Identificación de hogares vulnerables a partir del concepto pobreza energética: indicador y modelo de evaluación.

Poder identificar aquellos hogares en una situación de vulnerabilidad, entendida como aquella situación determinada por factores físicos, sociales, económicos, ambientales, y de confort que podría aumentar el riesgo de padecer problemas de salud y bienestar social, es la principal barrera para abordar la problemática social definida como pobreza energética. La gran variedad de factores que influyen en el funcionamiento de un hogar muestra la dificultad encontrada actualmente para determinar de forma clara una situación de vulnerabilidad. La investigación parte del análisis de los diferentes indicadores de pobreza energética existentes, en un ámbito nacional e internacional, y su relación al sector residencial, justificando sus debilidades y fortalezas a la hora de evaluar una situación de pobreza energética. Dicho análisis permite elaborar un modelo de evaluación de hogares vulnerables, a partir del cual definir un novedoso indicador de aplicación internacional, el Índice de Hogares Vulnerables (IHV), que analiza una situación más allá de la pobreza energética. El IHV unifica diferentes indicadores utilizados hasta el momento con el uso de sus tres variables: monetaria, energética y confort térmico. La variable monetaria analiza la vulnerabilidad en relación a los ingresos netos disponibles para afrontar el día a día, la variable energética relaciona las características constructivas de la vivienda, y el confort térmico evalúa la temperatura interior de la vivienda y su percepción por los inquilinos. La combinación de los diferentes valores resultantes y su relación a la calidad de vida de los inquilinos permite establecer niveles de vulnerabilidad del hogar. Como resultado, se obtiene un indicador multidimensional que incluye el aspecto técnico (características de la vivienda) y el aspecto social (calidad de vida de los inquilinos). El uso de este indicador permitirá evaluar un hogar, sea o no identificado en una situación de pobreza energética, identificando qué variable requiere una mayor atención: económica, energética o de confort térmico. Dicho análisis hace posible incluir la viabilidad económica y técnica de una rehabilitación energética, junto a la reducción de la situación de vulnerabilidad de un hogar.Identify households in a vulnerable situation, which is determined by physical, social, economic, environmental, and comfort factors that could increase the risk of suffering social and wellbeing problems, is considered the main limitation to solve current social problem defined as fuel poverty. A variety of factors influence home’s performance and makes difficult to clearly identify a vulnerable situation. This research is based on the analysis of different existing indicators of fuel poverty, in a national and international context, and its relationship to the residential sector, leading its weaknesses and strengths to be analysed. This analysis will contribute to define an assessment model of vulnerable homes, and a subsequent Index of Vulnerable Homes (IVH), which identifies households in fuel poverty or at risk of it. The IVH unifies the different indicators used so far to assess fuel poverty in a home by using three dimensions: monetary, energy and thermal comfort. The monetary dimension analyses the vulnerability in relation to the available net income to face everyday life. The energy variable assesses the vulnerability related to the constructive characteristics of the dwelling. Finally, the introduction of the thermal-comfort variable enables the evaluation of the vulnerability related to the inner temperature of the dwelling and its perception by occupants. The combination of the different resulting values in each dimension and its relationship to the quality of life of occupants establishes a hierarchy of vulnerable levels. As a result, a multi-dimensional index is defined which relates technical aspects (characteristics of the dwelling) and social aspects (quality of life of households). The index of vulnerable homes evaluates a home whether or not it is in a fuel poverty situation, by identifying which variables require a greater assistance: monetary, energy or thermal comfort. This analysis enables an energy efficiency intervention to be evaluated by assessing its economic and technical aspects, leading to a lower situation of vulnerability

Adaptive Thermal Comfort Potential in Mediterranean Office Buildings: A Case Study of Torre Sevilla

