The Effect of Architectural Standards on Energy Consumption in High-Rise Residential Building in Northern Iraq

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report (Previous Reviewer 2)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for the revised version. As I said in the first review In my opinion is interesting that the article focuses on investigating the influence of the architectural standards on the energy consumption in high rise residential buildings from Northern Iraq.
Yellow highlights texts are convenient and appropriate, especially those that focus on the problem.
I think there is a misunderstanding when I say that a lack of real definition of the different measures is overlooked. There is no need to describe what the building envelope is. There is no information yet on the questionnaires or on the treatment that has been given to it. The hypotheses are clear and well stated, but it is a bit opaque to know how the data has been collected. That is, Figure 1 and Table 1 require an explanation of how the values ​​are included, taking into account what actual measurements have been taken and what these measurements physically mean. An explanatory table is required.

Author Response

Thank you for the revised version. As I said in the first review In my opinion is interesting that the article focuses on investigating the influence of the architectural standards on the energy consumption in high rise residential buildings from Northern Iraq.
Yellow highlights texts are convenient and appropriate, especially those that focus on the problem.
I think there is a misunderstanding when I say that a lack of real definition of the different measures is overlooked. There is no need to describe what the building envelope is. There is no information yet on the questionnaires or on the treatment that has been given to it. The hypotheses are clear and well stated, but it is a bit opaque to know how the data has been collected. That is, Figure 1 and Table 1 require an explanation of how the values ​​are included, taking into account what actual measurements have been taken and what these measurements physically mean. An explanatory table is required.

Responce to Reviewer

The definitions are removed that are unnecessary as recommended by the reviewer. The complete questionnaire treatment are given at page 6 from line # 287-294 for the track changes. The questionnaire complete are given in Appendix 1 as the explanation of the construct taken in the table 1 and the figure 1. Thank you for the review.  

 

Reviewer 2 Report (New Reviewer)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors present a study based on 400 surveys taken from residents who live in high bildings in Northern Irak in order to establish the influence of nine factors on energy consumption.

Some clarifications are needed on the methodology and presentation of the results.

 

Page 5 - About the 9 hypothesis formulated by the authors. In formulating the hypotheses, the authors should explain how they took into account the Architectural standards, or better define those standars. What was the time period for which the residents energy consumption was determined?

The data presented in table 6 and table 7 are not mentioned througout the texte. A quantitative description of these results is necessary.

 

Other formal sugesstions are:

Page 9, line 415: „Figure 1” probably should be „Figure 2”.

Page 11, lines 427-429 and Page 12, line 446: Some references are not listed correctly.

Page 18: References are listed twice, once in alphabetical order which must be deleted. Also, some references seem to be beside the subject and the authors shoud replace them, such as references 31, 33 and 34 (Doyle, J., et al., Advancing understanding of individual-level brand management in sport), (Hollander, J.B., The First City on Mars: An Urban Planner’s Guide to Settling the Red Planet), (Islam, S.M.S., et al., The burden and trend of diseases and their risk factors in Australia, 1990–2019:).

  Best regards.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The quality of english could be improved. 

Author Response

The authors present a study based on 400 surveys taken from residents who live in high bildings in Northern Irak in order to establish the influence of nine factors on energy consumption.

Point 1: Some clarifications are needed on the methodology and presentation of the results.

Response to reviewer:

The methodology is make more accurate according to suggestions of the reviewers.

Point 2: Page 5 - About the 9 hypothesis formulated by the authors. In formulating the hypotheses, the authors should explain how they took into account the Architectural standards, or better define those standars. What was the time period for which the residents energy consumption was determined?

Response to reviewer:

The hypothesis are corrected according to time domain.

Point 3: The data presented in table 6 and table 7 are not mentioned througout the texte. A quantitative description of these results is necessary.

Response to reviewer:

Table 6 and 7 mentioned in the text in quantitative way according to suggestions of the reviewers. Please find table 6 and 7 in the manuscript.

Point 4. Other formal sugesstions are:

Page 9, line 415: „Figure 1” probably should be „Figure 2”.

Page 11, lines 427-429 and Page 12, line 446: Some references are not listed correctly.

Page 18: References are listed twice, once in alphabetical order which must be deleted. Also, some references seem to be beside the subject and the authors shoud replace them, such as references 31, 33 and 34 (Doyle, J., et al., Advancing understanding of individual-level brand management in sport), (Hollander, J.B., The First City on Mars: An Urban Planner’s Guide to Settling the Red Planet), (Islam, S.M.S., et al., The burden and trend of diseases and their risk factors in Australia, 1990–2019:).

Response to reviewer:

Figures number placed correct. The references throughout the manuscript make correct. The references 21, 33, 34 are replaced according to suggestions with subject related.

Reviewer 3 Report (New Reviewer)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In this article, the author has derived the impact of building standards on energy consumption from a survey of various data on high-rise residential buildings located in northern Iraq. From my point of view, some important information was not provided. There are some minor and major revisions should be made before it is considered for publication.

 

1.     In line 186, the basis for selecting the seven high-rise case study building should be stated, including the method of selection and how the number was determined.

