Building parameter influence on overheating and undercooling risks in the Mediterranean social housing stock of southern Spain

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in temperatures, along with an escalation of heatwaves as a consequence of global warming. This phenomenon conspicuously impacts summer and winter, leading to modifications in the building energy balance, such as higher overheating risks, increased cooling energy consumption or decreased heating demand. Consequently, evaluating the risks associated with overheating and undercooling discomfort in the existing stock becomes of great significance, prior to the implementation of retrofit strategies. In this line, a parameterized and validated building stock simulation model has been constructed, defined from the most representative building archetype, allowing the evaluation of overheating and undercooling risks in the existing social housing stock in southern Spain. To do so, monitored data from a case study and extensive information of a public building database have been considered. The most influential parameters on adaptive overheating and undercooling discomfort have been defined through sensitivity analysis. The study highlights the importance of window configuration and air-related parameters on overheating and undercooling, being also worth noting the relevance of ventilation schedules, even more than ventilation rates. These findings are crucial for defining energy retrofit solutions aimed at minimizing the effects of global warming, while taking into consideration undercooling conditions.