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Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 9351

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daniel Sánchez-García

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School of Engineering, University Carlos III of Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain
Interests: thermal comfort; building energy simulation; climate change
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Dr. David Bienvenido Huertas

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Guest Editor

Department of Building Construction, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: energy efficiency in building; thermal comfort; building automation; climate change
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Prof. Dr. Alberto Cerezo-Narváez

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Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design, University of Cádiz, 11519 Puerto Real, Spain
Interests: project management; construction management; architectural engineering; project engineering; building energy efficiency; energy rehabilitation; industrialized construction; sustainable design
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Dr. MªCarmen Guerrero Delgado

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Guest Editor

Department of Energy Engineering, University of Seville, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: energy efficiency in buildings; characterization and integration of renewable energy and heat sinks into the environment (passive heating and cooling)
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Building upon the resounding success of the first edition of our Special Issue "Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings Considering Climate Change" in 2023, we are pleased to announce the launch of its second edition. Our goal is to maintain our commitment to publishing cutting-edge scientific research that mirrors the current state of the art in the realm of thermal comfort in buildings.

To meet the 2050 decarbonization targets, energy savings in buildings must be accomplished. Buildings must increase their energy efficiency in order to guarantee user comfort in terms of temperature while also minimizing environmental effects. To determine the best energy-saving tactics to use and to lessen the effects of climate change, multidisciplinary assessments of the link between energy saving and thermal comfort need to be conducted.

This Special Issue's goal is to examine the value of thermal comfort and energy efficiency in the built environment. This Special Issue's intended scope covers all pertinent techniques, with an emphasis on the following:

Adaptive thermal comfort;
PMV-based thermal comfort;
Natural ventilation;
Mixed mode;
HVAC systems;
Energy-saving measures;
Climate change;
Building energy simulations.

Dr. Daniel Sánchez-García
Dr. David Bienvenido Huertas
Dr. Alberto Cerezo-Narváez
Dr. MªCarmen Guerrero Delgado
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

building thermal comfort
energy savings in buildings
climate change

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Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change in Applied Sciences (12 articles)

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 6952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Energy Efficiency and Energy Poverty of the Residential Building Stock of the City of Seville Using GIS

by Antonio J. Aguilar, María L. de la Hoz-Torres, Joaquín Aguilar-Camacho and María Fernanda Guerrero-Rivera

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6438; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126438 - 7 Jun 2025

Viewed by 298

Abstract

In the European Union, 75% of the residential building stock is estimated to have energy inefficiencies, which increases the probability of falling into energy poverty. Poor thermal conditions reduce the quality of life of dwelling occupants. Renovating the residential building stock is essential to reduce energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and energy poverty in cities. This study aims to assess and map the energy efficiency and energy poverty of residential buildings in Seville at the urban district and census tract level. A total of 45,908 dwellings were evaluated using data from the Energy Performance Certificates database and demographic and economic information from national and official databases. The analysis considers dwelling typology, year of construction, average household income, and geographic location at the district and census tract level. The results show that Seville’s residential building stock performs poorly, with 83% and 92% of dwellings rated “E” or lower for energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, respectively. The findings of this GIS-based study help identify urban areas with less efficient buildings and higher energy poverty risk, providing valuable information to develop targeted renovation strategies and reduce the climate impact of Seville’s residential building stock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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22 pages, 518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Heat Consumption of an Office Building During COVID-19 Restrictions

by Stanislav Chicherin

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6378; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126378 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 237

Abstract

COVID-19 restricted the number of employees. Operational data showed that traditional methods of modeling heat consumption are not correct anymore. The aim is to model the energy demand of an office building during COVID-19 limitations and showcase improvements after a new controller or suggested alternatives are applied. After an actual heat consumption profile was simulated, energy conservation scenarios were considered: the usage of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs); accounting impacts of solar radiation and wind; changing mass flow rates based on the indoor temperature; adopting an additional control, changing the temperature setpoint; introducing night and day setbacks. After implementing new design and operational methods, the overheating of indoor spaces was alleviated, and the average indoor temperature was reduced from 23.5 °C to 20.4 °C. The annual specific heat consumption decreased to 174 kWh/m² (20.2% lower). The methodology ensured thermal comfort and high energy-saving potential. If operating parameters were adjusted, the total saving effect in energy demand was 119.8 MWh, with an energy-saving rate of 19.8%. Employing TRV-related savings and considering thermal inertia provided more stable indoor temperatures and higher energy performance. The minimum saving effect corresponded to the optimal operation and ensuring the indoor environment by considering wind and the maximum one-to-night setbacks. The fluctuations in indoor temperature became smoother. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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21 pages, 3376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From BIM to BEM—Modern Thermal Simulations Using a Building Information Management Model: A Case Study

by David Průša, Stanislav Šťastník, Karel Šuhajda, Jiří Psota, Kateřina Svobodová, Zuzana Sochorová and Jiří Vala

