This study aims to determine the optimal approach for evaluating thermal comfort in an office that uses natural ventilation as the main conditioning strategy; the office is located in Quito-Ecuador. The performance of the adaptive model included in CEN Standard EN15251 and the traditional PMV model are compared with reports of thermal environment satisfaction surveys presented simultaneously to all occupants of the office to determine which of the two comfort models is most suitable to evaluate the thermal environment. The results indicate that office occupants have developed some degree of adaptation to the climatic conditions of the city where the office is located (which only demands heating operation), and tend to accept and even prefer lower operative temperatures than those considered optimum by applying the PMV model. This is an indication that occupants of naturally conditioned buildings are usually able to match their comfort temperature to their normal environment. Therefore, the application of the adaptive model included in CEN Standard EN15251 seems like the optimal approach for evaluating thermal comfort in naturally conditioned buildings, because it takes into consideration the adaptive principle that indicates that if a change occurs such as to produce discomfort, people tend to react in ways which restore their comfort.

This study evaluates the energy and thermal performance of a radiant cooling panel system with integrated phase change materials (PCMs) for application in building retrofit projects. The focus is on the energy saving potential of using two different strategies to avoid condensation in very hot and humid climate conditions. The cooling energy consumption of a DOE medium office prototype building model with a conventional all-air system is used as a baseline for comparing the proposed configurations. The results show that the radiant system yielded energy savings of around 48% compared to the all-air system for existing office buildings. Results also show that the proposed system is able to operate only during the night-time, which improves the plant efficiency. Thus, the energy savings are mainly due to a reduction in the energy consumption of the cold generation system and lower energy use for ventilation compared with conventional air systems.

Excess indoor heat significantly impacts the health and well-being of occupants, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly. In Canada, efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have spurred the development of more energy-efficient residential buildings. This includes constructing highly insulated and airtight homes, as well as retrofitting existing dwellings to reduce winter heating demands and associated GHG emissions. However, if retrofits are not properly executed, they can lead to increased risks of indoor air pollution, dampness, and summertime overheating. With Canada on track to become a super-aged country, older adults (those over 65) are increasingly encouraged to 'age in place,' thereby heightening their risk of indoor heat exposure. Coupled with the anticipated rise in the frequency and intensity of climatic heatwaves due to climate change, these factors underscore the urgency of addressing overheating in Canadian homes, particularly for the elderly.The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of various retrofit strategies in reducing indoor overheating risks in elderly apartments without air conditioning. To achieve this, a simulation-based approach was employed. A calibrated building energy model was developed to assess the impact of different retrofit strategies on indoor temperature regulation.Preliminary findings from the simulations indicate that the most effective measures for mitigating indoor overheating are the use of phase change materials (PCM) in building envelopes, increased natural ventilation, and the strategic use of ceiling fans. PCMs proved particularly beneficial in regulating indoor temperatures by absorbing and releasing thermal energy, thereby reducing peak temperatures during heatwaves. Enhanced natural ventilation facilitated the expulsion of warm indoor air and the introduction of cooler outdoor air, while ceiling fans improved air circulation and enhanced thermal comfort.These findings are significant as they provide evidence-based recommendations for retrofitting elderly apartments to combat indoor overheating. Implementing these strategies can help protect the health and well-being of elderly residents, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Furthermore, these measures can contribute to broader GHG mitigation efforts by reducing the reliance on air conditioning, thereby lowering energy consumption and emissions. The study underscores the importance of carefully planned retrofits to ensure that energy efficiency measures do not inadvertently compromise indoor air quality and thermal comfort, particularly for vulnerable populations.