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• Domínguez, S
• Sendra, J
• León, A
• Esquivias, P
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• Domínguez, S
• Sendra, J
• León, A
• Esquivias, P
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• Domínguez, S
• Sendra, J
• León, A
• Esquivias, P

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Energies 2012, 5(7), 2263-2287; doi:10.3390/en5072263

Article

Towards Energy Demand Reduction in Social Housing Buildings: Envelope System Optimization Strategies

Samuel Domínguez* , Juan J. Sendra, Angel L. León and Paula M. Esquivias

Institute of Architecture and Building Science, University of Seville, Avda. Reina Mercedes n°2, 41012 Seville, Spain

* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 4 May 2012; in revised form: 26 June 2012 / Accepted: 27 June 2012 / Published: 6 July 2012

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficient Buildings and Green Buildings)

Download PDF Full-Text [1525 KB, uploaded 6 July 2012 10:41 CEST]

Abstract: This work evaluates the potential for the reduction of energy demand in residential buildings by acting on the exterior envelope, both in newly constructed buildings and in the retrofitting of existing stock. It focuses on analysing social housing buildings in Mediterranean areas and on quantifying the scope of that reduction in the application of different envelope design strategies, with the purpose of prioritizing their application based on their energy efficiency. The analyses and quantifications were made by means of the generation of energy models with the TRNSYS tool for simple or combined solutions, identifying possible potentials for reduction of the energy demand from 20% to 25%, basically by acting on the windows. The case study was a newly built social housing building of a closed block type located in Seville (Spain). Its constructive techniques and the insulation level of its envelope are standardized for current buildings widespread across Mediterranean Europe.

Keywords: energy demand; energy efficiency; energy saving; social housing buildings; building retrofitting

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