2.     In line 189, the reference to “as the literature indicates” should specify which literature is being referred to, as there are several references in the preceding paragraph.

3.     In section 3.1, the text mentions that data from 400 households were collected, the randomness and representativeness of the respondents and the accuracy and reliability of the data were not explained, and whether the survey was conducted in a single way.

4.     In section 4, the text mentions the use of Smart PLS-SEM for data analysis, and the model selection and validation process can be explained in detail. The AVE values were used, which could be illustrated as Cronbach alpha did above, stating the range of values.

5.     In line 425, Figure 2 represents the measurement model diagram. Many of the tables in the article are paginated, which affects the completeness of the data and comparisons; Table 7 is not referred in the text.

6.     There are values of Alpha less than 0.7 in Table 1, which is contrary to the statement in line 411 that “all values are greater than 0.7”.

7.     Line 580 of the original conclusion states that “all criteria except window design have a positive impact on energy consumption”, but other factors that hurt energy consumption include envelope design, orientation and solar gain, thermal comfort and insulation.

8.     Presentation of figures and languages can be improved. For instance, the quality all the figures can be improved. In the last paragraph, there are too many “moreover”, and should be replaced with some other expression.

9.     The conclusions as well as recommendations for the future needs to be more precise and the information provided in the article is not substantial enough.

Author Response

1. In line 186, the basis for selecting the seven high-rise case study building should be stated, including the method of selection and how the number was determined.

Response: The methods of selection with basis of selection of the seven buildings are give at page 6 according to suggestions.

2. In line 189, the reference to “as the literature indicates” should specify which literature is being referred to, as there are several references in the preceding paragraph.

Response: The unnecessary words removed.

3. In section 3.1, the text mentions that data from 400 households were collected, the randomness and representativeness of the respondents and the accuracy and reliability of the data were not explained, and whether the survey was conducted in a single way.

Response: The selection of the sample are given at page 6 according to suggestions.

4. In section 4, the text mentions the use of Smart PLS-SEM for data analysis, and the model selection and validation process can be explained in detail. The AVE values were used, which could be illustrated as Cronbach alpha did above, stating the range of values.

Response: The model validations explained in the section 4 according to suggestions at page 9 from 384-397 Lines.

5. In line 425, Figure 2 represents the measurement model diagram. Many of the tables in the article are paginated, which affects the completeness of the data and comparisons; Table 7 is not referred in the text.

Response: All the tables and figures refered with proper way according to suggestions.

6. There are values of Alpha less than 0.7 in Table 1, which is contrary to the statement in line 411 that “all values are greater than 0.7”.

Response: This point corrected according to suggestions. Please find page 9 line # 390-396 for the changes.

7. Line 580 of the original conclusion states that “all criteria except window design have a positive impact on energy consumption”, but other factors that hurt energy consumption include envelope design, orientation and solar gain, thermal comfort and insulation.

Response: In the results this point corrected.

8. Presentation of figures and languages can be improved. For instance, the quality all the figures can be improved. In the last paragraph, there are too many “moreover”, and should be replaced with some other expression.

Response: Language make more attractive and language improved. The words “Moreover” replaced.

9. The conclusions as well as recommendations for the future needs to be more precise and the information provided in the article is not substantial enough.

Response: This point corrected in the manuscript by making concise the conclusion and recommendations section.

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report (New Reviewer)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have fulfilled the requirements/suggestions for publishing the article in your journal.

Best regards.

This manuscript is a resubmission of an earlier submission. The following is a list of the peer review reports and author responses from that submission.

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The study examined the impact of Architectural standards on energy consumption especially in high-rise Residential buildings located in Norther of Iraq. The investigation was conducted in five high rise residential building in the Northern part of Iraq, which indicates the lack of credentials in primary studies intended to be published in high-level journals.  How can a  sample of five buildings represent the buildings of the region? Anyone can ask how many buildings are located in the region, Are they 50, 40, 20,...., ? Authors need to illustrate the rate of responsiveness. Again, no reason was illustrated on having the smallest sample size. I can ask how the conclusions and policies from this study can implemented while the study lacks a minimum standard for sampling theory and methods. Based on these challenges, I can recommend authors to extend sample size to be at least meet some minimum criteria of sample size determinations. This paper can be rejected or considered as a new submission after increasing the number of buildings. 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

There are a few issues with English. 

Author Response

The study examined the impact of Architectural standards on energy consumption especially in high-rise Residential buildings located in Norther of Iraq. The investigation was conducted in five high rise residential building in the Northern part of Iraq, which indicates the lack of credentials in primary studies intended to be published in high-level journals.  How can a sample of five buildings represent the buildings of the region? Anyone can ask how many buildings are located in the region, Are they 50, 40, 20,...., ? Authors need to illustrate the rate of responsiveness. Again, no reason was illustrated on having the smallest sample size. I can ask how the conclusions and policies from this study can implemented while the study lacks a minimum standard for sampling theory and methods. Based on these challenges, I can recommend authors to extend sample size to be at least meet some minimum criteria of sample size determinations. This paper can be rejected or considered as a new submission after increasing the number of buildings. 

