Ricerc@Sapienza

In order to face increasing socio-economic challenges in a climate-change scenario, we should aim at redesigning our built environment, improving resilience and sustainability. Green infrastructure – trees in particular – play a critical role in urban heat island mitigation. Outdoor comfort simulations are useful tools to assess microclimate, and the different parameters influencing human energy balance and thermal comfort.

This study examines the impact of building use variable on the energy retrofit for vernacular buildings. In Italy, the main part of the building stock is composed of urban textures based on vernacular buildings. This part shares regional values and features that distinguish the landscape and influence the global primary energy demand of buildings sector. Moreover, historical towns underwent a renovation process which includes changes of use driven by economic factors and totally unaware of the effect on energy performance.