Strategic Decision Making For Zero Energy Buildings in Jordan

Strategic Decision Making For Zero Energy Buildings in Jordan Shady Attia, PhD, LEED AP ASHRAE Member Samer Zawaydeh, ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of combined economic and computational study of different integrated passive and active design strategies for the Jordanian residential building sector. A representative house prototype, located in Amman is selected as a case study for the zero energy design and performance objective. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential of achieving thermal comfort and delivering thermal and electrical energy demands for existing buildings on site for different Jordanian Cities. Jordan has a semi-arid climate with an annual total irradiation above 2000 bankable kwh/m 2 per year with approximately 2000 hours of full sunshine. Therefore, different passive and active design strategies are discussed and compared to reach an annual net zero energy demand for the existing building stock. In order to achieve zero energy buildings certain strategies are examined. For example, internal loads reduction, envelope insulation in addition to the installation of solar water heater and photovoltaic. Based on a month-by month demand analysis, internal loads and envelope performance are analyzed in order to explore the existing economical potential. Simulation software DesignBuilder is used to examine the strategies proposed to achieve annual net zero energy performance for a prototype. The final result of this study compares the potential and constraints of each strategy and assesses them based on economical feasibility. For the considered location and weather conditions the prototype can provide thermal comfort for occupants and meets the zero energy objectives. The research also proofs that some strategies are cost effective rewarding with a payback period ranging from 3 to 9 years. INTRODUCTION Solar energy is one of the most abundant renewable resources in Jordan. The average annual total irradiation is between 1600-2300 bankable kwh/m 2 per annum with approximately 2330 hours of full sunshine (Etier et al 2010). However, this resource is generally not yet exploited in the building sector at any scale. On the other hand, due to the heavy dependence on fossil fuel exports and the exponential population growth, Jordan completed the first stage of a tender for its nuclear energy program and intends to have at least one reactor connected to the grid by 2020 (JAEC 2013). As a response to the previously mentioned contradicting facts it is of the utmost urgency that the existing building stock gets retrofitted to achieve an annual net zero energy performance (Biggs, 2005 and Green Peace 2013). There is potential for bioclimatic design in all climatic regions of Jordan (Johansson and Ouahrani, D. 2009). Similar to neighboring countries and with the assistance of active solar systems the building stock can easily achieve the zero energy objectives due to match between electric/thermal solar energy supply and cooling dominant demand (Attia 2010). For that reason, the research set a zero energy retrofit objective. The zero energy objectives will expand the architect s bank of ideas, broaden the range of choices and allows assessing their sensitivity. Thus to put the Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Concept in the regional context and better adapt it to the local traditional architectural practice, the remit of this paper is to assess existing rating systems for the development and measurement of sustainable buildings in the Jordan (Attia 2012a). Needless to say, any Shady Attia, PhD and LEED AP, is a researcher and lecturer at the Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Performance-Integrated Design (LIPID) School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.

design decision will require energy performance verification. Therefore in this research, different passive and active design strategies are compared, with the aid of simulation tools based on performance. Moreover, an economic analysis is presented. METHODOLOGY In order to eliminate the need for non-renewable sources, energy and renewable energy measures were analyzed in five different climates of Jordan. The tasks performed for this study included: selection of five locations; simulation of the baseline apartment; analysis of on-site availability of renewable energy, minimization of building energy use with passive design and energy efficiency measures, and the sizing of systems for the collection and storage of renewable energy to meet the reduced building needs. Building energy use analysis was performed using the ZEBO program (Attia