The Role of Inhabitants’ Practices in Energy Use: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as Case Study

Saudi Arabia is considered to be one of the highest consumers of energy per capita
because around 70% of its dwellings are uninsulated, which contributed to an increase
in its energy demand. Some research has been undertaken about energy consumption
in Saudi houses, which has focused on the technical and simulation aspects as a mean
to reduce energy demand. This research was undertaken to understand the inhabitants’
practices and how they may affect the energy demand in Saudi homes. It worked in
identical regulated homes in Saudi Arabia to advance understanding of the role of
inhabitants’ practices in overall residential energy demand. The research was
conducted by using a mixed methods approach and with the use of a practice theory.
Longitudinal and cross-sectional time horizons were used to collect quantitative and
qualitative data. The results of this research suggest that the technological and social
aspects of energy use have at least an equality of importance, and both aspects affect
the energy demand of Saudi dwellings. The improvement in the building envelope
helped to achieve lower energy consumption compared to the actual average energy
consumption for a conventional house. However, exploration of the causes of wide
variations presented in energy demand between identical homes provides deep
understanding on how inhabitants’ practices influence the energy demand in Saudi
homes through the investigation four elements of practices (e.g. technology,
engagement, institutionalised knowledge and rules, know-how and embodied habits)
and how they are brought together in the conduct of everyday life. Recommendations
based on the thesis results are presented for the Saudi Royal Commission. Finally, some
insights from social practices are provided for domestic policy to be considered for
future housings.