1. Can New National Energy
Code Deliver Efficient
Buildings?
National Committee of
Buildings Codes in Kuwait
Energy Code Group

2. Outline:
 Forward
 Introduction
 Principle of Energy Codes and
Regulations
 Scope of building energy codes
and regulations
 Options for structures of building
energy codes and regulations
 Advantages and disadvantages
of elemental and integrated
methods

3. Forward
The Kuwait government recently formed
National Building Codes Committee in
Kuwait. It identified that the building control
system in Kuwait is
‘…not broken, (but) it has some
significant weaknesses that must be
tackled if we are to ensure that it
remains fit for purpose in today’s world
and in the future’

4. Introduction
MEW Enforcers
Minimum requirements for efficient
energy use in buildings have been
enforced by the Ministry of Electricity and
Water sector (MEW) for all new and
retrofitted buildings since 1983, through
an Energy Conservation Code of Practice
that takes into consideration the fact that
consumers pay only a fraction (5 to10%)
of actual cost of power and energy.

5. Introduction
MEW Enforcers
The 1983 code specifies minimum thermal
resistance for walls and roofs, size and
quality for glazing, fresh air requirements,
and performance standards for A/C
systems.
More importantly, the code fixes the
maximum allowable power for the A/C
system and lighting of buildings based on
the application, area and type of A/C
system.

6. Introduction
MEW Enforcers - Results
The energy conservation code, as
legislation, helps foster economic growth
and reduces adverse environmental impacts.
Energy conservation facilitates the
replacement of non-renewable resources
with renewable energy.
Energy conservation is often the most
economical solution to energy shortages,
and is a more environmentally being
alternative to increased energy production.

7. Principle of Energy Codes and
Regulations
 Be easy to apply
 Be applicable to all types of buildings and
systems
 Be sufficiently adaptable/flexible to accept
new technologies and design approaches
 Be easy and reliable to police
 Produce reliable outcomes
 Be consistent in application
 Discriminate between better and less good
buildings
 Not have adverse side effects (e.g. on health
or safety).

8. Scope of building energy codes
and regulations
 Building energy codes are typically divided
into sections dealing with envelope issues,
HVAC systems, lighting, and hot water
systems.
 A comprehensive energy code should
include all these, though historically (and
currently) many building energy regulations
only address some of them.

9. Options for structures of building
energy codes and regulations
 Prescriptive and performance-based codes
“A prescriptive approach describes an
acceptable solution while a performance
approach describes the required
performance” (Foliente, 2000)
 Codes could have mixed of prescriptive and
performance-based approached
 Elemental and Integrated procedure for
compliance

10. Advantages and disadvantages
of elemental and integrated methods
 Elemental structure
◦ An elemental structure is the easiest to
follow and is generally preferred by
designers and builders of relatively small
buildings. Since the key issues for
compliance relate to the products and
construction methods, it is often possible
for manufacturers to check and certify
performance (for windows, for example)
or to have straightforward calculation rules
(say insulation). This takes compliance
checking more straightforward (though not
entirely problem-free).

11. Advantages and disadvantages
of elemental and integrated methods
 Integrated Methods
◦ Integrated methods are more flexible, but
are more difficult to apply and check.
They require the use of a calculation
procedure, usually computer-based,
which may be more or less complex
depending on the scope of the code.
◦ Often, residential calculation procedures
are relatively simple, while those for non-
residential buildings are more complex.

12. Advantages and disadvantages
of elemental and integrated methods
 Integrated Methods
◦ Integrated methods can set generic targets
that are typically expressed in kWh/m²
per year with different target values for
different building types, such as offices,
schools, and sport halls

13. Advantages and disadvantages
of elemental and integrated methods
 Combined Methods
◦ With careful design of the process, it is
possible to combine the advantages of
both approaches.
◦ The elemental performance levels set for
the reference building of an integrated
method comprise a set of requirements
that guarantee compliance.

