Making the UAE a model for the efficient use of energy


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UAE buildings have often been built more with aesthetics and cost in mind than anything else. The structure is meant to be functional, affordable and attractive. Energy efficiency has often not been an important consideration.

It should be. About 60 per cent of the energy used by the UAE goes on air conditioning. And because efficiency has often been overlooked, this figure - and the cost it represents - is much higher than it need be.

Recognising this problem, Abu Dhabi's Executive Affairs Authority has teamed up with the Masdar Institute for a unique study of the energy efficiency of the emirate's buildings.

It aims to characterise the buildings' performance and to estimate how much difference planned future improvements ("retrofits") will make.

In parallel to the traditional sampling approach - where a small number of statistically representative buildings are selected and monitored over a number of years - we are hoping to achieve faster, cheaper and possibly more accurate results using computer modelling. We have taken on the challenging and unprecedented task of building an energy demand model of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Using government data on the Emirate's overall energy-consumption behaviour, we can develop a predictive model based on certain structural parameters that represent buildings' overall energy performance.

By tweaking those parameters we can predict the energy impact of planned retrofits, and ultimately select those that are most cost-effective.

Preliminary results have shown that simple retrofits to existing buildings can bring significant savings. Proper AC maintenance, for instance, is one of the most effective retrofits.

Structural retrofits can bring about further improvements, although they are typically more intrusive and costly.

Many buildings in the UAE are leaky and have little or no thermal insulation. Most windows are single-glazed and lack proper solar shading. Adding insulation to the inner side of external walls, reducing air leakage and upgrading the windows can address this inefficiency.

And it's well worth it. First, there is the obvious shared issue of global climate change exacerbated by power plants that run on fossil fuels. Second, electricity in the UAE is subsidised - and therefore so is our carefree use of it.

Additionally, the Emirate's electricity generation plants rely almost exclusively on imported natural gas. Excessive reliance on imported fuel to meet energy demand is costly and reduces independence.

And lastly, the double-digit annual increase in energy demand. Unless that increase is checked, it may not be possible to generate enough extra electricity to meet it.

A systematic energy efficiency policy is required to keep demand in check.

This project and others will be able to show us how to reduce our buildings' electricity consumption in a realistic and cost-effective way.

Dr Afshin Afshari is professor of practice in engineering systems and management at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.

Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.

The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative