Decarbonising Summer Cooling in Residential Buildings: Integrating Occupant Summer Thermal Comfort into the Smart Readiness Indicator

Abstract

The decarbonisation of the building sector is increasingly challenged by rising summer temperatures and the growing demand for cooling, especially in high-density residential buildings. University residences (UR) are a critical building type where overheating, poor indoor air quality (IAQ), and occupant vulnerability converge, directly impacting health, well-being, and energy demand. In this context, the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), introduced at the European level, aims to promote climate-responsive building management. However, the current methodology primarily reflects technological readiness rather than the actual performance of indoor environments. This study proposes a methodological framework to assess the correspondence between summer thermal comfort (defined by UNI EN 16798-1) and IAQ considerations in relation to the SRI score. This would enhance the SRI’s role as a decision-making and policy support tool. The approach involves reviewing the European regulatory framework on summer comfort, defining comfort- and IAQ-oriented indicators in line with the SRI structure, and applying dynamic energy simulations to a representative UR case study. The results reveal a consistent overall SRI score for the case study, reflecting different indoor summer conditions, while scores linked to “Comfort” and “Health, Well-being” criteria align with dynamic simulation outcomes. This suggests an initial correspondence between comfort, IAQ indicators, and SRI impact criteria