14. Advantages and disadvantages
of elemental and integrated methods
 Combined Methods
◦ Therefore there is no need to carry out the
calculation for a building that complies
with all the elemental requirements. Only
if the designer chooses to take advantage
of the flexibility offered by the integrated
approach then a calculation is needed.

15. Advantages and disadvantages
of elemental and integrated methods
 Performance Based Codes
◦ The code should be performance based
and should take the form of an
integrated energy calculation that
includes the demands generated by the
building fabric and its occupants upon
all the fixed building services, and the
performance of the systems that satisfy
those demands. It should include all
energy supplies to the building.

16. Sequence of Building Regulations
 A typical development sequence of building
energy regulations is:
◦ Elemental thermal requirements
◦ Add trade-offs between elements
◦ Fully integrated calculations
◦ Extension to energy performance rating.

17. Code Basic Structure of Building
Regulation
 Enforcement of building regulations
◦ Compliance with mandatory minimum
performance requirements should be
confirmed by formally certified private
assessors, who charge building owners
for their services. The process should be
audited by the authority under which the
code is issued – normally local or
central government – or by their agents.
The audit process should have the
ultimate sanction of removing
accreditation from assessors, subject to
proper appeals and review procedures.

18. Code Basic Structure of Building
Regulation
 Enforcement of building regulations
◦ Pre-consultation
 Most countries provide the facility for
informal discussion of proposed
projects between applicants and
building authorities.
◦ Approval of plans
 Approval of plans is generally
required.

19. Code Basic Structure of Building
Regulation
 Enforcement of building regulations
◦ Pre-consultation
◦ Start of construction
 In most countries start of construction
has to be notified to the building
authority.
◦ Inspection during construction
 In principle, works are inspected
during construction. Inspection may
be by local authority or private
organization or both according to
country.

20. Code Basic Structure of Building
Regulation
 Enforcement of building regulations
◦ Responsibility for control
 Responsibility is split between the
public and private sectors in ways that
differ between countries
 The responsibility for granting permits
almost always rests with local
authorities, although in England and
Wales private organizations are
qualified so to do.

21. Code Basic Structure of Building
Regulation
 Required Performance Levels
◦ As a general principle, mandatory
minimum performance levels should
reflect an assessment of the balance of
costs and benefits to society, including
external costs.

22. Code Basic Structure of Building
Regulation
 Fiscal action
◦ Fiscal incentives or penalties should be
linked to building energy labels.
 Demonstration Action
◦ Programs should be funded to
demonstrate (or not) the feasibility of
buildings that exceed current regulatory
minimum performance levels.

23. Forming of
Energy Code Group
National Committee of
Buildings Codes in Kuwait

24. National Committee of Building
Codes in Kuwait
Council of Ministers’ Decree # 1145, dated August 16th,2010.

25. Forming Energy Code Committee
 Dr. Ali Al-Ajmi Chair
 Prof. Abdullatif Ben Nakhi Member
 Eng. Fareed Alghmlas Member
 Eng. Wid Al-Amer Member
 Dr. Adnan A. Al Anzi Member
 Dr. Essam Assem Member
 Dr. Souror Alotaibi Member

26. Forming Energy Code Committee
Dr. Ali Alajmi
Assistance Professor
Mechanical Engineering
PAAET - College of Technological Studies
Education:
• PhD. in Mechanical Engineering - Built Environment,
Loughborough University, UK. - Aug. 2006
• M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Kuwait University, Kuwait -
March 1997
• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Kuwait University, Kuwait -
July 1994
Research Interest:
Building Optimization using Genetic Algorithm, Building
Simulations, Building Energy Auditing, Building Conservation,
Green Building Concepts, Building system rating, Indoor Air
Quality (IAQ), Heat transfer, Heat Exchangers, Performance of the
New Refrigerants.