Response to Reviewer 1: The reason for the selection of the sample size of seven buildings are given in methodology section with justification according to the suggestions. This applied research is based on the specific region Northern Iraq that contain only 7 high rise buildings that contains residential. Please find the explanation at page 6 from line# 271-293 yellow highlighted for track Changes.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The aim of the article is study the effects of Architectural standards on energy consumption focused in high rise Residential Building located in Norther of Iraq. The document is complete and well structured. The literature review is complete and exhaustive. The article is based on survey data and a statistical treatment is carried out.

I miss is lack of real definition of the different measures. There is no information on the questionnaires or the treatment that has been given, only the Cronbach alpha values ​​appear. In my opinion is important to know what the different measurements really are. A table with this information could be enough.

Once this is clarified, I believe that the article can be published.

 

Author Response

The aim of the article is studying the effects of Architectural standards on energy consumption focused in high rise Residential Building located in Norther of Iraq. The document is complete and well structured. The literature review is complete and exhaustive. The article is based on survey data and a statistical treatment is carried out.

I miss is lack of real definition of the different measures. There is no information on the questionnaires or the treatment that has been given, only the Cronbach alpha values ​​appear. In my opinion is important to know what the different measurements really are. A table with this information could be enough.

Once this is clarified, I believe that the article can be published.

Response to Reviewer 2: The definition of the variable is written according to suggestions. Please find page 7 green highlighted for track changes in variable measurement section. Different measurements used in analysis are organized in the Table 1 at page 10 green highlighted.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper is based on survey to understand perception of comfort and energy usage factors. The paper would benefit if the method used was compared with other possible methods, measurement or modelling (in tools such as design builder or IES). The strengths and weaknesses of the approach need to be justified. The paper would have been stronger if multiple methods had been used and the results compared. Identification of papers using a similar approach to this paper would have helped position the significance of this paper. 

Architectural standards are discussed but the application of building codes in Iraq is not explained. You also mention international standards but again this is not explained. Also the term global energy indicators could be further explained. 

You say we need to use non renewable energy. This could have been contextualized against renewable energy.

Something about the predicted future climate in northern Iraq would be appropriate. 

Some explanation of why high rise in Iraq is on the rise would have been helpful.

Were all the residents in the same building ? If so plans of the building would better explain the situation.

How does the time of the survey possible effect the findings.

What percent of income do residents spend on energy?

Some statement of limitations and proposed areas of future research would have been helpful.

Author Response

• The paper is based on a survey to understand perception of comfort and energy usage factors. The paper would benefit if the method used was compared with other possible methods, measurement or modelling (in tools such as design builder or IES). The strengths and weaknesses of the approach need to be justified. The paper would have been stronger if multiple methods had been used and the results compared. Identification of papers using a similar approach to this paper would have helped position the significance of this paper. 

Response: The strengths and weakness are given according to reviewer suggestions at page # 8 from line # 371-379 in Method of estimations as blue highlighted.

• Architectural standards are discussed but the application of building codes in Iraq is not explained. You also mention international standards but again this is not explained. Also, the term global energy indicators could be further explained.  You say we need to use nonrenewable energy. This could have been contextualized against renewable energy.

Response: The applications of the building codes in Iraq are discussed at page 16 line # 542-551 and blue highlighted. International standard is explained in every variable explanation in discussion. global energy indicators are discussed. Please find page 16 and Blue highlighted. use nonrenewable energy also discussed at page 15, line #510-517 blue highlighted.

• Something about the predicted future climate in northern Iraq would be appropriate. 

Response: future climate in northern Iraq prediction discussed at page 16 line 561-565 Blue highlighted.

• Some explanation of why high rise in Iraq is on the rise would have been helpful.

Response: The reason why high rise building in Iraq is neccessry are given in Discussion section page 16-line number 567-574 blue highlighted.

• Were all the residents in the same building? If so, plans of the building would better explain the situation.

Response: This point is explained at page 16 blue highlighted.

• How does the time of the survey possibly effect the findings.

Response: , The time of the survey is not influenced because it is the questionnaire based. Time will create problems in observations and practical simulations. Also written on page 16.

• What percent of income do residents spend on energy?

Response: This point is also explained at page 15 Line# 526

• Some statement of limitations and proposed areas of future research would have been helpful.

Response: Limitations improved, and future research suggestions are also mentioned. Please find page 17-18 blue highlighted.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I see very few residential buildings in the selected research area, only 7 buildings, which implies that the sample size of 5 buildings is fit to represent the entire population. Again, the responsiveness rate is high (71%). Therefore, I recommend publishing the manuscript after editing it in English. In one highlighted paragraph there are several Grammarly errors even in the first sentence. 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

I recommend that the manuscript goes through English editing before publication. 

Author Response

Comments: I see very few residential buildings in the selected research area, only 7 buildings, which implies that the sample size of 5 buildings is fit to represent the entire population. Again, the responsiveness rate is high (71%). Therefore, I recommend publishing the manuscript after editing it in English. In one highlighted paragraph there are several Grammarly errors even in the first sentence. 

Responce: Thank you for the comments. The English editing and proof read done. All the Grammarly error removed through editing in proper way. Now in the current version the English is improved. Thank you