Household energy vulnerability evaluation in southern Spain through parametric energy simulation models and socio-economic data

Abstract

When proposing the most suitable strategies for retrofitting the residential stock it is essential to consider energy vulnerability, the current state of stock, users’ economic capacity and climate. This work analyses energy vulnerability on regional and neighbourhood scale, applied to the social housing stock in southern Spain. Three key vulnerability indicators are assessed through extensive public databases and validated parametric energy simulation models: 1) buildings energy performance, based on simulated indoor thermal comfort; 2) users’ socio-economic vulnerability, based on their income levels; and 3) climate influence, implementing future climate data into the simulations. The different energy vulnerability levels identified in the research are of great interest for retrofitting the existing stock as they help establish priority action guidelines. It is concluded that social housing in Andalusia currently exhibits a noticeable level of energy vulnerability in winter, with a greater severity of undercooling compared to overheating. In 2050, overheating in summer will significantly worsen, generally surpassing cooling. Despite of the Mediterranean climate, there are noticeable comfort differences between the cities analysed, with Cordoba and Granada being particularly relevant. Finally, a worse thermal performance in winter of the H-block typology was observed, which in summer occur for the linear block buildings.