Comparative Analysis of Passive Thermal Solutions for Building Resilience Under Future Climate Scenarios

José Pedro Teixeira, Pedro Dinho da Silva, Luís Carvalho Pires and Pedro Dinis Gaspar ()
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José Pedro Teixeira: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Pedro Dinho da Silva: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Luís Carvalho Pires: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Pedro Dinis Gaspar: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-32

Abstract: The intensification of thermal extremes increases the need for strategies that protect indoor comfort and reduce the energy demand of active systems. This study employs EnergyPlus dynamic simulations to evaluate how passive thermal design solutions for heating and cooling can minimize indoor temperature fluctuations. The analysis covers multiple locations to identify the most effective techniques for improving indoor thermal performance and energy efficiency. Results demonstrate that passive thermal strategies offer a sustainable and efficient approach to adapting buildings to extreme temperature variations, thereby reducing dependence on mechanical systems. The greatest reduction in energy demand is achieved by increasing the envelope’s thermal mass, particularly in hot and temperate climates. Enhanced insulation and green roofs are more effective in cold and humid climates. In addition, solar control measures, such as external shading and reduced glazing areas, help lower indoor temperatures in high-thermal-radiation regions.

Keywords: passive thermal solutions; building energy performance; climate change adaptation; dynamic thermal simulation; thermal performance; EnergyPlus; modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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