Aligning national building codes with energy rating systems for sustainable residential development: a policy-driven performance analysis

Purpose – A substantial portion of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand originates from the building industry, making energy-efficient design essential for sustainable urban development. This research investigates how low-rise residential buildings constructed in accordance with the Saudi Energy Conservation Code (SBC 602) and ASHRAE Standard 90.2 compare with the typical current building stock. The aim is to assess the effectiveness of localized energy codes in supporting sustainability goals in climate-diverse regions. Design/methodology/approach – Energy performance was assessed through dynamic simulations using DesignBuilder software across eight cities with distinct climatic conditions. The study analyzed low-rise residential buildings complying with SBC 602 and ASHRAE 90.2, alongside three real-world case studies reflecting prevailing local construction practices. The evaluation emphasized thermal envelope performance and utilized the Mostadam green building rating system to benchmark sustainability outcomes, covering both Design and Construction (D + C) and Operational and Efficiency (O + E) criteria. Findings – SBC 602-compliant buildings achieved 6–14% lower energy use intensity (EUI) than ASHRAE 90.2 models and about 31% lower EUI than existing buildings. These buildings frequently attain A or A+ energy ratings. While SBC models consistently meet Mostadam D + C requirements, O + E ratings exhibit regional variability, ranging from A+ to D, revealing gaps in climate responsiveness within the rating framework. Originality/value – This study provides empirical validation for the superiority of localized energy codes over international standards in enhancing building performance under region-specific conditions. Policy alignment between SBC and Mostadam, coupled with incentive mechanisms, could strengthen the country's transition toward energy-efficient residential developments and advance broader sustainable urbanization goals.