Understanding occupant behaviour in Islamic homes to close the gap in building performance simulation: A case study of houses in Riyadh

This study explores the influence of Saudi Arabian culture on the use of energy in domestic buildings. Building occupation/load schedules are used to simulate and predict energy-using activities. However, the effective use of this method depends on accurate load schedules. Failure to achieve this can result in a mismatch between predicted and actual energy use of up to 40%. Cultural and behavioural factors have a significant impact on the assumptions incorporated within the load schedules and it is, therefore, important to look at these features in detail. Using a time use data (TUD) survey, it is possible to improve the accuracy of this information, which can reduce the mismatch to 15%.