et al. 2012b). Analyses of solar thermal and PV systems were performed using EnergyPlus program. TMY2 weather data were used for analyzing the building energy use and sizing the solar systems, respectively (Remund 2008). The research started with determining the annual average of kwh usage, to determine the user s seasonal electric consumption patterns and spikes. By this, the research acquires a starting point for comparing the energy output of various systems. Then, passive and active design strategies will be implemented in order to achieve a zero energy performance without compromising human comfort. The passive and active design strategies include the installation of thermal insulation, shading devices, energyefficient lighting systems and appliances, double glazing, flat plate collectors and photovoltaic panels. Finally, the paper investigates the potential and constraints of each strategy then assess them based on the economical feasibility of each of them. Location Selection Jordan can be divided into three climatic regions as indicated in Jordan Thermal Insulation Code, Appendix (B) (JNBC 2009): (Zone 1) the Rift Valley in the west, (Zone 2) the highlands in the center and the (Zone 3) desert in the east, see Fig.1a. The agricultural Rift Valley runs along the entire western length of Jordan at an altitude of below 600 m. It includes the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Wadi Araba and in the south, Aqaba. The central highlands comprise of mountainous and hilly regions that run through Jordan from north to south, with varying altitudes of 600 to 1600 m. This is the most densely populated region, including the capital city Amman, and other major cities such as Irbid, Ajloun Zarqa, Karak, Ma an and Petra. The climate of this region is characterized by hot summers and fairly cold winters. The average temperature in Amman ranges from 8.1 C in January to 25.1 C in July. The semi-arid desert region in east comprise of nearly two-thirds of the area of Jordan. The climate varies dramatically between day and night as well as between the summer and winter seasons. Summers are hot, dry and windy where temperatures can exceed 40 C, while winter nights can be bitterly cold, dry and windy. This distinct variation in climate within Jordan advocates for different approaches for energy efficient building. In the highlands the heating season is dominant whereas in the Rift Valley and the desert regions the cooling season is dominant. Basecase Selection The simulations were performed using TMY2 weather data for major cities in each of the 3 climate zones. Based on these results, five locations with distinct climatic characteristics were selected, which fall under three different climate zones classified by the Jordanian Thermal Insulation Code (JNBC 2009). These include: Amman, AM (moderate cold), Ajloun, AJ (moderate cold), Al Shouna Al Janubiyah, GH (hot humid), Aqaba, AQ (hot-humid) and Al Ruwaished, RU (hot-dry). Table 1 lists the base-case building characteristics, including climate-specific characteristics for the selected five locations. To select locations with distinct base-case energy use characteristics, a compliant single-family, semi-detached apartment was run in 5 climate zones. The size of the apartment, construction type, HVAC and DHW system types were determined from the housing survey data by the Public Action Project and Jordan Green Building Council (JNBC 2012). The Public Action Project (PAP), a public education and behavior change project funded by the US Agency for International Development to support its technical and policy investments in the Water, Energy and Environment sectors in Jordan (USAID/Jordan, 2013). The characteristics of the building envelope, efficiency of the HVAC and DHW systems, and

internal loads were chosen for PAP reports, and the usage profiles were adopted from Zawaydeh and Jaber (2013). Table 1: Basecase building characteristics Climate-specific characteristics City Aqaba, AQ Al Shouna, SH Amman, AM Ajloun, AJ Al-Ruwaished, AR Latitude and Longitude 29.5-35.0 31.4-35.3 31.9-35.9 32.3-35.7 32.5-38.1 Altitude 51-361 784 760 704 ASHRAE Zone 3 2b 3 3 3 General Characteristics Building configuration: 130 m 2, three bedroom, rectangle-shape, one-story, single family Construction type: Reinforced-concrete post and beam structure with brick infill walls Exterior walls: Stone Cladding, Concrete wall, no Insulation, Brick, Mortar Roof: Flat roof: tiles, cement mortar, water proofing layer, 5 cm extruded polystyrene, sand, reinforced concrete Windows: Window area: 25% of conditioned floor area, distributed equally on all three sides; Clear Single Pane in aluminium frame, operable window without