The design and construction of buildings is currently subject to a growing set of requirements concerning sustainability and energy efficiency. This paper shows a case study of the Torre Sevilla skyscraper, located in the city of Seville (in the south of Spain), which has high-tech energy-efficient features and which uses air-conditioning systems during most of its operating hours. The analysis carried out starts from a simulation in which occupants’ thermal comfort are obtained, based on the adaptive comfort model defined in the standard EN 15251:2007. With this approach, it is possible to determine the number of hours during operation in which the building has adequate comfort conditions only with the help of the envelope and natural ventilation. Consequently, the remaining useful hours require the use of air-conditioning systems. The results show that it is possible to improve the thermal performance of the building due to its location in the Mediterranean climate. To do this, advanced mixed mode (through manual-opening or mechanically-controlled opening windows) and active air-conditioning are suggested. This experimental proposal provides a reduction of the occupation hours which require the use of air-conditioning equipment by 28.57%, reducing the air-conditioning demand and, consequently, the energy consumption of the building

Disconnected, yet in the spotlight: Emergency research on extreme energy poverty in the Cañada Real informal settlement, Spain

Cañada Real is a 15-km informal settlement located in Madrid, Spain. With over 8000 inhabitants most dwellers live below the poverty line in informal, low-quality housing. Due to the impossibility to have legal supply contracts with utility providers, Cañada Real settlers have relied on irregular connections to nearby electricity and water distribution networks for decades. However, in October 2020, technical changes implemented by the distribution system operator left some 4000 people without access to power, and more than two years later a large share of them remain in those conditions. Emergency research has been conducted to document the change in living conditions experienced by Cañada Real residents. Census data have been analysed together with primary data from a 39-household survey, data retrieved from electricity service continuity sensors and direct measurements of indoor thermal comfort in 12 households. This set of data provides unique evidence on the impact of a collective disconnection event of an unprecedented magnitude in an EU context. Results give evidence of a case of ‘extreme energy poverty" that existing datasets and indicators fail to capture. The collective adaptation response displayed by a group of residents, who agreed on an intermittent, predictable disconnection schedule, highlights social fabric, self-organization and local capacities as resilience factors that provide temporary relief. Still, collective reconnection appears as a necessary first step to secure a minimum level of material living conditions. Political action is needed to modify the existing framework that marginalizes vulnerable dwellers as non-compliant customers, without any provisions against supply disconnections.Sergio Tirado-Herrero acknowledges funding from the 'Ramón y Cajal' program supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (grant RYC2020-029750-I). Raúl Castaño-Rosa acknowledges for the support provided by Tampere University and The RESCUE-Real Estate and Sustainable Crisis management in Urban Environments-Academy of Finland funded project (number 339711). The article publishing charges were funded by the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Read & Publish Agreement CRUE-CSIC 2023)

Measuring fuel poverty. A review of indicators

Identificar aquellos hogares en una situación de vulnerabilidad a la pobreza energética es elprimer paso para abordar una problemática social a nivel mundial asociada a la falta de servicios energéticos mínimos, conocido por los términos anglosajones–Fuel Poverty y Energy Poverty, FP y EP, respectivamente. El concepto FP, definido en el Reino Unido como “la incapacidad para obtener un adecuado confort térmico debido a la ineficiencia de la vivienda”, mientras que el concepto EP refleja la imposibilidad de tener acceso a un servicio energético mínimo en países en desarrollo. La falta de un consenso a la hora de definir una ruta clara ha originado que algunos países no la reconozcan como un problema social. La investigación se basa en la revisión de ambos conceptos, a través del análisis conceptual de los términos FP y EP, revisión de indicadores utilizados, estudio de la capacidad de los indicadores para identificar y proponer soluciones a la problemática. Todo ello en relación a los objetivos incluidos: infraestructuras disponibles, eficiencia energética, pobreza social y económica, bienestar y salud social. El resultado es la revisión desde una perspectiva técnica en el sector residencial que ayude a desarrollar soluciones que cubran las carencias encontradas.Identifying those households in an energy poverty vulnerability situation is the first step towards addressing a global social problem associated with the lack of minimum energy services, known as Fuel Poverty and Energy Poverty, FP and EP, respectively. The FP concept is defined in the United Kingdom as "the inability to obtain adequate thermal comfort due to the inefficiency of the house", while the EP concept reflects the impossibility in developing countries of having access to a minimal energy service. The lack of consensus when defining a clear path has meant that some countries have not recognized it as a social problem. The research is based on the review of both concepts, through the conceptual analysis of the terms, FP and EP, a review of indicators used, and  the study of the capacity of the indicators to identify and propose solutions to the problem. All this regarding the objectives included: available infrastructures, energy efficiency, social and economic poverty, well-being and social health. The result is a review from a technical perspective in the residential sector, that helps develop solutions that cover the deficiencies found