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 2878; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15062878 - 7 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1146

Abstract

This article raises awareness of Building Information Management (BIM) and its significance for Construction 4.0. BIM is often mistakenly understood only as a 3D model of a building object, but its true potential lies in the information associated with the model (e.g., mechanical and physical properties, costs, etc.). Models can subsequently be used in the building energy management (BEM) at all stages of the building object’s life cycle. This article focuses on the possibility of creating a model using available libraries in the Czech Republic provided by manufacturers and suppliers of building materials and the subsequent use of the model for energy modelling. The results obtained from computational modelling are then compared with real values measured on a timber construction located in Ostrava (Czech Republic). These results show that properly configured BIM modelling allows faster data processing while maintaining the quality of outputs and results. Additionally, there is potential to eliminate common pitfalls in the design and subsequent processing of thermal assessments of building objects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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20 pages, 2245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Resilience and Thermal Comfort in Mediterranean Dwellings: A Level(s) Framework Approach

by Carmen Díaz-López, Cristina Alba Pérez-Rendon, Antonio Serrano-Jiménez and Ángela Barrios-Padura

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042136 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 564

Abstract

The construction sector plays a pivotal role in urban development, providing a critical opportunity to foster a cultural shift towards the regeneration of housing stock. This shift focuses on sustainable and resilient urban interventions to extend the lifespan of buildings, starting from the design phase. In this context, the European Union’s Level(s) framework, which establishes sustainability indicators, is particularly relevant to this research, as it promotes circular economy principles and building resilience. The framework provides a comprehensive set of indicators that guide resilient housing rehabilitation methodologies. Indicator 2.3 supports the design and renovation of obsolete housing, emphasizing the maximization of resilience against climatic, functional, and socio-economic impacts. Meanwhile, Indicator 4.2 evaluates the thermal comfort of building occupants concerning indoor conditions throughout the year. The primary aim of this study is to develop a resilient housing rehabilitation methodology based on Level(s), which includes (i) assessing the current resilience of a pilot case, (ii) designing new resilient housing configurations, (iii) evaluating thermal comfort duration for older adults, and (iv) analyzing cost amortization. The research findings indicate that the proposed rehabilitation approach significantly improves occupants’ resilience to climate-related stressors and thermal comfort, particularly vulnerable populations such as older adults. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of adapting thermal comfort standards for these populations and demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of resilience strategies. The outcomes contribute to a flexible and accessible refurbishment model that meets diverse tenant needs, offering a scalable solution for sustainable urban interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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19 pages, 4001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Influence of Shared Socioeconomic Pathway Scenarios on School Energy Retrofits: An Emphasis on the Building Envelope

by Irene Romero-Recuero, Beatriz Nestares-Nieto and Antonio Serrano-Jiménez

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 1839; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15041839 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 644

Abstract

The optimization of energy consumption in response to global warming scenarios presents fundamental challenges in the built environment, particularly in Mediterranean climates, where comfort and energy efficiency require priority-based adaptation. This study examines the effectiveness of passive energy retrofit strategies applied to an educational building in Granada, Spain, accommodating both teaching and residential uses. The research uses advanced climatic data based on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), incorporating precise projections of climate evolution. Using simulations conducted in DesignBuilder, it evaluates three intervention packages for the building envelope—window replacement, facade insulation, and roof insulation—across three temporal scenarios: 2024, 2050, and 2080. The results indicate that passive measures could reduce heating demand by up to 90% in future scenarios, while cooling demand is projected to increase by more than 80% by the end of the century. Additionally, climate projections under the SSP scenarios show up to an 83% increase in energy demand, emphasizing the need for integrated passive and active strategies. The research includes a sensitivity analysis of the interaction between passive strategies and advanced climate scenarios. It offers decision-making models for energy retrofitting and provides replicable key insights to support energy retrofitting policies and climate resilience in the Mediterranean region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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26 pages, 5903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

IoB Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Built Environment (SBE): Understanding the Complexity and Contributing to Energy Efficiency; A Case Study in Mediterranean Climates

by Ignacio Martínez Ruiz, Enrique Cano Suñén, Álvaro Marco Marco and Ángel Fernández Cuello

