The Role of Energy Modelling in the Development of Sustainable Construction Regulations for Al-Madinah City Central District

This article discusses part of the procedure used to develop the energy requirements in the new green standards for the central district of Al-Madinah city. A comprehensive energy auditing was conducted for sample existing buildings. Two buildings were selected representing both high-end and medium quality typical construction in the district. Field-collected energy use data were used to calibrate energy models to compare the performance of sample buildings with reference buildings complying with ASHRAE 90.1, 2010. It was found that current regulations, the type of ownership in the district, and the increase in utility cost lead to energy performances that matched buildings complying with ST90.1, even though no energy efficiency requirements are currently mandated. These results paved the road for proposing the application of mandatory energy performance regulations to the district that matches international standards and are applicable in the meantime.