In the scorching desert climate of Saudi Arabia, where summer temperatures regularly soar above 45°C, keeping buildings cool has traditionally relied on energy-intensive air conditioning systems. This approach has led to Saudi Arabia becoming one of the world’s highest per capita energy consumers, with residential buildings accounting for over half of the nation’s electricity consumption.
Remarkably, cooling demands alone are responsible for more than 70% of this residential energy use, creating both economic and environmental challenges for the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 sustainability goals and faces the reality of climate change, passive design strategies offer a compelling alternative working with nature rather than against it to maintain comfortable indoor environments while dramatically reducing energy consumption.These strategies, many rooted in traditional Arabian architectural wisdom but enhanced with modern innovations, represent a crucial pathway toward
sustainable development in the region. This comprehensive guide explores how passive design strategies can be effectively implemented in Saudi Arabia’s unique climate conditions.
From ancient wind towers to cutting-edge thermal insulation, from strategic building orientation to innovative shading solutions, we’ll examine the full spectrum of natural cooling techniques that can transform how buildings perform in the Kingdom’s challenging environment.
Research demonstrates that properly implemented passive design approaches can reduce cooling energy demands by up to 68% compared to conventional buildings a game-changing potential for a nation where air conditioning currently dominates energy usage.
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