Residential buildings built after the Second World War have high energy consumption and inadequate thermal comfort, especially in summer conditions, largely attributable to the high transmittance of windows and lack of effective shading devices. Performance improvement of these components is essential for energy upgrading of existing buildings. This paper shows the results of the research, which aims to evaluate effects on energy consumption and environmental comfort of combined solutions of windows and shading devices applied to a case study representing a typical post World War II Italian building. In this paper, the main typologies of solar control systems are described and evaluated on the basis of a case study in different climatic locations (Berlin, Milan, Florence and Athens). Thermal behavior has been assessed through the EnergyPlus dynamic calculation code, by using appropriate performance indicators for energy and thermal sensation. Starting from performance evaluation of the existing building, different strategies have been assessed: replacement of existing windows with high-energy performance ones and introduction of shading devices and solar control glasses. Finally, a global comparative analysis has been carried out based on energy, acoustic and lighting performances, technical feasibility and management problems. Results of the different solar shading devices assessment are reported in the form of a data sheet.

This paper deals with research carried out by the University of Florence on the thermal and energy performances of a recently built nZEB in Mediterranean Italian area. Heterogeneous component and thermal bridges performances have been analysed and critically evaluated with different calculation methods, and the results in terms of energy consumptions for heating and cooling have been compared. Some solar shading devices have been evaluated to reduce the building energy need for cooling. Main results of the research are presented for the components and thermal bridges properties and for the energy balance of the building implemented with different solar shadings.

This work illustrates the results achieved by ongoing collaboration between the Uffizi Gallery and the University of Florence. This collaboration has focused on the New Uffizi Project and sought to evaluate the energy consumption of the HVAC systems of the Vasari Corridor by applying the typical tools and methods for the Building Energy Model (BEM) of existing buildings. In order to perform a dynamic simulation of the energy behavior and thermal comfort of the Corridor, the Building Energy Model was validated by comparing the hourly measured and simulated indoor temperature values and through the varying of natural ventilation and solar shading. Due to its building characteristics the control of the indoor thermo-hygrometric parameters is a critical issue. These aspects expose the Corridor to climatic variations which necessitate major energy consumption. In estimating energy consumption, three different scenarios of the use of the Corridor itself were referenced: one of which was its return to the original Medici use as a connection between Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio through the Uffizi Galleries; the other two were the possible uses for temporary exhibitions of artwork which met the acceptable parameters of indoor air quality (thermal comfort and control of risk of SARS-CoV 2).