In this paper, a BIPV-PCM installed in an office building façade is investigated to approach the practical application of PV-PCM. Based on an updated mathematical model, theoretical simulation has been conducted for BIPV-PCM in this case. Furthermore, field testing for this case has also been performed to validate the model, and then the simulated and experimental results are compared and found in considerably good agreement. The experiments have been conducted during the winter time, as the prototype has been installed in January 2013. The experimental and numerical results show a good agreement, the maximum electrical efficiency of this BIPV-PCM can reach 10% and the thermal one 12%

Adaptive building envelopes can provide improvements in the building energy efficiency and economics, through their capability to change their behaviour in real time according to indoor-outdoor parameters, by means of materials, components and systems. Therefore, adaptive façades can make a significant and viable contribution to meeting the EU's 2020 targets. Several different types of adaptive façade concepts have already been developed, and an increase in emerging, innovative solutions is expected for the near future. The objective of this paper is to contribute to these developments by presenting the findings of an analysis of the existing concepts and case studies and by proposing a new approach for characterization of these elements

Net Zero-Energy Buildings Performance has gained more attention since the publication in 2010 of the EPBD recast [1]. Successful implementation of such an ambitious target depends on a great variety of factors. With a literature full of theoretical advice and a building industry rife with myths about the value of technologies, the present study intend to unveil an sustainable framework for sharing insights into NetZEB methodology applied in an Portuguese office building, Solar XXI, based on the authors experience in the ongoing research carried out within International Energy Agency SHC Task 40 - ECBCS Annex 52, “Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings

This study addresses the energetic performance of an attached-sunspace applied to an existing residential building in Portugal. Four configurations (two attached, one integrated and one partially integrated) are studied in six different climatic zones. In addition other key parameters are considered such as ventilation (with or without natural ventilation), shading devices (one external and two internal configurations), number of glazed surface layers (single glazed and double glazed) and orientation (South, East and West).The thermal performance analysis, carried out using a dynamic simulation code, proved that energy savings for retrofitting design can be very important and that in climates with warm summers the risk of overheating can be considerably diminished through an accurate analysis based on modeling