Energy Optimization of Urban Building Stocks in Low-density Zones in Mendoza's Metropolitan Area.

ARBOIT, MARIELA AND DE ROSA, CARLOS

Energy Procedia

ELSEVIER

Año: 2013 vol. 1 p. 1 - 70

1876-6102

In arid regions with intense solar radiation such as the Andean provinces of Argentina; it is possible to save energy by means of an adequate control of the urban morphology, the reduction of heat losses through building envelopes and the increase of Direct Solar Gain (DG) over potentially collecting surfaces. The study aimes at diagnosis of the current situation in low-density zones in Mendoza?s Metropolitan Area (MMA), aimed at assessing the level of the present energy sustainability of the existing built-up areas in the city. The morphological features of the city and buildings are responsible for their environmental and energy behavior, taking into account the possible combination of technological alternatives of the existing buildings. Moreover, the maximum recycling of existing building stocks is considered essential to minimize environmental impacts throughout human habitat?s life cycle. The same analysis was performed for a theoretical improved situation, in which a set of possible improvement strategies was assumed, modifying some morphological and technological features, aiming at the obtention of higher energy efficiency. Presently, the use of the proposed strategies would only be applied to the existing low-density building stocks. The feasibility of using the region?s generous solar resource for space heating, showed that potential energy savings, of about 80 % in residential urban buildings can be obtained by recycling, implementing direct gain systems and additional energy conservation measures.