Model for calculating the sustainable building index (SBI) in the kingdom of Bahrain

Alnaser, N. W., Flanagan, R. and Alnaser, W. E. (2008) Model for calculating the sustainable building index (SBI) in the kingdom of Bahrain. Energy and Buildings, 40 (11). pp. 2037-2043. ISSN 0378-7788 doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2008.05.015

Abstract/Summary

We have developed a model that allows players in the building and construction sector and the energy policy makers on energy strategies to be able to perceive the interest of investors in the kingdom of Bahrain in conducting Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) or Building integrated wind turbines (BIWT) projects, i.e. a partial sustainable or green buildings. The model allows the calculation of the Sustainable building index (SBI), which ranges from 0.1 (lowest) to 1.0 (highest); the higher figure the more chance for launching BIPV or BIWT. This model was tested in Bahrain and the calculated SBI was found 0.47. This means that an extensive effort must be made through policies on renewable energy, renewable energy education, and incentives to BIPV and BIWT projects, environmental awareness and promotion to clean and sustainable energy for building and construction projects. Our model can be used internationally to create a "Global SBI" database. The Sustainable building and construction initiative (SBCI), United Nation, can take the task for establishing such task using this model.