Passive energy strategies in the retrofitting of the residential sector: a practical case study in dry hot climate

Abstract

The new energy objectives of the EU for 2020 will not be possible unless the extensive residential stock is improved energetically. In this panorama it is very important to propose procedures for the analysis and energy assessment of existing residential buildings in order to contribute to their retrofitting, cutting down consumption and improving thermal comfort. The specific energy behaviour in the summer climate conditions of southern Europe, with high temperatures and solar radiation, results in a need for different intervention mechanisms for energy saving and improvement of indoor comfort, aspects which have not been widely analyzed or assessed to date. The main aim of this paper is to offer a case study with passive intervention strategies for the retrofitting of the residential sector in the Mediterranean area of southern Spain. The case study is a recently restored building with 68 social housing units. The retrofitting intervention on the building envelope improved insulation in facades and windows, incorporated solar protection and increased the level of airtightness, bringing about a notable reduction (around 38%) of the total demand compared to its original condition, leading primarily to improved indoor comfort and a lower occurrence of energy poverty.