Implementing the Integrated Design Process (IDP) to design, construct and monitor an eco-house in hot climate

ABSTRACT

Eco-houses play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To implement such a concept, the current Conventional Design Process (CDP) needs to be improved. Thus, Integrated Design Process (IDP) was recently introduced to the buildings sector. IDP involves early stakeholders in a systematic approach to achieve performance targets. In this study, IDP was implemented in a single-family house, targeting efficient houses with minimum/no cost. Many energy efficiency strategies (EESs), such as envelop insulation, orientation, window properties, and efficient air-conditioning system, have been applied. These energy strategies predicted a substantial energy reduction where the energy use intensity (EUI) would fall from 182 to 72 kWh/m².year. In addition, solar renewable energy, domestic solar hot water (DSHW), and photovoltaic (PV) panels (10 kW) saved 18.78 MWh/year. Besides, water efficiency strategies (WESs) are anticipated to save 217,581 gallons/year due to the use of a water recycling unit, low flowrate faucets, and efficient shower systems, all of which have been proposed. All the recommended energy efficiency strategies (EESs) and water efficiency strategies (WESs) had a simple payback period of fewer than 10 years and proved their cost feasibility over their life-cycle. Moreover, a considerable CO₂ emission avoidance (117 tons/year) was attained.

KEYWORDS:

• Conventional design process (CDP)
• integrated design process (IDP)
• eco-house
• energy use intensity (EUI)
• energy efficiency strategies (EESs)
• water efficiencies strategies (WESS)

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank all stakeholders who participated in the project for their kind contribution, collaboration, and tremendous volunteering effort that made this project a reality. Gratitude is also extended to the Project Management Office team (EnerTech Holding Company), led by Fahad Almarri, Mohammed Abdulrazaq and Abdullah Almutairi.

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Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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Ali F. Alajmi

Ali Alajmi ·Visiting/Affiliate Professor at Portland State University, USA, 2016-Now. ·Associate Professor, at College of Technological Studies (CTS), Public Authority of Applied Education and Training· Ph.D. In Mechanical Engineering- Built Environment.  Loughborough University, UK.· M.Sc. and  B.Sc. In Mechanical Engineering. Kuwait University, Kuwait. Research interests: Buildings Optimization, Buildings Energy Performance, Buildings Energy Auditing, Net-zero Energy Building (NZEB). Publications: Publishes many articles in building energy performance assessments, building optimization using genetic algorithms (GAs), and Underfloor air-distributions system (UFAD).