Quantitative analysis of sustainable housing energy systems based on Estidama pearl rating system

ABSTRACT

The goal of this research is to perform comparative analysis between conventional energy systems (cooling, lighting, and water heating) typically utilized in housing construction and two sustainable models designed based on One Pearl and Two Pearls Estidama rating requirements with special focus on villa construction in the Emirate of Sharjah – United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is concluded that converting a standard villa to comply with the Estidama requirements produces a life cycle cost reduction of 15% (227 thousand dirhams) for One Pearl system and 33% (482 thousand dirhams) for Two Pearls system. Moreover, it is estimated that a total annual saving of 1.04 billion dirhams and around half million tons of CO₂ emission can be achieved if all existing villas were to be modified to qualify to the One Pearl system and a yearly saving of 2.23 billion dirhams and 1.14 million tons of CO₂ emissions for the Two Pearls system. Total annual energy consumption could be reduced by 20% and 43% for One Pearl and Two Pearls systems, respectively. This study contributes to quantitative evidence of the overall value that can be attained by implementing the emerging sustainable energy systems in the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE.

KEYWORDS:

• Pearl rating system
• sustainable villa
• energy systems
• environmental impact
• cost-benefit analysis