27. Forming Energy Code Committee
Prof. Abdullatif Ben-Nakhi
Mechanical Engineering
PAAET - College of Technological Studies
Education:
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering , University of Strathclyde,
Glasgow, Scotland (UK) - (1992 – 1995).
• M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton,
Dayton, Ohio (USA) - (1988 – 1989).
• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Kuwait University, Khaldia,
Kuwait - (1981 – 1986).
Research Interest:
• Energy Conservation in Buildings, Computational Fluid
Dynamics, Combined Heat and Moisture Flow, Natural
Convection, Conjugate Heat Flow, Air-Conditioning System,
and intelligent control approaches for HVACR.

28. Forming Energy Code Committee
Eng. Fareed Alghimlas
Senior Research Associate
Buildings and Energy Technologies Department
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
Education:
• M.Sc. in Building System Engineering Program, University of
Colorado, Boulder, CO. USA -1996.
• B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado,
Boulder, CO. USA -1988.
Research Interest:
Building energy simulation, thermal analysis of buildings, energy
efficiency in buildings, energy auditing, building energy codes,
LEED certification, energy policy and modelling, district energy
systems, HVAC system design, indoor air quality and industrial
ventilation.

29. Forming Energy Code Committee
Eng. Wid Alamer
Chief Mechanical Engineer
Option-1
Raad Alabdallah Consulting Engineers - Kuwait
Education:
• M. Phil. in Mechanical Engineering, Brighton University, U.K.-
1982
• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Brighton University, U.K. -
1976.
Research Interest:
Energy Conservation, Solar Systems

30. Forming Energy Code Committee
Dr. Adnan Al-Anzi
Professor
Architecture Engineering Department
College of Engineering & Petroleum –Kuwait University
Education:
• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering/Building Systems, University of
Colorado at Boulder, CO - 1999.
• M.Sc. in Civil Engineering/Building Systems, University of
Colorado at Boulder, CO - 1993.
• B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering, University of Miami,Coral
Gables, FL.(Cum Laudi) - 1987.
Research Interest:
Thermal analysis of building, Mechanical systems of buildings,
Integration of building systems, Indoor air quality, Solar analysis of
buildings, Heat Transfer in ground-coupled buildings, Shading
analysis and glass in architecture.

31. Forming Energy Code Committee
Dr. Essam Assem
Associate Research Scientist
Buildings and Energy Technologies Department
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
Education:
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde,
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K. -1993.
• M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, University of
Strathclyde,Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.-1989
• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Northumbria,
Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K. -1985.
Research Interest:
Management in Research and Development , Technical Analysis,
Thermal Systems Analysis, Renewable Energy Applications,
Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Building Physics, Modeling &
Simulation of Buildings & HVAC Systems, Technical
Documentation, Project & Investment Appraisal

32. Forming Energy Code Committee
Dr. Sorour Alotiabi
Associate Professor
Mechanical Engineering Department
College of Engineering & Petroleum –Kuwait University
Education:
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame,
Notre Dame, USA – 2003.
• M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering, University of Notre Dame,
Notre Dame, USA – 2001.
• M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Syracuse University,
Syracuse. USA – 1998.
• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Kuwait University, Kuwait –
1995.
Research Interest:
Desalination and power plants, Solar Energy, Energy policy and
energy management, Controllability problem in thermal systems,
Heat Exchangers, HVAC.

33. Availability and Difficulty
 The committee strategy of reviewing the
existing code
◦ Comparing the regional (G.C.C) and
Global (ASHREA 90.2) to the existing
energy code
◦ Possibility of changing the main
philosophy of the existing energy code
(MEW R-6/7)
◦ Degree of changing on this stage
 On glance review of the existing energy
code period of review, see Figure below

34. Frequent of Updating National
Energy Code
U.S.
Kuwait
1975 1980 1989 1999 2001 2004 2007

35. Implementation of A Successful
Standard and Codes

36. Energy Code Group Action Plan
1. Identifying the main objectives and
Mandate of the committee
2. Measures to achieve these objectives
3. Setting meeting schedule for the
upcoming year and means of
communicating.

