CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ON THE RENEWABLE ENERGY BANDWAGON

The construction industry contributes substantially to environmental degradation, partly due to its large consumption of energy. In particular, energy consumption in buildings has grown in aggregate over time and thus the green house gas emissions associated with non- renewable energy use. Thus, analysis of the energy consumption of buildings is a difficult task, as it requires considering the detailed interactions between different components. Driven by population and economic growth, energy demand is expected to rise accompanied by further environmental concerns. As buildings are long-lived, impacts of direct and indirect energy uses will stretch into the lives of future generations. With the worldwide trend to combat the harmful effects of conventional energy, renewable energy sources come to forefront. This study shed light on Gaza Strip construction industry by presenting results of a questionnaire survey conducted among 57 consulting offices. The research examined the alternative energy sources in place, criteria for selection and general satisfaction. Generally, results revealed that generators, batteries and solar cells are the alternative energy sources used in the surveyed consulting offices. In addition, the vast majority of the respondents were dissatisfied with the current alternative sources. Collectively, to ensure that the problem is brought under control, a broader boundary for considering the use of renewableenergy sources must be created.