The Impact of Thermal Insulation in the Building Envelopes on Energy Consumption in Low-Rise Residential Buildings in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the influence of various thermal insulation materials on the consumption of cooling energy in low-rise residential buildings in Saudi Arabia. A case study of a typical residential building in Riyadh was employed, in which both traditional insulation materials—such as foamed glass, rock wool, polystyrene, and polyurethane—and advanced materials like Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs) were applied to the building's walls and roof. Furthermore, low-emissivity glazing was implemented to optimise energy efficiency. Dynamic simulation software (TRNSYS) was employed to assess the building's annual energy performance and cooling burden under a variety of insulation scenarios. Thermal insulation considerably reduces energy consumption, with polyurethane insulation achieving a reduction of up to 53% and VIPs providing a reduction of up to 66% compared to an uninsulated building, according to the results. These results emphasise the efficacy of enhanced insulation in reducing energy consumption, rendering it a critical strategy for improving energy efficiency in residential buildings in the humid climate of Saudi Arabia.