I would like to begin by thanking my supervisors, Prof Tadj Oreszczyn and Dr Rokia Raslan, for their invaluable insight, guidance, support, and understanding. I’m also grateful for the advice I received from Dr Alex Summerfield in the analysis of the quantitative survey data and Dr Lia Fong Chiu for the valuable discussions about the important impact of occupants in buildings. My deep appreciation goes to all those in Kuwait who have contributed, in different ways, to this research. I particularly acknowledge the kind and generous contribution of the case study participants for agreeing to take part in this study and for providing access to their homes for an entire year. Special thanks also go to participants of the quantitative household survey for their time and input. I’m also grateful for the valuable early contributions of Eng. Iqbal Altayyar and Mr. Mike Wood from the Ministry of Electricity and Water, as well as professionals at the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, the Public Authority for Civil Information and Kuwait Meteorological Center for providing useful data and statistics. A special thanks to my family, the source of love and strength in my life. My dear parents, thank you for inspiring in me the belief that knowledge and its pursuit has no end. My husband Ahmed, who has lived every stage of this journey with me, thank you for your endless support and encouragement. Finally, I would like to dedicate this PhD to my beautiful children who have been my true motivation throughout these years, my key drivers: Mohammed, Nabil, Mubarak, Abdulrahman and our princess Muneerah. 6 Contents Declaration....................................................................................................................... 2 Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 3 Impact Statement .............................................................................................................. 4 Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... 6 Contents........................................................................................................................... 7 Figures........................................................................................................................... 11 Tables ............................................................................................................................ 12 Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 14 Abbreviations and Symbols ............................................................................................. 16 Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................... 18 1.1 Background & rational ........................................................................................... 18 1.2 Research aim, question and objectives ...................................................................
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