Dynamic evaluation of thermal comfort scenarios in a Colombian large-scale social housing project

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the technical, environmental, economic and thermal comfort impacts of implementing passive measures and heating systems in Ciudad Verde, a large-scale social housing project located at the periphery of Bogota, Colombia.Design/methodology/approachA system dynamics (SD) model is proposed to evaluate scenarios through counterfactual experiments, including technical, environmental and economic components. Model inputs are obtained from building energy simulation models and data collected from official reports, public policy documents and construction records.FindingsResults suggest that the use of heating systems is the best choice to achieve thermal comfort conditions throughout the day. However, both the capital expenditures and CO2 emissions associated with such system make their adoption very difficult. In line with that, the use of heating systems in combination with passive measures stands out as a viable solution since their costs are affordable and their use contributes to reducing CO2 emissions.Originality/valueThe proposed model recreates the dynamics underlying social housing construction processes, the adoption of heating systems and passive measures in low-income dwellings and their corresponding impact on CO2 emissions and indoor thermal comfort conditions. The model can be employed as a support tool in the formulation of social housing policies associated with thermal comfort specifications. In this way, the model represents a first step toward incorporating thermal-related variables into the decision-making processes related to social housing planning and development.

Sustainability Performance in On-Site Construction Processes: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Moreover, it is relevant to highlight that ref. [41] underscored the alignment of sustainable practices in construction with the elimination of processes that do not add value and may adversely affect the environment. Conversely, ref.…”

Attractiveness of the Megaproject Labor Market for Metropolitan Residents in the Context of Digitalization and the Long-Lasting COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Megaprojects are implemented under special conditions. Recently, large projects are mainly social and concern water supply, social housing [3], and infrastructure development. Their effectiveness in a digital environment depends on the management system that is created [4,5], the adopted decision-making procedures, timing forecasting technologies [6], risks, and funding procedures.…”