Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings Considering Climate Change

Extreme weather events and rising global temperatures are signs of the urgent threat that climate change poses to our planet [1]. Energy used for heating, cooling, and sustaining thermal comfort in buildings is a crucial factor in causing this issue [2]. It is crucial to look at the energy implications of attaining thermal comfort in buildings in the context of climate change as the world struggles with the urgency of lowering greenhouse gas emissions [3].

An essential component of human wellbeing, thermal comfort has a direct bearing on our level of well-being and productivity [4]. A comfortable interior atmosphere is provided by buildings, which normally maintain a temperature range between 20 and 25 °C. However, it is becoming harder to sustain thermal comfort in the face of climatic change. Temperature extremes become more frequent and intense due to climate change, requiring more energy to cool spaces [5]. In a vicious loop, increasing energy demand exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions, which worsen climate change. The traditional fixed-temperature approach to thermal comfort is challenged by the idea of adaptive comfort, which is especially relevant considering climate change, given the energy-saving opportunities it promises in present [6] and future scenarios [7]. It implies that people can adjust to a wider range of temperatures and their comfort temperature changes depending on the outdoor temperature fluctuations of the previous days [8,9]. Encouraging tenants to adopt new habits, such as using fans instead of air conditioning, can cut energy usage [10].

To reduce the energy implications of thermal comfort, building design is crucial. Innovative design techniques can lessen the need for mechanical heating and cooling, such as passive solar design [11] and green roofs [12]. The reduction in energy use also depends on improvements in building materials and technology, such as energy-efficient HVAC systems [13] and smart windows [14].

To reduce buildings’ carbon impacts, we must switch to renewable energy sources. The use of fossil fuels may be decreased using sustainable energy sources for heating and cooling, such as solar panels [15], wind turbines [16], and geothermal systems [17]. Smart grid technology can optimise energy use and lower peak demand [18].

Promoting energy-efficient construction practises heavily depends on government regulations and incentives. The battle against climate change must include creating laws requiring better energy efficiency requirements, tax incentives for green construction practises, and financial support for renewable energy installations [19].

In the context of climate change, the energy implications of maintaining thermal comfort in buildings cannot be overstated. Cooling-related energy demand will keep rising as temperatures rise and severe weather events become more common, boosting greenhouse gas emissions. A multifaceted strategy incorporating creative building design, behavioural modifications, the integration of renewable energy sources, and helpful regulations is needed to overcome this situation. To create sustainable solutions prioritising both human satisfaction and environmental responsibility, researchers, architects, legislators, and the general public must work together to lessen the energy costs associated with maintaining thermal comfort in buildings, cut down on carbon emissions, and construct a more resilient and sustainable future in the face of climate change.