exterior shading Shading: Venetian Blinds Close if Indoor Temp is above comfort HVAC systems: LPG Heater with a 85% efficiency + Heat pumps without ducts and without ventilation system DHW system: 80-litre electric water heater, 0.86 energy factor Thermostat set point: 20 C (68 F) for heating, 25.5 C (78 F) for cooling, 5 F set back and set up in winter and summer, respectively Natural Ventilation Windows and Doors are manually OPENED if cooling is needed Fan Forced Ventilation No Fans for Comfort Cooling CASE STUDY ENERGY ANALYSIS For the three major climate regions, passive and energy-efficiency measures for the building envelope, lighting, appliances, and systems were applied to minimize the basecase energy use. While considering these measures, certain performance objectives were defined to ensure maintaining comfort conditions, and to conform to the life style of an average Jordanian family (5 person/apartment). In the case when renewable sources were used, their use was specified not to interfere with the normal operation and usage of the residence. For the Zero Energy apartment, the basecase space heating, cooling and DHW systems would be replaced by a solar thermal system and the basecase space cooling and plug load systems would be replaced by a solar electric system. Therefore, the objective of this analysis was to determine inputs required for simulating equivalent space heating, cooling and DHW loads in EnergyPlus simulation program. Basecase The apartment is a typical unit that is found in most Jordanian residential building blocks. The floor layout is rectangular with a total area of 130 m 2 with a net conditioned area of 80 m 2, representing four rooms per apartment. The basic building construction is a reinforced-concrete post and beam structure. Windows are single glazed and transparent. The total amount of glass in the North, East and South facades is estimated to be between 20% and 30% of the total wall area. There is no solar protection for the facades and most wooden windows are tight. A multi-thermal-zone configuration was used in conducting energy simulations. To address the different orientation of the surveyed apartments, the basecase model performance was generated by simulating the building with its actual orientation and again after rotating the entire building 90, 180, and 270 degrees, then averaging the results. Table 1, lists the general description of the sample building and some properties for the construction material used. Energy Demand Analysis To obtain inputs for space heating, cooling loads DHW, plug loads and lighting loads, one set of simulations analyzing the impact of energy-efficiency measures were performed. Figure 2 shows the energy use of the base-case house in 5 locations. Strategy 1: Reduce Heat Losses: Envelope Insulation: The first step that can reduce heat gain significantly is to conform to the 2009 Jordanian Thermal Insulation Code design as shown in Figure 1b (JNBC 2009). The strategy suggests building new external walls, 250mm wide, from silt-brick working as a second-skin façade over the original. Also a 60mm extruded polystyrene insulation is recommended to increase the wall resistance up to U-0.57 W/m 2 K (Jordanian Code). For the roof, an 80mm

extruded polystyrene insulation will increase the resistance up to U-0.55 W/m2 K (Jordanian Code). This includes avoiding thermal bridges and bridging the insulation layers. Also the envelope air infiltration is reduced. Figure 1a Jordan three climatic regions, Figure 1b Jordanian Thermal Insulation Code Requirements (JNBC 2009) and Jordan Energy Saving Buildings Code (JNBC 2010) Strategy 2: Reduce Heat Gains Shading and Windows: To avoid the solar gains in the apartment and consequently reduce the cooling loads, openings require improved glass surfaces and shading devices. Overhang shading devices should admit low angle sun in the morning or winter when passive heating is needed, screen the sun in the middle of the day and in summer when overheating is a risk. The first step is to replace all single pane windows with U-2.3 W/m 2 K (Jordanian Code) double-pane windows (low-e) with a 12mm air space. Second, is to add venetian blinds or rolling shutters and shading devices (overhangs and fins) to the south, east and west façade. The overhang will be cantilevered for 1 meter, to protect the living room from the sun between May and September. Moreover, to achieve low emissivity of the envelope, the insulation is covered with a radiant barrier aluminum foil (ε=0.04). The total emissivity of the envelope is 0.8 and the absorption coefficient is 0.2. Strategy 3: Reduce Internal Loads Lighting and Appliances: All artificial lighting sources are going