This study addresses the limited research on energy efficiency strategies for mosques in hot-humid climates such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where mosques represent a significant portion of public buildings with unique usage patterns. Few studies have explored passive design measures tailored to their specific typologies and scales. The study assesses energy consumption patterns in three mosques in Sharjah of varying capacity, size, spatial configuration and structural height. This study aims to evaluate customized energy efficiency strategies that suit each mosque’s physical and operational characteristics.
Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative tools, the study combines stakeholder interviews to capture in-depth insights, perceptions and experiences, along with energy consumption data analysis and simulation-based assessments, to model and evaluate system performance under specific conditions. This approach enables the study to assess the economic feasibility, environmental impact and cultural appropriateness of the proposed interventions within mosque settings.
Key findings indicate that the implementation of 30 cm thermal blocks for external walls, double glazing with a 16 mm CO2-filled cavity and high-albedo roof coatings leads to a significant reduction in annual energy consumption, with an estimated increase of 9.5% in total project cost. The medium-sized mosque achieved the highest reduction in annual energy use, reaching 12.42%. Smaller mosques showed notable improvements through natural ventilation and shading strategies, with a reduction of 11.68%, while larger mosques benefited more from enhanced insulation and reflective roof treatments, achieving a decrease of 8.21%. These results highlight the importance of adopting scale-specific passive design strategies to effectively reduce operational energy demand in religious buildings.
The study fills a gap in research on energy performance in religious buildings, particularly mosques, which receive less attention than residential or commercial structures. In the UAE, where mosques are central to community life, improving energy efficiency offers clear benefits. Globally, even in regions where energy efficiency in religious buildings is less urgent, adopting low-energy designs reduces carbon emissions and supports sustainability goals. Examining energy-efficient interventions in culturally specific buildings provides a model for integrating sustainability without compromising architectural or cultural integrity, offering insights applicable to heritage and cultural structures worldwide.
