Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency: Challenges, Barriers, and Step towards Sustainability

Abstract

With the increasing number of people living in cities, the demand for energy in office buildings and homes is constantly increasing; thus, smart buildings were created to provide users with better comfort conditions. However, using artificial systems becomes an unsustainable alternative for these environments. This research conducted a literature review of studies published in Scopus and Web of Science between 1970 and 2022 to identify studies that contained strategies to promote thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings, as well as the main challenges and barriers to sustainability. A total of 9195 articles related to the topic were identified, and after applying the defined criteria, 105 were included in this review. Three research questions were investigated, and the main findings of this research are: (i) it is more difficult to assess thermal comfort and thermal sensation than energy efficiency; (ii) to promote a thermally comfortable environment, it is necessary to consider numerous aspects to reduce environmental impacts and energy consumption and to increase sustainability; (iii) actual thermal conditions are influenced by factors such as energy levels, climate, setpoint types, building type, size and orientation, and economic factors, among others; (iv) new technologies found in smart buildings showed distinct performances according to the climates of each region, and their evaluations can cover thermal comfort, energy savings, and payback time.

Constructing an Ecological Network Based on Heat Environment Risk Assessment: An Optimisation Strategy for Thermal Comfort Coupling Society and Ecology

“…In addition, for high-density urban areas in the centre, it is also necessary to focus on the comfort of the internal thermal environment of buildings. In this process, attention should be paid to energy consumption and its impact on the external environment [68].…”

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Technological Advances, Impacts and Challenges in the Management of Healthy and Sustainable Environments

“…These challenges include financial constraints and citizens' expectations, as well as the need to attract investment and create job opportunities to make these locations more sustainable, attractive, efficient and livable [2]. Along the same lines, Niza et al [126] point out that the construction sector plays a significant role in emitting pollutants due to a lack of planning, excessive energy consumption for heating and waste of resources. Faced with this scenario, governments have recommended the establishment of environmental targets aimed at reducing the emission of pollutants and have also encouraged the adoption of more sustainable behavior by individuals.…”

The Right to Comfort in Social Housing: Energy and Thermal Performances as Parameters of a Systemic Analysis

“…Human comfort in buildings depends on several factors, such as thermal comfort, humidity, ventilation, and lighting [1]. Thermal comfort, defined by the ISSO 7730 standard as a state of satisfaction with the environment temperature, is one of the main parameters regarding the direct influence on the energy consumption of buildings [2].…”

“…The inadequate energy performance of buildings may also be associated with the increasing ageing and progressive degradation of buildings and the lack of specialised regulations in the respective construction phase [6] (pp. [1][2].…”