New paradigms in bioclimatic design toward climatic change in arid environments

Abstract

Energy consumption in buildings has increased exponentially since the industrial revolution. Given this scenario, the Argentinian government has proposed to implement energy efficiency measures in the public and private sectors with the aim of reducing energy demand by 10.3% by 2030 [72]. The Rational and Efficient Energy Use Program (PROUREE) aims to reduce consumption levels in buildings of the National Public Administration (NPA), assuming an exemplary role before the rest of the society [73]. In this context and, as a first instance, this study aims to know the performance of a bioclimatic building of the NPA currently constructed in an arid climate with high irradiance, when exposed to the consequences of CC. After validation in Energy Plus with data measured in situ, and considering that these types of buildings are replicated in the region, a simple design strategy is proposed to increase thermal, daylighting, and energy performance by 2099, without changing the project: the building was rotated 180° (case B), allowing to reduce direct solar gain, increase exposure to the strongest summer breezes and homogenize daylighting. The findings suggest that the implementation of these passive design parameters through an integrated analysis (energy, daylighting, and thermal comfort), can reduce energy consumption by 33.82 Kwh/m2, which represents 51.82% of the total energy consumption of the building in arid climates with high solar irradiance (Measured case = 65.26kwh/m2. Improved case = 31.44kwh/m2). These obtained reference values will serve as a source of reference for designers and policymakers to anticipate climate change and counteract the effects of CC through energy efficiency.