Passive and Hybrid Techniques for Low Cost Energy Effecient Housing in Hot Dry Climate

Abstract

The main consumer of electricity in Egypt is the residential sector which accounts for 42% of the total consumption, followed by the industrial sector (28%). The consumption of the residential sector has been steadily increasing in the recent years. According to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, this is due to two factors: the expansion of residential compounds and new communities as well as the use of domestic appliances, air conditioners in particular, during hot weather. Egypt is in a real need to change the "business-as-usual" approach in housing projects to overcome the major challenge of the hot dry climate while respecting the economic factors taking into consideration that increasing population and housing projects will affect negatively the energy demand in the coming few years. This paper will explore the main passive and hybrid design techniques for low cost energy efficient housing in hot arid climate. It will review six international case studies worldwide showing their energy efficiency practice and their methods to overcome climate and cost challenges using passive and hybrid techniques along with using local materials and renewable energy. The paper will recommend some of these techniques to be implemented in Egypt.