Passive strategies for energy optimisation of social housing in the Mediterranean climate

Abstract

The main goals of Horizon 2020 have led to the updating of the Basic Document on Energy Saving of the Technical Building Code in 2013. The demands of the new model, based on technological and construction parameters, are associated with a more extensive assessment of the architectural conditions of buildings. This study aims to analyse the repercussion of the new regulations on Mediterranean social housing in climate zone B4. It proposes energy analysis on a basic model of a single linear block, adding different individual passive strategies relating to compactness, envelope material, solar control, solar accumulation and ventilation, analysing the improvement in energy demand, energy rating and indoor comfort. The main energy improvement actions used take into account orientation as well as the combined improvement in energy performance of the thermal envelope, ventilation rate and suitable solar protection. These lead to major reductions in energy demand and CO2 emissions while improving indoor comfort conditions.