Abstract
In Chile, the residential sector consumes around 20% of energy. In the country, the thermal performance standards of housing are deficient, which explains their high heating energy consumption. The most significant energy consumption in homes is for heating (56.3%). Firewood is the most consumed energy source, followed by kerosene, LPG and natural gas. The intensive use of firewood has generated high indoor and urban pollution levels. In Santiago and other cities in the country’s south, the concentrations of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 have exceeded the World Health Organization recommended levels. This high urban and indoor air pollution affects approximately 10 million people in the country, generating high rates of chronic heart and respiratory diseases and premature death. To reduce this pollution, the government has implemented a state program that includes applying higher thermal standards for new and existing houses, which considers envelope thermal insulation, double-glazed windows, air infiltration reduction and mechanical ventilation systems. This work evaluates the impacts of state rehabilitation programs in two cities (Concepción and Temuco). Improved standards to those applied in state plans are also assessed. Considering six representative homes of the mentioned cities, simulations of energy performance and quantifications of CO2 and PM2.5 emissions were carried out. It is highly recommended to implement these plans and/or improve the thermal standards in existing homes, observing a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and the concentration of particulate matter in the cities analyzed, with a high impact on people’s health.
Presenters
Waldo BustamanteProfessor, Centre for Sustainable Urban Development, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Chile
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
REHABILITATION OF EXISTING HOUSES, HOUSING ENERGY PERFORMANCE, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