Módulo de inversiones para la rehabilitación energética de edificios de viviendas: Revisión y aplicación al indicador de pobreza energética

In the present paper has been prepared a module of investments for energy- efficient retrofitting, in the framework of a work coordinated by the Grupo de Termotecnia and Arditec from Universidad de Sevilla. First, it was analyzed the foundations of existing costs, both solutions of thermal envelope and facilities, as in the methodology of the simplified procedure of certification of the energy efficiency of existing buildings CE3_Viviendas and the improvement measures of energy demand which proposes the tool, in order to identify the solutions that would be part of the module. Secondly, it was developed a cost structure of energy- efficient retrofitting model based on the systematic classification of the Andalucía’s cost base building. From this, the costs of the proposed energy efficiency solutions were calculated according to the procedure of unit prices used in the sector traditionally. It was established a relationship between economic and social aspects with the obtained results by using fuel poverty’s indicator.En el presente trabajo se ha elaborado un módulo de inversiones para la rehabilitación energética de edificios de viviendas, en el marco de un trabajo coordinado por el Grupo de Termotecnia y Arditec de la Universidad de Sevilla. En primer lugar, se analizaron las bases de costes existentes, tanto de soluciones de envolvente térmica como de instalaciones, así como la metodología de trabajo del procedimiento simplificado de certificación de eficiencia energética de edificios existentes CE3_Viviendas y la relación de medidas de mejora de la demanda energética que propone la herramienta, identificando el conjunto de soluciones que formarán parte del módulo. En segundo lugar, se elaboró un modelo de estructura de costes de rehabilitación energética basado en la clasificación sistemática de la Base de Costes de la Construcción de Andalucía, a partir del cual calcular los costes de las soluciones de rehabilitación energética propuestas siguiendo el procedimiento de elaboración de precios unitarios tradicionalmente utilizado en el sector. Por último, en base a los resultados obtenidos se establece una relación entre los aspectos económicos, coste de una rehabilitación energética, y sociales, calidad de vida de los inquilinos, mediante el análisis del indicador de Pobreza Energética

The actual performance of retrofitted residential apartments: post-occupancy evaluation study in Italy

Housing retrofits are undertaken to reduce energy use and to improve ‘occupants’ indoor environmental conditions. Despite increased retrofitting of the Italian housing stock, there is a lack of data on their energy use and indoor environmental quality (IEQ). This paper fills this gap by a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) study of seven retrofitted apartments in northern Italy; a non-retrofitted case study was included as a comparison. The study aimed to understand aspects of IEQ and occupant satisfaction after energy-efficiency retrofits. A mixed-method approach encompassed occupant satisfaction surveys, energy bill comparisons, in-situ indoor air temperature, and relative humidity measurements. Results highlighted ‘occupants’ thermal comfort improvement and heating energy consumption reduction after retrofits. Furthermore, reported preferred indoor temperatures w within a broader range than the recommended Italian regulations and CIBSE guide A standard. However, some participants reported unintended consequences, including mould growth and noise from the mechanical ventilation system. This study shows the potential of POE to understand the actual performance of retrofitted residential buildings. However, the difficulties of conducting a POE in retrofitted existing residential buildings show the need of further research on how to effectively conduct POE in retrofitted residential buildings, including improved digital quality monitoring methods.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Cooling degree models and future energy demand in the residential sector. A seven-country case study

