The thermal transmittance of building envelopes determines to a large extent the energy demand of buildings. Thus, there is a keen interest in having methods which can precisely evaluate thermal transmittance. From a scientific point of view, this study analyses the viability of the application of the thermometric method (THM), one of the most used methods in Spain. For this purpose, the test method has been improved by determining the adequate test conditions, the selection and installation of equipment, data acquisition and post-processing, and the estimation of uncertainty. We analyse eight case studies in a Mediterranean climate (Csa) to determine the potentials and limitations of the method. The results show that the values obtained through THM are valid under winter environmental conditions with relative uncertainties between 6% and 13%, while difficulties to perform the test in optimal conditions, and therefore to obtain valid results in warmer seasons, are detected. In this regard, the case studies which obtained a greater number of observations by performing the filtrate conditions were able to obtain representative results. Furthermore, there are significant differences depending on the kind of equipment and probes used during the experimental campaign. Finally, in warm climate regions a data filtrate can be considered for observations of a temperature difference higher than 5 °C, obtaining valid results for the case studies, although the rise in the thermal gradient can guarantee a greater stability of data.

The 3D digitization and Building Information Modeling (BIM), which is based on parametric objects, have considerably advanced by developing massive data capture techniques. Thus, reverse engineering currently plays a major role as these technologies capture accurately and efficiently the geometry, color and textures of complex architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage. This paper aims to validate close-range Structure from Motion (SfM) for heritage by analyzing the point density and the 3D mesh geometry in comparison with Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). The accuracy of the results and the geometry mainly depends on the processing performed on the point set. Therefore, these two variables are significant in the 3D reconstruction of heritage buildings. This paper focuses on a 15th century case study in Seville (Spain): the main façade of Casa de Pilatos. Ten SfM surveys were carried out varying the capture method (simple and stereoscopic) and the number of shots, distances, orientation and procedure. A mathematical analysis is proposed to verify the point spatial resolution and the accuracy of the 3D model geometry by section profiles in SfM data. SfM achieved acceptable accuracy levels to generate 3D meshes despite disordered shots and the number of images. Hence, stereoscopic photography using new instruments improved the results of close-range photogrammetry while reducing the required number of photographs.

To achieve the goals of reducing building energy consumption, regulations are being designed to guarantee the appropriate energy performance of buildings. Both European and South American countries establish requirements of thermal properties of building envelope according to the climate zone, thus implying notable differences in climate classifications and technical requirements. This research provides a general view of advantages and limitations between the different state regulations of three South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, and Chile) and three European countries (Spain, Portugal, and France). A total of 792 simulations were conducted with Energy Plus by considering 12 different dwelling typologies in 66 climate zones. Building envelopes were adapted to the regulations of the various countries. Results showed tendencies of performance clearly different between the South American and the European countries, with the latter being those with the lowest energy demands. The cluster analysis of distributions of energy demand revealed that buildings located in similar climates but in different countries present very different energy performances. This research opens up the discussion on the development of more demanding policies related to thermal properties of buildings. Also, the analysis at a continental scale could reduce the differences between countries and guarantee a more sustainable life for the building stock.