Qualitative Tools in Residential Building Energy Standards Evaluation in UAE

STUDENT PAPAER. The aim of this DEng research project undertaken by the first author is to develop and test a new approach for thermal performance assessment of residential buildings in United Arab Emirates (UAE), through investigating interrelationships between building regulations, design process, construction process, and quality control of the building fabric in existing and new dwellings. The main objectives of this project are: First, Adapt Littlewood’s (Littlewood, J.R. (2013). Assessing and monitoring the thermal performance of dwellings, Chapter Four. In: Architectural Technology: Research and Practice. Editor: EMMITT, S. Wiley.) in-construction testing thermograph protocol and pilot a new approach for thermal performance assessment in the UAE for the inspection of building fabric junctions/openings in masonry walls, for a number of residential case study buildings, during the construction phases. Second, analyze pilot study findings and refine the thermal performance assessment protocol for the final project, and develop guidance for construction operatives with appropriate construction details; to meet energy efficiency targets. To support the aims and objectives of this project, the first author presents a theoretical framework study for the pilot project, in which different qualitative research tools are discussed to determine the most cohesive research methodology that will aid to develop residential building energy standards.