to be replaced with high efficient energy lamps (CFL and LED) and Energy Star appliances. The interior lighting power density was reduced respectively to 8, 6, 12 and 10 W/m 2 for the Living Room, Bed Room, Kitchen and toilet. Strategy 4: Passive Cooling: During spring and autumn, passive cooling can be provided through natural ventilation. The building should be prepared to allow air to flow through the building at day and night and when outside temperature is lower than inside the building. The apartment design was revised to make sure that openings and doors with built-in vents will allow cross air ventilation. Strategy 5: HVAC System: Based on the study of the KAP Household-baseline survey (USAID/MRO 2010) most residential buildings do not have a central heating or ventilation system. Most homes have a LPG gas (68%) or Kerosene (54%) heater for space heating. A very few percentage uses electric heaters (13%) or boilers coupled to radiators (7%). In regions where cooling is needed most homes install a window type or split air conditioner. However, for this study we suggested two different central HVAC systems. For Zone 1 and 3, electric heats pump for heating and cooling and for Zone 2, a gas boiler with radiators and electric heat pump. Strategy 6: Solar Thermal System (STS): A market survey suggested using the Flat Plate Collector for DHW due to economic reasons. The penetration of solar water heater in the Jordanian residential sector is around 11.1% (USAID/Jordan 2011). According to the field assessment of domestic solar water heaters done by the PAP project 51% of

homes use diesel boilers for water heating as a back up to the solar water-heating system, 34% use electrical heaters and 15% use LPG boiler. The Flat Plate Collector has an annual solar fraction of 93% (±5 %) and the daily consumption is 200 liter/day with an average temperature of 50 o C. The expected energy produced by this system is equivalent to 3000 kwh/yr. The 5m 2 unit will be installed on the roof and coupled to a 200 liter tank and inclined to the south with a tilt angle of 45 o from the horizontal (Amman). Besides, the existing electric water heater would be kept as an instantaneous back up water heater. Strategy 7: Solar Electric System: The electricity consumption analysis shows that the apartment consumes approximately 5 MWh/yr. After implementing the previous mentioned strategies to the model, EnergyPlus simulation estimated a reduction of 3.57 MWh/yr (see Figure 2). This step was fundamental prior to sizing the PV panels where the annual daily average solar irradiance ranges between 5-7 kwh/m 2. Now, the apartment needs approximately 3 MWh/yr. After consulting several companies in Jordan, most of them agreed that 15 m 2 of PV panels will yield approximately 3 MWh annually. The apartment is considered as grid-connected with a 1.5 kwp system. In fact, the available modules in the Jordanian market are assembled from polycrystalline cells (module efficiency 14.5%) and can be mounted on the flat roof with 31 o inclination. RESULTS Energy Performance First, the basecase was modeled. Several iterations took place to match the predicted electric consumption with billed consumption. The calibration work involved comparing the baseline to similar cases found in literature (Mohsen & Akash 2001, Hans et al. 2010, AlZyood et al. 2010, Khasawneh 2011, Abdalla and Tawalbeh 2012, Qasaimeh 2012 and Bhar 2012).According to the Electric Regulatory Commission Annual Report the average Jordanian household consumer bill (only electricty) is 3573 kwh/year (ERC 2011). Secondly, each strategy was separately integrated in the model and compared to the basecase to determine the energy savings that would be achieved. Table 2 lists the basecase and code compliance characteristics in addition to measures for achieving maximum energy efficiency (NZEB). For the code compliance these include mainly: a well-insulated, air-tight building envelope; high performance windows, infiltration control, air tightness and installation of SHW system. For the NZEB retrofit the measures included shading, energy efficient lighting, appliances and high-efficiency HVAC system; as well as roof mounted PV panels. The impact of combined application of these measures on the heating energy use and cooling energy use is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the results of energy-efficiency and renewable energy analysis, using the methods described in the previous section. Table 2: Basecase, code compliance and maximum energy efficiency characteristics Properties Basecase characteristics Measures for Code Compliance Measures for maximum efficiency NZEB 1 Roof U-value: U=1 W/m 2.K U=0.55 W/m 2.K U=0.1 