In the heart of Madrid, a city known for its vibrant culture and historic architecture, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we think about climate change and its impact on the built environment. Helena López-Moreno, a researcher from the Departamento de Construcción y Tecnología Arquitectónicas at UPM and CIEMAT, has led a team that has developed an updated Typical Meteorological Year (TMYe) for the city, offering a stark glimpse into Madrid’s climatic future.
The study, published in *Anales de Edificación* (which translates to *Annals of Construction*), leverages meteorological data recorded since 2008 to project future climate scenarios for 2050 and 2080. By comparing the TMYe with the International Weather for Energy Calculations (IWEC) climate file, López-Moreno and her team have painted a detailed picture of what’s to come. “Our results indicate a trend towards increasingly warmer and drier climates, particularly in the summer months,” López-Moreno explains. “By 2080, we’re looking at average summer temperatures of 32°C and humidity levels around 26% if no mitigation measures are taken.”
For the energy sector, these findings are nothing short of transformative. The study highlights a substantial increase in tropical nights, a higher thermal discomfort index, and a significant rise in cooling degree-hours—not just in summer, but also in spring and autumn. This shift has profound implications for energy demand and thermal comfort in urban environments.
“Understanding these trends is crucial for developing tailored climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies,” López-Moreno emphasizes. “The energy sector, in particular, needs to prepare for a future where cooling demands will likely surge, reshaping how we design and operate buildings.”
The study’s projections are based on shared socioeconomic pathways, offering a nuanced look at how different scenarios could play out. By evaluating impact indicators at the climatic, urban, and building levels, the research provides a comprehensive framework for stakeholders to plan ahead.
For professionals in the energy and construction sectors, the message is clear: the future is warming up, and the time to act is now. As López-Moreno’s research shows, proactive measures can mitigate some of the worst impacts, but the window for action is closing. The study, published in *Anales de Edificación*, serves as a wake-up call and a roadmap for a more resilient future.
In an era where climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate challenge, López-Moreno’s work offers a beacon of hope and a call to action. The energy sector, in particular, stands at the forefront of this transformation, poised to shape the built environment of tomorrow.