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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Regulatory Frameworks for Transitioning to Net-Zero Energy Buildings in a Tropical Desert Climate

Author

Listed:
  • Motaz Mestarehi

    (Department of Architecture and Interior Design, College of Engineering, University of Bahrain, Zallaq 1054, Bahrain)

  • Osama Omar

    (Department of Architecture and Interior Design, College of Engineering, University of Bahrain, Zallaq 1054, Bahrain)

Abstract

Domestic electricity consumption in the Kingdom of Bahrain accounts for 48% of total national electricity consumption, increasing between 1.5 and 3.5% annually. This increase is due to indoor cooling electricity accounting for up to 80% of domestic electricity consumption. The Kingdom is aiming for a reduction in carbon emissions of 30% by 2035 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Hence, reducing electricity consumption is necessary. Recently, the Kingdom’s Electricity and Water Authority has issued updated building regulations regarding the maximum thermal transmittance allowed for residential buildings. This study employed a quantitative simulation of a typical housing unit (T8) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, assessing building envelope materials and air conditioning efficacy following the updated building regulations via DesignBuilder V. 7.0.2.006 software. Additionally, this study examined the potential of building regulations to facilitate the transition to net-zero energy buildings by comparing electricity consumption with renewable energy generated from rooftop photovoltaic panels. It was determined that electricity consumption could be reduced by up to 52% by following building regulations and relying on current materials in the residential sector. Furthermore, this reduction may facilitate the Kingdom’s attainment of net-zero energy status through onsite power generation of 12,500 kWh/year. This study concluded that achieving net-zero energy status is possible by following building regulations and relying on commercially accessible construction materials; however, guidelines for energy storage or a feed-in tariff for the residential sector must be established.

Suggested Citation

  • Motaz Mestarehi & Osama Omar, 2025. "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Regulatory Frameworks for Transitioning to Net-Zero Energy Buildings in a Tropical Desert Climate," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:2:p:367-:d:1568381
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Osama Omar, 2020. "Near Zero-Energy Buildings in Lebanon: The Use of Emerging Technologies and Passive Architecture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Hisham Alghamdi & Aníbal Alviz-Meza, 2023. "A Novel Strategy for Converting Conventional Structures into Net-Zero-Energy Buildings without Destruction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Lei, Jiawei & Yang, Jinglei & Yang, En-Hua, 2016. "Energy performance of building envelopes integrated with phase change materials for cooling load reduction in tropical Singapore," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 207-217.
    4. Nejat, Payam & Jomehzadeh, Fatemeh & Taheri, Mohammad Mahdi & Gohari, Mohammad & Abd. Majid, Muhd Zaimi, 2015. "A global review of energy consumption, CO2 emissions and policy in the residential sector (with an overview of the top ten CO2 emitting countries)," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 843-862.
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