W/m 2.K with radiant barrier 2 Wall R-value: U=2 W/m 2.K (no radiant barrier) U=0.57 W/m 2.K (no radiant barrier) U=0.2 W/m 2.K with radiant barrier 3 Window system: U=5.8 W/m 2.K), SHGC:- Single Pane in aluminium frame U=3.1 W/m 2.K), SHGC:0.75 Double Pane Low-E aluminium frame U-value: 0.5, SHGC: 0.25, Double Pane Low- E, Argon, Fiberglass frame 4 Operable Shading: operable window without exterior shading operable window without exterior shading Venetian Blinds Close if Sun on Window & Indoor Temp above comfort 5 Overhang: none none 1m overhang and fins (E,W, S) 6 Night insulation: not considered not considered 50% reduction in glass conductance, Insulated roller shutter 7 Infiltration: 0.7 ACH 0.5 ACH 0.35 ACH 8 Internal heat gain*: 0.19 kw from lighting, 0.71 kw from appliances 0.14 kw from lighting, 0.67 kw from appliances 0.05 kw from lighting, 0.50 kw from appliances 9 Natural Ventilation Windows and Doors are manually OPENED if cooling is needed Windows and Doors are manually OPENED if cooling is needed Windows and Doors are manually OPENED if cooling is needed 10 Fan Forced Ventilation no Fans for Comfort Cooling No Fans for Comfort Cooling Fans for Comfort Cooling 11 Thermostat set point: 20 C (68 F) for heating, 25.5 C (78 F) for cooling (RH=60%) 20 C (68 F) for heating, 25.5 C (78 F) for cooling (RH=60%) 20 C (68 F) for heating, 25.5 C (78 F) for cooling (RH=60%) 12 Heating system: Gas Furnace: AFUE 65% Gas Furnace: AFUE 65% Gas Furnace AFUE: 90% 13 Cooling system: Split System: Heat Pump EER 13/7.7 Split System: Heat Pump EER 13/7.7 Split System: Heat Pump EER 19/8.5 (Energy Star) 14 Ventilation system: none none Mechanical Ventilation with heat recovery:

85%, fresh air 7.5 cfm/person 15 DHW system: none 200 litre electric water heater, 0.86 energy factor 200 litre electric water heater, 0.86 energy factor 16 PV system: none none 15m 2 mono-crystalline., 14%, Nominal peak 1.5 kwp, l yield: 3000 KWh/year *Constant internal gains were obtained from annual equipment and lighting energy use, using conventional vs. energy-efficient appliances, 0.8 W/m 2 (incandescent) vs. 0.17 W/ m 2 (CFL) Installed lighting wattage and identical usage profiles for the base-case and maximum efficiency option. Figure 2 Basecase energy, code compliance energy and maximum efficiency energy use for 5 locations The simulation results illustrated in Figure 2 are in line with the climatic classification for the three zones of Jordan. Homes in Zone 1 (Aqaba and Al Shouna al-janubiyah) are cooling dominated, homes in Zone 2 (Amman and Ajloun) are heating dominated and homes in Zone 3 (Al-Ruwaished) are mixed, cooling and heating, dominated. Figure 2 shows the annual space heating and cooling energy use are reduced by incremental application of passive and energy-efficiency measures for the building envelope, lighting and appliances, annual DHW and systems energy use. Overall complying with the Jordanian Thermal Insulation Code Requirements (JNBC 2009) could reduce the energy use up to 40% (equivalent to 32 kwh/m 2 /year). The figure shows that in the Jordanian climate up to 66% energy use could be reduced for the NZEB objective (equivalent to 18 kwh/m 2 /year), by combining the entire passive and energy-efficiency measures analyzed in the three zones. Measures for heat losses reduction including efficient envelope and air-tightness contributed the highest energy use reduction in heating dominated locations. In Zone 2, up to 40% space heating energy use could be reduced by using measures for maximizing winter-time solar gains and minimizing heat losses. Measures for heat gains reduction including radiant barriers, shading, heat dissipation (artificial and natural ventilation) contributed the highest energy use reduction in cooling dominated locations. The reduction in fossil based DHW use resulted in an equivalent SHW energy savings (5.5 kwh/m 2 /year). Surprisingly in Zone 2 and 3, the building envelope measures that resulted in large heating energy savings increased the cooling energy use and exceeded the heating energy use. The zero energy objective reduced the need for heating energy in the five locations and increased the cooling requirement. Since solar energy is a potential source in Jordan and cooling loads are dominant in the five zero energy buildings scenarios, PV panels were simulated. For that scenario, PV panels energy will feed the heat-pump for space cooling and heating, using a split system, while using the electricity grid as a buffer/storage. This objective, a 15 square meter PV panel array installed at 31 tilt from horizontal and oriented the south was considered. Economic Feasibility The aim of the economic analysis is to compare the cost-effectiveness of the energy-savings or generation for each design strategy. The analysis was performed using economic analysis method described in ASHRAE (2009) and by Haberl

