As part of energy conservation measures, the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Development Affairs has announced that installation of thermal insulation systems was mandatory for all new constructions that are coming up in the Kingdom.

 

Thermal insulation would be a pre-requisite while applying for electricity connection, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Prince Mansour bin Miteb bin Abdulaziz said.

 

The minister instructed all municipalities in the Kingdom that installation of thermal insulation was mandatory for all buildings irrespective of whether they were residential, commercial or any other facility like government projects in major cities of the Kingdom.

 

Thermal insulation will be mandatory in 23 cities and towns across the Kingdom.

 

Municipalities and engineering consultants will coordinate with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to implement the policy. If any building fails to install insulation, it won't be able to subscribe for power supply and the municipality will also not approve permanent permission.

 

An exclusive integrated system will be developed between municipalities and SEC to verify the installation, the ministry said.

 

Thermal insulation is a technology used to protect the buildings from excessive heat during peak summer time. It reduces the pace of heat transfer inside the building through the walls and roof and as a result, saves about 40 percent of energy in air-conditioning.

 

Air-conditioning will still be required, but the tenant will save a lot in terms of utility bills.

 

Air-conditioners account for about 70 percent of electricity consumption in Saudi Arabia, and with more than 1.5 million new homes needed to keep pace with population growth, domestic energy demand is anticipated to double by 2030, according to Saudi Electricity Company.