37. Tasks for Energy Code Committee
The National Building Codes Committee has
assign task of different aspect with main
objectives and time frame:
 Review the existing code, compare it with
regional and global codes
 Minors changing only to be done, until a
whole changing to the building codes
strategy prepared
 One year is given for this changing with
10-15% of changing

38. Meeting Schedules
# Meeting Date Activities
• Introduction
1 October 25, 2010
• Brainstorming group activity
• Brainstorming group activity
2 November 1, 2010
(Cont.)
• Review of Arab Code, Saudi
Building Code
3 December 6, 2010
• Comparison of R6 to Arab Code
and Saudi Building Code
• Review of Arab Code, Saudi
Building Code (Cont.)
• Comparison of R6 to Arab Code
4 December 13, 2010
and Saudi Building Code (Cont.)
• Addition of section “Purpose” to
R6

39. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Review of section 3
“Definitions”
5 December 13, 2010
• Addition of more definitions
from ASHRAE
• Review of Section 4 “Typical
Meteorological Year (TMY),
Design Conditions and Design
6 December 27, 2010 Day Profiles”
• Review of section 7 “Minimum
Required Energy Conservation
Measures for Buildings”

40. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Review of section 7 “Minimum
7 January 3, 2011 Required Energy Conservation
Measures for Buildings” (Cont.)
• Review of section 7 “Minimum
Required Energy Conservation
8 January 10, 2011 Measures for Buildings” (Cont.)
• Presentation Strategic Plan of the
group for the upcoming year
• Acceptance of Strategic Plan of
the group for the upcoming year
9 January 17, 2011 • Review of section 7 “Minimum
Required Energy Conservation
Measures for Buildings” (Cont.)

41. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Review of section 7 “Minimum
Required Energy Conservation
10 January 24, 2011
Measures for Buildings” (Cont.)
• Definitions added
• Review of section 7 “Minimum
11 February 14, 2012 Required Energy Conservation
Measures for Buildings” (Cont.)
• Review of section 7 “Minimum
Required Energy Conservation
12 February 21, 2011
Measures for Buildings” (Cont.)
• Definitions' added
• Review of section 7 “Minimum
13 March 7, 2011 Required Energy Conservation
Measures for Buildings” (Cont.)

42. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Review of section 7 “Minimum
Required Energy Conservation
14 March 14, 2011
Measures for Buildings” (Cont.)
• Definitions added
• Review of Section 5 “Methods of
Load Estimation”
15 March 24, 2011 • Review of Section 6 “Basic
Energy Conservation
Requirements”
• Review of Section 5 “Methods of
Load Estimation” (Cont.)
• Review of Section 6 “Basic
16 April 4, 2011
Energy Conservation
Requirements” Cont.)

43. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Review of Section 6 “Basic
17 April 11, 2011 Energy Conservation
Requirements” (Cont.)
• Review of Section 6 “Basic
18 April 18, 2011 Energy Conservation
Requirements” (Cont.)
• Discussion on amendment of
tables 5 & 6.
• Addition of definitions
19 April 25, 2011
• Review of Section 6 “Basic
Energy Conservation
Requirements” (Cont.)

44. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Amendment and addition of
Definitions.
20 May 9, 2011
• Completion of Review of
Section 5 & 6.
• Review of some pending items
on section 7.
21 May 16, 2011
• Amendment and addition of
Definitions.
• Acceptance of amendment to the
tables 5 & 6.
22 May 23, 2011
• Finalization on the amendment
to some definitions.

45. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Rephrasing titles of tables
23 September 28, 2011 • Review of some pending issues
of section 4 & 5.
• Finalizing of definition of A/C
24 October 10, 2011 • Finalizing of definition of Mixed
Used Buildings.
• Review of some pending items
25 October 17, 2011
on section 7. (Cont.)
• Review of some pending items
26 October 26, 2011
on section 7. (Cont.)
• Review of some pending items
27 October 31, 2011
on section 7. (Cont.)

46. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Review of some pending items
28 November 21, 2011
on section 7. (Cont.)
• Completion of review of section
7.
• Overview of Section 8 and
29 November 28, 2011
distribution of task of
preliminary review among the
group.
• Submission of individual
preliminary review of section 8,
30 December 7, 2011 discussion and finalizing the
review and acceptance of sub-
sections.

47. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Submission of individual
preliminary review of section 8,
30 December 7, 2011 discussion and finalizing the
review and acceptance of sub-
sections. (Cont.)
• Submission of individual
preliminary review of section 8,
31 December 12, 2011 discussion and finalizing the
review and acceptance of sub-
sections. (Cont.)
• Submission of individual
preliminary review of section 8,
32 December 19, 2011 discussion and finalizing the
review and acceptance of sub-
sections. (Cont.)

48. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Submission of individual
preliminary review of section 8,
33 January 9, 2012 discussion and finalizing the
review and acceptance of sub-
sections. (Cont.)
• Submission of individual
preliminary review of section 8,
34 February 20, 2012 discussion and finalizing the
review and acceptance of sub-
sections. (Cont.)
• Submission of individual
preliminary review of section 8,
35 March 5, 2012 discussion and finalizing the
review and acceptance of sub-
sections. (Cont.)

49. Meeting Schedules (Cont.)
# Meeting Date Activities
• Submission of individual
preliminary review of section 8,
36 March 12, 2012 discussion and finalizing the
review and acceptance of sub-
sections. (Cont.)
• Review of section 8 completed.
• Distribution of section 9, 10, 11
37 March 19, 2012
& 12 for individual preliminary
review.
• Submission of individual
38 April 2, 2012 preliminary review of section 9,
discussed and finalized
• Submission of individual
39 April 9, 2012 preliminary review of section 10,
11 & 12, discussed and finalized

50. Parts of Changings on the Code
(old)
Table 6. Basic Energy Conservation Requirements of Different Standard Buildings*.
A/C Systems (W/m2)**
Water-Cooled Chiller
Building Type Lighting(W/m2)
Air-Cooled
DX**
Chiller
<250 RT 250<RT<500 >500 RT
Residential
- Villa 10 60 71 53 46 44
- Apartment 10 60 71 53 46 44
Clinic 20 85 100 75 65 63
School 20 100 118 88 76 74
Mosque
- prayer area 20 115 135 101 88 85
Fast food
restaurant
- Stand-alone 20 145 171 128 111 107
- In a mall 20 120 141 106 92 88
Office 20 70 82 62 54 51
Shopping mall 40 70 82 62 54 51
Stand alone 40 80 94 71 61 59
shops
Community hall,
dining hall,
theatre 20 115 135 101 88 85
Show room 40 115 135 101 88 85
* This table is based on zero diversity.
**DX = direct expansion; A/C = air-conditioning

51. Parts of Changings on the Code
(new)
Table 5. Basic Energy Conservation Requirements of Different Standard Buildings*.
A/C Systems (W/m2)
Building Lighting Air- Water-Cooled Chiller
Type (W/m2) ** DX*** Cooled
Chiller <250 RT 250<RT<500 >500 RT
Residential
- Villa 8 60 65 53 46 44
- Apartment 8 60 65 53 46 44
Clinic 11 85 100 75 65 63
School 13 100 118 88 76 74
Mosque
- prayer area 14 115 135 101 88 85
Fast food
restaurant
- Stand-alone 15 145 171 128 111 107
- In a mall 15 120 141 106 92 88
Office 11 70 82 62 54 51
Shopping
16 70 82 62 54 51
mall
Community
hall, dining 17 115 135 101 88 85
hall, theatre
* This table is based on zero diversity. For more details refer to ASHRAE 90.1
** For spaces in which lighting is specified to be installed in addition to the general lighting for the
purpose of decorative appearance, such as chandelier-type luminaries or sconces or for
highlighting art or exhibits, provided that the additional lighting power shall not exceed 11 W/m 2
of such spaces.
*** DX = direct expansion