(1993). The cost analysis is based on the utility rate in Jordan for the year 2013. There are many inputs for the economical feasibility analysis (see Table 3) that was verified through previous studies (USAID/Jordan 2011 and Hans et al. 2010). In Jordan, he effective tax rate is 14% and the utility inflation rate is assumed as 8%. Starting with the envelope, the cost for code compliance and zero energy retrofit is 3500$ and 8000$ respectively. The retrofit included the new wall construction, insulation, shading devices and new windows. For the code compliance retrofit the SHW system is the most cost effective measure (payback=3-4 years) followed by the envelope insulation and tightness (payback=9 years). From an economic point of view installing a SHW system is economically rewarding. The system is manufactured in Jordan and can be easily installed and maintained. On the other side, the NZEB retrofit strategy is too ambitious. According to Table 3 the total payback time will be long. The payback including the property value appreciation is 44 years. Thus the PV panels investment cost is very high. However, upgrading the envelope and HVAC system (payback=5 years) might be an interesting objective for the coming years in Jordan because they it will allow reducing the consumption to meet almost the Passive House Standard requirements of 15 kw/m 2 /year (Feist 2007). Table 3: Results of cost analysis and payback time Electric Rates in Tiers (2013) T1=0.05 $, T2=0.1 $, T3=0.12 $, T4=0.15 $, T5=0.19 $ Fuel Rates 2 Propane, 1.07043 $/therm Baseline, 1.32664 $/therm Above Baseline, Propane: 3$/Gallon, Heating Oil: 2.9$/Gallon Cost (Code Payback (Code Cost (Maximum Payback (Maximum Efficiency) Compliance) Compliance ) Efficiency) Envelope 3500 $ 9 years 8.000 $ 18 years HVAC - - 4250 $ 10 years Flat Solar Water Heater (5m 2 ) 900 $ 3 years 900 $ 3 years PV panels (15m 2 ) = 3000 KWh - - 5.000 $ 12 years Average Annual Energy Consumption/ Total Payback 32 kw/m 2 /year 9 years 18 kw/m 2 /year 44 years CONCLUSION This study investigated passive and active design strategies for an existing apartment in order to reach a code complaint and zero energy retrofit. In this way the study is deliberately forward looking, evaluating and assessing the energy potential and economic feasibility providing an examination and vision for designs that may soon be implemented. On the energy level, the code compliance could reduce the energy use up to 40% (equivalent to 32 kwh/m 2 /year) and the NZEB retrofit could reduce energy use up to 66% (equivalent to 18 kwh/m 2 /year), by combining the entire passive and energyefficiency measures analyzed in the three zones. One of the most significant results of the study is that the bioclimatic site potential can sustain zero energy developments. The intensity of solar irradiation is indeed present year round and is strong enough for this purpose. The study present conclusive results following a methodological validated simulation approach and demonstrate that a, which considers passive design, efficiency and use of renewable sources, can deliver a zero energy residence in the Jordanian climate for the existing typical building stock. For Amman, AM, passive and energy-efficiency measures reduced the heating energy use by 60%. On the economical level, the code compliance strategies are economically feasible. The Solar Flat Collector for DHW has a payback period from 3-4 years payback period, which goes in line with literature findings and the PAP project (USAID/Jordan 2011 and 2013). However, the NZEB objective is too ambitious with 30 year payback time. There are two main reasons behind that. The first, electricity prices are still low because the Jordanian government does not tax the energy for small consumers. The second, the lack of incentives for PV panels installation. Nevertheless, in the PV panels future cost can change rapidly. Also, cost can vary significantly if the Jordanian institutions adapt policies for urban solar electric systems. However, the study remains theoretical with certain limitations. Selecting an existing residential typology did not allow other passive measures such as the urban setting, orientation, form and window to wall ratio. Also the study did not explore the potential of thermal mass and two other important systems. The geothermal heat pumps for space heating and cooling and evacuated tubes option for space heating and DHW. Finally, the research highlighted the energy and economic potential for different design strategies for an existing individual residential apartment. Until now, the barriers are mainly economical in Jordan. The economic success of code compliance measures is proofed. Future research might consider moving from the 32 kwh/m 2 /year performance range to