The intensity and duration of hot weather and the number of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, are increasing, leading to a growing need for space cooling energy demand. Together with the building stock’s low energy performance, this phenomenon may also increase households’ energy consumption. On the other hand, the low level of ownership of cooling equipment can cause low energy consumption, leading to a lack of indoor thermal comfort and several health-related problems, yet increasing the risk of energy poverty in summer. Understanding future temperature variations and the associated impacts on building cooling demand will allow mitigating future issues related to a warmer climate. In this respect, this paper analyses the effects of change in temperatures in the residential sector cooling demand in 2050 for a case study of nineteen cities across seven countries: Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Israel, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain, by estimating cooling degree days and hours (CDD and CDH). CDD and CDH are calculated using both fixed and adaptive thermal comfort temperature thresholds for 2020 and 2050, understanding their strengths and weaknesses to assess the effects of warmer temperatures. Results suggest a noticeable average increase in CDD and CDH values, up to double, by using both thresholds for 2050, with a particular interest in northern countries where structural modifications in the building stock and occupants’ behavior should be anticipated. Furthermore, the use of the adaptive thermal comfort threshold shows that the projected temperature increases for 2050 might affect people’s capability to adapt their comfort band (i.e., indoor habitability) as temperatures would be higher than the maximum admissible values for people’s comfort and health.The paper stems from collaborative work within COST Action ‘European Energy Poverty: Agenda Co-Creation and Knowledge Innovation’ (ENGAGER 2017–2021, CA16232) funded by European Cooperation in Science and Technology—www.cost.eu (5 December 2020). João Pedro Gouveia and Pedro Palma acknowledge and are thankful for the support provided to CENSE by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the strategic project UIDB/04085/2020 and through the scholarship SFRH/BD/146732/2019 provided to Pedro). Ricardo Barbosa acknowledges the support for this work, which was partly financed by FCT/MCTES through national funds (PIDDAC) under the R&D Unit Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), under reference UIDB/04029/2020

Compendium: On existing and missing links between energy poverty and other scholarly debates

ENGAGER Working Group 4 has just produced an extensive compendium on existing and missing links between energy poverty and other scholarly debates. The compendium is edited Ana Stojilovska (HU), Lidija Zivcic (SI), Ricardo Barbosa (PT), Katrin Grossmann (DE) and Rachel Guyet (FR), with contributions from 10 other authors from across Europe. The compendium is one of the most detailed and extensive reviews of its kind that have been published to date. In the introduction of the compendium, the authors note: We publish this work, undertaken between March 2019 and February 2019, in the midst of a huge worldwide health crisis that will alter life and living circumstances. We are aware that this crisis is likely to impact vulnerable people, among them the energy poor, in severe ways. We only start to understand how important energy is as a basis of living and of participation in society. Staying at home is only possible for those who have a home, and it is bearable only if energy can be used for cooking, heating – and communicating. We see this compendium as a living document that will profit from discussion, revision and updating.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Transferring the index of vulnerable homes : application at the local-scale in England to assess fuel poverty vulnerability

Fuel poverty, or energy poverty, has traditionally been associated with households that cannot afford to keep their homes adequately warm and/or cool due to low income and energy inefficient dwellings. Recent studies show a need for a good understanding of levels of vulnerability and how they are shaped by poor quality housing and economic circumstances. This work, which examines the current level of vulnerability to fuel poverty in a neighbourhood in the Broughton ward of Salford using quantitative data, provides a comprehensive tool to assess fuel poverty vulnerability at a local scale in England, the Index of Vulnerable Homes (IVH), which evaluates the identification of households in or at risk of fuel poverty. The IVH results lead to an evaluation of current fuel poverty indicators in terms of their ability to assess fuel poverty vulnerability in England, providing a fuller understanding of the variety of fuel poverty situations, as well as recognizing the high prevalence of hidden fuel poverty. Additionally, having used the IVH in both England and Spain, it makes possible reflections upon how vulnerability to fuel poverty may differ in these countries, leading to relevant recommendations for policymakers to develop effective fuel poverty measures