Siemens joins Qatar’s Passivhaus experiment
Doha, April 24, 2013
Siemens said it has successfully deployed its cutting-edge technologies including meters and monitors to measure energy and water use at Qatar’s first Passivhaus experiment, which enhances energy-efficiency at residential units with the aim of creating more sustainable housing.
The overall project, known as Baytna, targets a 50 per cent reduction in energy and water consumption and CO2 emissions in the Passivhaus villa during the project’s implementation period.
The experiment is based on using two identical villas, one built conventionally and the other using green design and technologies, known as the Passivhaus villa, said a statement from Siemens.
Both villas, located in Barwa City in Doha, will be occupied by the same number of residents who will move in after the completion of a six-month testing and commissioning period.
Siemens has supplied the essential monitoring and metering equipment for this significant research project as well as fire detection systems and Building Management Systems.
Osram, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siemens, provided energy-efficient lighting solutions and Bosch equipped the villa with energy efficient white goods.
“Siemens is proud to be a key supplier of innovative technology to Qatar’s first Passivhaus, which aims to reduce energy use and increase awareness of efficient technologies and solutions to create a cleaner and greener environment,” said Joerg Scheifler, the CEO of Siemens Infrastructure and Cities, Middle East.
“The experiment supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and will help educate the public about energy efficiency, and subsequently assist them in reducing costs associated with power and water consumption,” he noted.
"Residents will live in the villas for a period of one year and the difference in their water and power consumption will be measured. During the first six months, the families’ energy and water usage habits will be observed," explained Scheifler.
"This will be followed by data analysis, training and education of the Passivhaus residents in using the available technology more efficiently to conserve energy and water," he stated.
"At the end of the experiment, compiled data will be used to help introduce viable, cost effective energy and water efficient technologies and standards in new homes and offices throughout Qatar," he added.
The project is led by Barwa Real Estate Group, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa), and Qatar Green Building Council, which is a member of Qatar Foundation.-TradeArabia News Service
