Dynamic Evaluation of the Effects of Climate Change on the Energy Renovation of a School in a Mediterranean Climate

Abstract

This paper addresses the effects of long-term climate change on retrofit actions on a school building located in a Mediterranean climate. Dynamic energy simulations were performed using Termolog EpiX 11, first with conventional climate data and then with future year climate data exported from the CCWorldWeatherGen computational software. To date, many incentive actions are promoted for school renovations, but are these measures effective in preventing the discomfort that will be found due to overheating generated by climate change? Today, one of the main objectives in retrofit measures is the achievement of ZEB (Zero Energy Building) performance. Achieving this target requires first and foremost a high-performance envelope. This study evaluates the impact of retrofit strategies mostly applied to the school building envelope, over the years, considering three different time horizons, until 2080. Thermal performance indices and indoor operative temperature under free-floating were evaluated. The results highlight that, with a changing climate, it is no longer possible to assume a constant static condition to evaluate retrofit actions, but it is necessary to develop a predictive mathematical model that considers the design variability for future years. There is an urgent necessity to ensure both the safety and comfort of buildings while also anticipating future variations in climate.

Towards the development of a systematic approach for sustainability assessment of educational infrastructure: A system of priority areas and design quality indicators

“…The steering committee comprised representatives of the public education sector and sustainable construction professionals. The general opinion was that data on educational infrastructure are essential from the point of view of the ageing of buildings associated with the challenges of assuring the safety, quality of the indoor environment and energy efficiency in the context of future climate change (Baglivo, 2021; Javid et al, 2019; Schwartz et al, 2021). Energy management of buildings is an undertaking that includes energy‐saving measures, increasing energy efficiency, and introducing alternative renewable energy sources (Khoshbakht et al, 2018).…”

Technical-Economic Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Measures Applied to the Artificial Lighting System of a School

“…The retrofitting of schools is a topic of great importance, given their large presence and the poor quality in which many of these buildings are found [7]. In addition, school buildings account for 19% of overall energy consumption [8].…”

Thermal-Energy Analysis and Life Cycle GHG Emissions Assessments of Innovative Earth-Based Bamboo Plastering Mortars

“…In this context, more efficient building design will play a crucial role in reducing the negative impacts associated with energy consumption and the emission of pollutants. In general, the best strategy for the design of zero or near-zero energy buildings and the retrofitting of existing buildings is: firstly, Sustainability 2021, 13, 10429 2 of 24 reducing energy demands by considering efficiency measures, especially those acting on the envelope and equipment; and secondly, introducing renewable energy systems [4,5]. Regarding the envelope, the incorporation of insulating materials has shown to be an efficient practice for reducing operational energy use, principally in temperate and cold climates [6][7][8][9].…”

“…Raw earth-based materials can be used in envelopes to improve thermal and energy performance [10][11][12]. The use of these materials as building components has many sustainability credentials: it is natural, commonly locally available, abundant, non-toxic, low in embodied energy and carbon, has good thermal properties, and is recyclable [5,6].…”