The United Arab Emirates is home to a plethora of megastructures; breathtaking buildings that gleam amidst the desert-scape. Developers in the region constantly try to outdo themselves by constructing structures that are nothing but sheer engineering marvels. Building codes in the country recommend green building practices for newer projects. International standards such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM, etc, are used alongside regional standards like Estidama to achieve highly energy-efficient modern buildings. While it is important to create new green buildings, we must however pay more attention to retrofitting our existing buildings. 

The UAE has a large pool of old and inefficient buildings which figuratively drain huge amounts of energy. Deep energy retrofit is the answer to this issue. Energy retrofits can reduce energy consumption in old buildings by over 50%. Energy companies or ESCOs carry out energy retrofit projects to help clients save energy. The UAE government, with its Vision 2050 has pledged to improve energy efficiency in the region. While considering a retrofit project, it’s important to know your options.

Types of retrofit projects:

1.     HVAC optimization 

As the UAE is a desert, on average, AC loads make up over 75% of energy consumption in buildings. HVAC experts such as Stout MEP can carry out HVAC up-gradation/optimization procedures to increase the energy efficiency of dull HVAC systems. HVAC systems can be retrofitted with relatively inexpensive automation equipment to create self-correcting smart systems that reduce energy consumption by as much as 40%. Another no-brainer solution is that of AI HVAC optimization in which a cloud-based control system is added to existing BMS in order to automate HVAC system controls and achieve significant savings.

Retrofit options : 

·       HVAC equipment optimization 

·       HVAC AI Control optimization 

2.     Building insulation 

Improper insulation of walls and roofing can result in massive inefficiencies. Proper insulation ensures that the sun’s heat doesn’t greatly affect the indoor temperature of the building. Well insulated structures keep the heat out like a flask, reducing the load on air conditioning. Today, a myriad of insulation options are available such as cavity wall insulation, interior insulation retrofits, or exterior insulation retrofits. Insulation is also available in prefab form that is mechanically fastened onto existing bare walls. They come in a variety of different colours and finishes, eliminating the need for additional painting or decoration.

Retrofit Options: 

·       Wall insulation 

·       Roof insulation 

·       Thermal envelope

3.     Cool roofs

Green roofs and white roofs are methods of converting boring terraces into energy efficiency aids. Green roofs involve maintaining a vegetative cover over building roofs to reduce heat gain. White roofs are achieved by painting a layer of ultra reflective paint (usually SRI > 78) which reflects sunlight and reduces heat gain. While both methods are have their own benefits, as a retrofit option, white roofing is a better process on account of it’s ease of application. 

Retrofit options:

·       Green roofing 

·       White roofing 

4.     Fenestration 

Windows play a big role in letting in the sun’s heat. With the right fenestration or window layout, buildings can take advantage of natural lighting while decreasing heat gains. For renovation projects, as changing design can be tricky, it’s often easier to replace existing single glazed windows with double glazed, triple glazed or vacuum glazed ones. High performance windows have very low U values and hence let in very little heat, thereby reducing AC load and saving energy. For even more efficiency, users can opt for smart windows which are electrochromic, i.e they change colour or opacity when a voltage is applied. Such windows get dark automatically during times of high heat and get light and fully see through when required.

Retrofit options:

·       High performance windows

·       Smart windows

5.     Lighting

Lighting retrofits are relatively simple but effective. All old fixtures must be replaced with high efficiency LED lights. In addition these can be accompanied by smart control systems with motion sensors and scheduling functionalities. Such systems turn on necessary lighting based on need and avoid wastage of electricity.

Retrofit options:

·       LED retrofit

·       Smart lighting controls

·       Incorporation of motion/occupancy sensors

6.     BMS Optimisation 

Building Management System (BMS) or Building Automation System (BAS) is the system that controls the various parameters of a building. By fine tuning control strategies and retrofitting sensors and smart meters, significant savings in electricity can be obtained at very little cost. Even buildings without BMS systems can have them retrofitted to achieve huge savings.

Retrofit options: 

·       BMS retrofit 

·       BMS optimisation 

·       Addition of smart sensors and meters

7.     Renewables

Once all other retrofit options have been explored to reduce energy demand as much as possible, on-site renewable energy production systems can be sized to create clean energy for remaining energy needs. As the UAE is blessed with abundant solar energy, solar PV systems are ideal for use in the region. Solar panels can be mounted on roofs or plain grounds nearby to usually produce enough electricity to power the entire building. Solar heaters can be installed to produce hot water without any emissions. Wind power is another option suitable for buildings nearby large open spaces. Consult an energy company to choose a system appropriate for your building.

Retrofit options:

·       Solar Photovoltaic system

·       Solar water heaters

·       Wind turbines

The benefits of deep energy retrofits are multifold. Energy retrofit projects save energy, save money, are better for occupant comfort and health, reduce carbon emissions and help save the planet. 


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