Jaffar, Badria Nabil; (2020) Energy performance in Kuwaiti villas: understanding the social and physical factors that drive energy use. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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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.

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