Abstract:
Most of researches and experiences of the concept of near
zero energy buildings (NZEBs) are highly concentrated on the
developed countries more than the developing countries due to many
reasons related to the different contexts conditions. This paper is a
part of a PhD thesis, which is being supervised by the Department of
Architecture at the University of Palermo. The paper aims at
highlighting the challenges facing the house design in Palestine as a
developing country in terms of NZEBs by making a study which is
related to discussing different experiences in the field of energy
saving strategies in Palestine and some surrounded countries, such
as Jordan which shares certain climatic and architectural
characteristics with Palestine. The data analysis process is based on
the study of several attempts and experiences taking into
consideration the contemporary house design situation in Palestine.
This study follows a classification of challenges toward near zero
energy house (NZEH) into two categories; firstly the organizational
challenges; such as costs, policies, and training challenges in effect
relates to how society organizes itself and establishes its priorities.
Secondly, the technical challenges of the NZEBs. The discussed
results should be considered in the influential governmental
institutions to provide the requisite leadership decisions for planning
better future built-up environment in Palestine, also in other
countries which have nearly similar context.
