Application of Adaptive Thermal Comfort Models for Energy Saving in Buildings

The use of natural ventilation achieves considerable energy consumption savings and reduces overheating risk in summer; however, it is less effective in regions where heating energy is more demanding. In this sense, the use of adaptive thermal comfort models is an opportunity to use natural ventilation optimally coupled with air conditioning systems when necessary. In this chapter, the use of variable setpoint temperatures has been analyzed, for static and adaptive patterns. Results show energy savings using two approaches with low economic investment and without comprising users’ thermal comfort. This chapter also analyzes the barriers and opportunities to improve energy performance in extant buildings. Results set that the potential of the application of the adaptive strategies on the Earth’s surface is high although it depends on the climatic conditions. Moreover, the applicability could be modified by global warming, considering future climate scenarios, but it still maintains significant energy savings. For that reason, architects and engineers are crucial to identify and apply the most appropriate adaptive measures in specific cases.