In the heart of Europe, a pressing issue looms large: energy poverty. With 54 million Europeans struggling to afford essential energy services, the urgency to address this crisis has never been more pronounced. Enter Carmen Díaz-López, a researcher from the Department of Building Construction I at the University of Seville, who is spearheading a groundbreaking study published in ‘Applied Sciences’ that could revolutionize how we approach urban housing and energy efficiency.
Díaz-López’s research, which focuses on the rehabilitation of existing housing stock, offers a beacon of hope in the fight against energy poverty. By leveraging the European Union’s Level(s) framework, a comprehensive set of sustainability indicators, her work aims to create resilient and thermally comfortable living spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly.
The study, which evaluates the resilience and thermal comfort of Mediterranean dwellings, highlights the critical role of the construction sector in fostering a cultural shift towards sustainable urban interventions. “The construction sector plays a pivotal role in urban development, providing a critical opportunity to foster a cultural shift towards the regeneration of housing stock,” Díaz-López explains. “This shift focuses on sustainable and resilient urban interventions to extend the lifespan of buildings, starting from the design phase.”
One of the key innovations of Díaz-López’s research is its focus on thermal comfort for older adults, a demographic increasingly affected by energy poverty and inadequate housing. The study explores how poor thermal conditions negatively impact this group and provides a framework for improving housing solutions to meet their specific needs better. This is particularly relevant in the context of energy poverty, an increasingly prevalent issue in many urban settings.
The research also emphasizes the economic feasibility of the proposed interventions. By incorporating a cost amortization analysis, Díaz-López ensures that energy-efficient renovations are not only environmentally and socially beneficial but also financially sustainable. This approach ensures that energy-efficient upgrades provide long-term cost-effectiveness, making them an attractive option for property owners and developers.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. By promoting energy-efficient housing rehabilitation, Díaz-López’s study seeks to mitigate energy poverty, improve thermal comfort, and enhance the economic stability of vulnerable groups. This aligns with the broader goals of the European Green Deal and the Urban Agenda 2030, which advocate for sustainable urban development practices.
As the global population ages and energy prices continue to rise, the need for adaptable and resilient housing solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Díaz-López’s research offers a scalable and flexible model that can be applied to diverse tenant needs, providing a roadmap for sustainable urban interventions. By integrating the Level(s) framework into design and retrofit processes, the construction sector can effectively contribute to achieving these policy goals, shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of adapting thermal comfort standards for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. This research not only contributes to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment but also highlights the need for a more holistic approach to building performance, one that considers both environmental and social dimensions. As Díaz-López puts it, “The research underscores the importance of regenerating existing buildings to meet environmental and social goals and create more adaptable, accessible, and equitable urban spaces for future generations.”