the Passive House Standard performance range (15 kwh/m 2 /year) exploring more cost effective design measures. District scale retrofits and up scaling renovation intervention might reduce the investment cost and payback time. Any strategic future vision should take into consideration the future increase of cooling demand in the Jordanian residential sector. The effect of heat island effect and climate change will have an impact too. The study highlights the importance of meeting the increasing electric demand due to ventilation and cooling through solar electric systems. This will require regulating the urban built environment and addressing issues such as urban solar rights and urban solar access. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors expresses his appreciation and thanks to Hala Jaber. REFERENCES Abdalla, N., Tawalbeh, M. 2012. Validated TRNSYS Model for Solar Assisted Space Heating System, Proceedings of the International Conference on Solar energy for MENA region INCOSOL, Amman, Jordan, 22-23. AlZyood, M., Harahsheh, H., Hammad, M. 2010. Thermal economical analysis of renewable energy buildings: towards low energy house in Jordan, International Renewable Energy Congress November 5-7, 2010 Sousse, Tunisia. Awadallah, T., Adas, H., Obaidat, T., Jarrar, I. 2009. Energy efficiency building code for Jordan, GCREEDER, Amman. ASHRAE, 2009. ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Applications. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. Attia, S. 2010. Active solar retrofit of a residential house, a case study in Egypt, ASES, Buffalo, USA. Attia, S. 2012a. A Tool for Design Decision Making-Zero Energy Residential Buildings in Hot Humid Climates,PhD Thesis, UCL, Diffusion universitaire CIACO, Louvain La Neuve, ISBN 978-2-87558-059-7. Attia, S., Gratia, E., De Herde, A, Hensen, J. 2012b. Simulation-based decision support tool for early stages of zero-energy building design, Energy and Building, Vol. 49, June 2012, Pages 2-15, ISSN 0378-7788, 10.1016/j.enbuild.2012.01.28 Bhar, R. 2012. Energy Efficiency in the Construction Sector in the Mediterranean, Energy Efficient Building Project Dead Sea Development Zone Project, MED-ENEC, Jordan. Biggs, C. 2005. Building What? The Challenge of Introducing Alternative Building Practices into the Aqaba Built Environment. Lund University, Int. Institute for Industrial Env. Economics - IIIEE, Sweden: Lund University. ERC, 2011. Electricity Regulatory Commission, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Annual Report Etier, I., Al Tarabsheha, A., & Ababneh, M. 2010. Analysis of solar radiation in Jordan. JJMIE, 4(6). Feist, W. 2007. Certification as" Quality Approved Passive House" Criteria for Residential-Use. Passive Haus Institut. Green Peace, 2013. Jordan s Future Energy, retrieved July 2013: http://www.greenpeace.org/arabic/pagefiles/481146/jordan_report2013.pdf Haberl, J. 1993. Economic Calculations for ASHRAE Handbook. EST-TR-93-04-07. College Station, TX: Energy Systems Laboratory, Texas A&M University. Hans, R., Tareq, E., & Florentine, V. 2010. Building Green in Jordan? Performance Evaluation of the Aqaba Residential Energy Efficiency Pilot Project (AREE). 2nd Int. Conference on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Development. JAEC, 2013. Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, retrieved July 2013: www.jaec.gov.jo JNBC, 2009. Thermal Insulation Code, Jordanian National Building Council, 2nd edition, Amman, Jordan. JNBC, 2010. Energy Saving Buildings Code, Jordanian National Building Council, 1st edition, 2010, Amman, Jordan. Johansson, E., & Ouahrani, D. (2009). Climate conscious architecture and urban design in Jordan: towards energy efficient buildings and improved urban microclimate. Housing Development & Management, Lund University. Khasawneh, J. 2011. AREE - Aqaba Residence Energy Efficiency: The Complete Experience, The Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE), Amman, Jordan. Qasaimeh, A. 2012. Solar Energy Optimization through Seasons: Case Study in Jordan, Smart Grid & Renewable Energy, 3, 275-281 Mohsen, M., Akash, B. 2001. Some prospects of energy savings in buildings. Energy conversion & management, 42(11), 1307-1315. Remund, J. 2008. Quality of Meteonorm Version 7.0. Europe, 6(1.3), 1-1. USAID/MRO, 2010. Final KAP Household-baseline survey, PAP for Water, Energy and Environment project, Report 2.

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