Energy Efficiency Strategies in Latin American University Buildings: A Critical Review of Simulation Models, Technologies, and Implementation Pathways for Highland Climates

Abstract

This systematic review analyzed energy efficiency strategies in Latin American university buildings, with emphasis on highland climates. Following PRISMA guidelines, 225 documents were screened from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, yielding 36 studies published between 2015 and 2025. Reported interventions achieved 10–40% energy savings (median 18.5%), annual cost savings of USD 5672–USD 218,426 per building, with substantial variation reflecting differences in building size, intervention scope, and technology selection and carbon mitigation of 79–497 tons CO2e annually. Common measures included LED retrofits, building automation, and solar photovoltaics, while integrated approaches reached up to 60% savings but required longer payback periods. Only six studies validated simulations with field data, and six addressed highland climates, limiting regional applicability. Free modeling tools such as EnergyPlus and OpenStudio increased accessibility but faced adoption barriers due to steep learning curves and scarce documentation in Spanish and Portuguese. Key barriers included inadequate metering (53%), limited funding (61%), and policy gaps (53%), while enablers involved ISO 50001 adoption and strong institutional leadership. Overall, evidence remains fragmented, highlighting the need for integrated frameworks linking validated models, technology, governance, and regional collaboration.