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15041724 - 8 Feb 2025

Viewed by 826

Abstract

To meet the 2050 targets about climate change and decarbonization, accomplishing thermal comfort, Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems are key enabling technologies to move the Built Environment (BE) towards Smart Built Environment (SBE). The first contributions of this paper conceptualise SBE from its dynamic and adaptative perspectives, considering the human habitat, and enunciate SBE as a multidimensional approach through six ways of inhabiting: defensive, projective, scientific, thermodynamic, subjective, and complex. From these premises, to analyse the performance indicators that characterise these multidisciplinary ways of inhabiting, an IoT-driven methodology is proposed: to deploy a sensor infrastructure to acquire experimental measurements; analyse data to convert them into context-aware information; and make knowledge-based decisions. Thus, this work tackles the inefficiency and high energy consumption of public buildings with the challenge of balancing energy efficiency and user comfort in dynamic scenarios. As current systems lack real-time adaptability, this work integrates an IoT-driven approach to enhance energy management and reduce discrepancies between measured temperatures and normative thresholds. Following the energy efficiency directives, the obtained results contribute to the following: understanding the complexity of the SBE by analysing its thermal performance, quantifying the potential of energy saving, and estimating its economic impact. The derived conclusions show that IoT-driven solutions allow the generation of real-data-based models on which to enhance SBE knowledge, by increasing energy efficiency and guaranteeing user comfort while minimising environmental effects and economic impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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27 pages, 5609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Comfort and Sustainability in University Classrooms: A Study in Mediterranean Climate Zones

by Pilar Romero, María Teresa Miranda, Rui Isidoro, José Ignacio Arranz and Víctor Valero-Amaro

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020694 - 12 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

Thermal comfort in educational environments affects not only students’ well-being but also their concentration and academic performance. In the context of climate change, university classrooms in Mediterranean climates face particular challenges due to higher and more variable temperatures. This study evaluates thermal comfort in classrooms in southern Portugal, comparing natural ventilation (NV) and air-conditioning (AC) modes. Through environmental measurements and student surveys, thermal perceptions, preferences and factors such as position within the classroom were analysed. The results reveal that NV classrooms offer sustainable benefits, but their effectiveness decreases when outside temperatures exceed 28 °C, increasing thermal discomfort. In contrast, AC classrooms maintain more stable and comfortable conditions, although they have thermal gradients that affect specific zones, such as areas near windows or air vents. This study highlights the need for hybrid strategies that prioritise NV in moderate temperatures and use AC as a support in extreme conditions. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of appropriate architectural design and specific adaptive models for Mediterranean climates, balancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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24 pages, 5830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Configurational Design of a Hybrid System Based on an Air–Water Heat Pump and Biomass Boiler for a Rural Dwelling

by Javier Uche, Milad Tajik Jamalabad and Amaya Martínez

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9840; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219840 - 28 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1703

Abstract

Hybrid energy systems combine multiple energy sources and storage technologies to enhance performance and meet diverse energy needs. Hybrid heat pump systems are particularly suitable for heating and cooling buildings in rural areas. Air-source heat pumps have two well-known disadvantages during the coldest period of the year, when the building’s heating load is at its peak: the heat pump’s capacity is reduced and it needs to perform defrost cycles. A potential solution is to size the heat pump to cover only a portion of the peak load and to use a second heat generator in a hybrid heat pump system. There is a gap in the literature regarding the configurational analysis of hybrid heat pump (HHP) systems, particularly in terms of combining heat pumps and biomass boilers, and evaluating their efficiency, economic aspects, and environmental impact. Thus, in this research, a dynamic model of a HHP system, consisting of an air-to-water heat pump paired with a biomass boiler as a backup, is presented. Various configurations of the HHP system have been developed to evaluate key performance indicators, such as efficiency, emissions, operational costs, and other relevant factors. The findings of this paper indicate that the energy performance of HHP systems is significantly affected by the system layout, heat pump size, cut-off temperature, and the control algorithm used to activate the heat generators. Moreover, series operation of HHP systems is not only more efficient than parallel operation but also results in lower emissions and reduced operation costs. As expected, the energy loss associated with defrost cycles significantly impacts the overall performance of a hybrid system based on an air-source heat pump. Finally, the impact of the cut-off temperature on the key parameters in the configuration analysis was examined, and the optimal performance of the HHP system, in terms of minimizing operational costs and emissions, was depicted using a heat map diagram. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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14 pages, 5665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing the Efficiency of Ecological Solar Panels Combined with the Building’s Roof

by Orest Voznyak, Mariana Kasynets, Stepan Shapoval, Olena Savchenko, Iryna Sukholova, Nadiia Spodyniuk and Oleksandr Dovbush

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8543; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188543 - 23 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1330

Abstract

This article is devoted to increasing the efficiency of ecological solar panels with their combination with the house’s roof. A solar panel construction that combines both the solar collector and the building cover is considered. This work investigates the efficiency of solar panels depending on the type of coating, heat-carrying medium mass flow rate, tube diameter, and the distance between the tubes. Among the coatings, Grafplast PDA roofing material is the most effective. Prandelli/Tuborama tubes with a diameter of 16 mm are recommended. The diameter of the tubes significantly affects the efficiency of the solar panel only at low intensity of solar radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Implications of Thermal Comfort in Buildings considering Climate Change, Second Edition)

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