Reducing Energy Consumption in Residential and Commercial Buildings by Facility Management PDF

Energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings is considered a major cause/ contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (CO2). Buildings account far 40% of the total energy consumption worldwide subsequently, increasing the CO2 emissions. In countries like Kuwait, where the weather may well exceed 46°C, the energy consumption is high and increasing with time. The country is struggling to increase the electricity generating capacity in order to meet the high demand. Hence, introducing facility management in the design and construction phases of buildings is crucial far establishing sustainable developments. The aim of this paper is to reduce the economical and environmental impacts developed from energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings for facility management. Two case studies are presented including typical Kuwaiti residential and commercial buildings. Modeling was performed using an energy simulation software and Kuwait code. The analysis was conducted on four parameters: glazing area, shading ratio, overall heat transfer coefficient of the wall and roof, with a payback period of less than two years. In this case, facility management plays a role in the design phase of the wall and roof insulation layers, installation phase of the glazing, installation, maintenance and operation of the shading ratio. In conclusion, a facility management can achieve tremendous energy savings. It will not only reduce future maintenance and repair but also reflects on reduced HVAC energy consumption, which therefore lowers CO2 emissions.