Assessment model of energy performance in housing of Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

This study investigates residential energy consumption in Cuenca, Ecuador, to develop a model to assess the energy performance of homes contextualized to the local reality. The research methodology is based on an analysis of international sustainability certification methods, case studies of the locality, and the participation of experts. The results determine an assessment model of energy performance composed of seven requirements with eleven evaluation criteria for multi-family dwellings, and six requirements with nine evaluation criteria for single-family homes. Three levels of compliance were defined for each evaluation criterion: standard, best, and superior practice. To meet the standard practice, for the use of such things as heating, cooling, lighting, equipment, and appliance indicators, energy usage must fall within a range of 30.1 kWh/m2 per year to 41.6 kWh/m2 per year; superior practice values must not be>24.3 kWh/m2 per year. Keywords: Building energy performance, Sustainable building assessment, Energy indicators, Dwellings, Ecuador