52. Parts of Changings on the Code
(old)
Table 7. Maximum Allowable U values for Different Types of Walls and Roofs
Description Wall Roof
Heavy construction, medium-light external color 0.568 (0.1) 0.397 (0.07)
Heavy construction, dark external color 0.426 (0.075) 0.256 (0.045)
Medium construction, medium-light external color 0.483 (0.085) 0.341 (0.06)
Medium construction, dark external color 0.426 (0.075) 0.199 (0.035)
Light construction, medium-light external color 0.426 (0.075) 0.284 (0.05)
Light construction, dark external color 0.369 (0.065) 0.170 (0.03)
Note: All figures are given in W/m2.°K (Btu/h.ft2.°F)

53. Parts of Changings on the Code
(new)
Table 6. Maximum Allowable U values for Different Types of Walls and Roofs.
Wall Roof
Description Thermal Thermal
U-value2 U-value2
Mass1 Mass1
Very light
< 50 < 25
construction, light 0.227 (0.04) 0.155 (0.027)
(< 2.4) (< 1.2)
color
Light construction,
0.369 (0.065) 0.170 (0.03)
dark external color
50-220 25 – 110
Light construction,
(2.4-10.8) (1.2-5.4)
medium-light 0.426 (0.075) 0.284 (0.05)
external color
Medium
construction, dark 0.426 (0.075) 0.199 (0.035)
external color
221 – 440 111 – 220
Medium
(10.9-21.5) (5.5-10.8)
construction,
0.483 (0.085) 0.341 (0.06)
medium-light
external color
Heavy construction,
0.426 (0.075) 0.256 (0.045)
dark external color
> 440 > 220
Heavy construction,
(> 21.5) (> 10.8)
medium-light 0.568 (0.1) 0.397 (0.07)
external color
1. Figures are given in kJ/m2.C (Btu/ft2.F)
2. Figures are given in W/m2.C (Btu/h.ft2.F)
Thermal bridging must be included in calculation of U-Value of wall and roof

54. Parts of Changings on the Code
(old)
Table 10. Maximum Power Rating for Different Types of A/C Systems and their
Components
System Power Rating (kW/RT)
Type Capacity PRCHIL PRCTF PRCW PRCHW PRAH PRT
(RT)
Ducted Split All
and Packaged 1.70
Units
Air-cooled 100
100-250 1.600 0.050 0.350 2.00
250
Water-cooled * 250 0.950 1.50
250-500 0.950 0.040 0.060 0.070 0.380 1.50
500-1000 0.750 1.30
1000 0.70 1.25
A/C = air-conditioning; RT = refrigeration ton; kW = kilowatt; PR = power rating
Subscripts; CHIL=chiller, CTF=cooling tower fan, CW=condenser water pump,
CHW=chilled water pumps, AH=Air-handling fan unit, T=total
* Capacity shown is for individual chillers.

55. Parts of Changings on the Code
(new)
Table 8. Maximum Power Rating for Different Types of A/C
Systems and their Components.
System Power Rating (kW/RT)
Capacity
Type PRCHIL PRAH PRT
(RT)
Ducted Split and Packaged Units All 1.70
Air-Cooled All 1.60 0.35 2.00
0-499 0.95 1.50
0.38
Water-Cooled 500-999 0.75 1.30
1000 0.7 1.25
A/C = air-conditioning; RT = refrigeration ton; kW = kilowatt; PR = power rating
Subscripts;
CHIL = chiller, AH = Air-handling fan unit, AUX = chilled water pumps &/or condenser
water pumps &/or cooling tower fans, T = total
* Capacity shown is per individual chiller.

56. Parts of Changings on the Code
(new)

57. Comparison between the
Existing and New Code

58. Comparison between the
Existing and New Code
Results shows saving around 20% with similar HVAC system.

59. Current & Future Actions
 Review the amendment by MEW
 A discussion to incorporating
MEW comments with the
committee members will be held
soon.
 An open discussion with the end
users of the code.
 Open for public review.

60. Conclusion
 Codes have to simple and
adoptable.
 A continues improvement of codes
is required
 A new philosophy of the MEW
codes need to be addressed
 A tremendous of research is
required for upcoming code’s
amendments
 Enforcement strategy need to be
implemented.

61. Thanks
for your kind listening