Energy security constitutes a major challenge for Jordan’s sustainable development.
Space heating in Jordan represents ~61% of total residential energy consumption
and dominantly involves portable un-flued kerosene and LPG stoves. Fuel
combustion of such heaters generates poor indoor air quality and emits GHGs.
Moreover, recent housing condition surveys show that the majority of dwellings in
Jordan are very energy inefficient. This paper assesses the thermal performance of
existing urban low-middle income apartments in Amman. This aim was approached
through surveying 106 sample units and using EnergyPlus engine to calculate
thermal performance of two representative apartments. Findings showed that ~75%
of the apartments had thermally poor external envelopes. Analysis revealed that
~64% of heat loss can be attributed to exposed walls and roofs. The present
research found that ‘thrift retrofitting’ will be inevitable in any effort in Jordan to
deliver resilient low-middle income apartments.