Compliance with Building Energy Code for the Residential Sector in Egyptian Hot-Arid Climate: Potential Impact, Difficulties, and Further Improvements

Building energy codes are considered to be an effective policy tool for reduction worldwide. However, their application and effectiveness still limited in developing countries. In Egypt, the residential sector is promising savings, as most of existing buildings aged with low thermal performance non-conformance codes. This study aims raise awareness promoting Egyptian among construction parties, especially end-users, by quantifying environmental impacts, terms savings comfort enhancement. Moreover, it attempts achieving a nearly zero building integrating several energy-efficient measures renewable sources. Thus, this study, typical Cairo was chosen simulation. The simulation results revealed that applying code instructions envelope, lighting enhancement increases cooling set-points, from 24 °C 25 °C, saved 37.85% annual electrical resulted 50.53%. Furthermore, photovoltaic system incorporation succeeded transforming into building. Concerning comfort, passive significantly influences indoor 30% discomfort hours during season, which represents main concern hot climate regions.