Abstract
The increasing of energy demands has considerably increased the requirements for new and traditional buildings in different climate zones. Unprecedented heat waves have increased climate temperature, in particular, in moderate climate zones such as Lebanon. In Beirut, only the residential sector consumes 50% of total electricity consumption. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning) systems are used to reach acceptable thermal comfort levels in the new residential buildings. In case of the traditional bourgeoisie houses in Beirut, there are no discussions about the use of HVAC systems to achieve the required thermal comfort level. Thus, to reach an acceptable thermal comfort level, these houses which already contain natural ventilation system shall adapt the modern thermal comfort requirements and thermal comfort strategies and technologies where their architectural features and existing materials condition the available solutions. In order to identify the best options within the possible intervention lines (envelopes, passive strategies, equipment, renewable energy systems), it is necessary to perceive the real performance of this type of houses. In this context, the article presents the results of the study of thermal performance and comfort in a three case studies located in Beirut. Detailed field data records collected are analyzed, with a view to identify the indoor thermal environment with respect to outdoor thermal environment in different seasons. Monitoring also included measurement of hygrothermal parameters and surveys of occupant thermal sensation.
Highlights
In the light of increasing the world energy-efficiency demand and the environmental awareness, several conventions are developed to reduce energy demands in the building sector including the historical ones such as 2030 energy strategy in the EU
Majority of its constructions rely on HVAC systems to provide thermal comfort inside the apartments, for which 40–44% of its energy consumption is consumed by HVAC
To accomplish the targets, new high performance building concepts have been defined, as the zero-energy buildings, where energy demand must be reduced by renewable energy sources
Summary
In the light of increasing the world energy-efficiency demand and the environmental awareness, several conventions are developed to reduce energy demands in the building sector including the historical ones such as 2030 energy strategy in the EU. To accomplish the targets, new high performance building concepts have been defined, as the zero-energy buildings, where energy demand must be reduced by renewable energy sources. These actions are not always simple to implement in the existing building stock. In the case of old buildings in Beirut, the links between the cultural heritages, thermal comfort and energy saving requirements are still missing, the diversity of traditional construction system, building materials and architectural features limit the range of available solutions. In order to achieve thermal comfort and a high-performance building inside the heritage buildings in Beirut and to choose the best design ventilation strategies for that building, it is very important to know the actual situation of the indoor environment ijas.ideasspread.org
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
