Qatar National Development Strategy (QNDS 2011-2016) stated that residential cooling loads count for two-thirds of the energy consumption. The extreme high air-conditioning loads raise the urgent need for novel and multifunctional technologies that reduce the thermal energy demand. The Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) mandated thermal energy benchmarks to reduce the building's need for cooling. The most predominant impact on cooling loads is the solar radiation. Reflecting or reuse of solar radiation has attracted the...

The built environment has a direct impact on the Gulf Region natural environment, the economy and human health. Buildings have to respond to local climate and site conditions to maximize building users’ comfort and health while minimizing energy use. Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) developed a simplified, standalone, building energy standard to support Qatar’s and the MENA region building energy ratings. Air conditioning counts for more than 60% of the electricity consumption in GCC countries....