Kuwait Times

Published Date: June 01, 2010
By Rawan Khalid, Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research(KISR) Environment and Urban Development Division, Building and Energy Technologies Department held a Scientific Seminar entitled 'Energy Efficiency for Existing Buildings,' to disseminate the results obtained from the project entitled, 'Solar Control Film Buildings.' The event was held at Jaber Al-Ahmed Auditorium at the KISR premises yesterday morning. The seminar was held under the patronage of General Manager Dr Naji Al-Mutairi. The Deputy General M
anager spoke on behalf of Al-Mutairi, "I welcome you to this seminar where the results of the project entitled: Solar Control Film for Buildings will be disseminated. We welcome the sponsor of the project IQue, Engineered by V-Kool," he said.

No society will be able to achieve an advanced position in the different fields of life without scientific research. Cooperation between research institutions and the private sector is an important factor for the development of society in different disciplines," Deputy General Manager said.

KISR is keen on cooperating with the private sector. A few days ago, a seminar was conducted to disseminate the results of a project funded by another company from the private sector in this auditorium. Other research studies are still being achieved through companies that concern energy conservation. Plans for the residential and commercial sectors are of great importance in the country. Investing in these projects require high capacity electrical energy that does not cause any burden on the governme
nt and the private sector.

Buildings in Kuwait consume around 84% of the total energy consumption. KISR's research targets the development of 'Energy Conservation Code of Practice,' use new energy efficient technologies that suit the local weather conditions, and energy auditing," Deputy General Manager added.

Also he stressed, "KISR's studies focus on the enhancement of thermal performance in buildings through specifying the thermal resistance of walls, roofs and windows. Variables affecting the thermal build-upon windows such as location, thermal bridges and air infiltration were calculated.

The study we are disseminating today focuses on the enhancement of the thermal performance of buildings without sacrificing the thermal and visual comfort. This study proved that using solar control films can reduce the peak power demand between 4.7 percent to 6.7 percent and saves around 9,7663 kWh annually," Deputy General Manager explained.

He thanked all those who helped in the success of this project, great appreciation to IQue, and to KISR's team. This is thanks to the companies that participated in the exhibition: IQue, 3M, AutoDesign. The seminar offered a chance for participants to identify the quality control applications for windows to improve energy efficiency, the economic benefits resulting from applying the outcome of the study in existing buildings, and becoming familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the technology u
sed in the study.

In addition, an educational exhibition held during the seminar offering information to the public on the latest technologies in solar control films are available locally through the participation of some of the major companies involved in marketing and manufacturing those systems.