Energy efficiency in sustainable buildings in Ecuador: a review of strategies and technologies

A systematic literature review with a qualitative-descriptive approach was conducted on energy efficiency in sustainable buildings in Ecuador, aiming to analyze the strategies and technologies applied in different types of buildings. Scientific databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springer, SciELO, and Google Scholar were consulted, selecting studies published between 2019 and 2025. Inclusion and exclusion criteria related to thematic relevance, academic rigor, document type, and language were applied, allowing the available information to be filtered and systematized. The results showed that bioclimatic strategies and passive design approaches were the most frequently reported in the Ecuadorian context, highlighting their effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and improving thermal comfort in tropical and Andean climates. Likewise, an increasing incorporation of active technologies, energy simulation tools, and optimization models was identified, although their application remained limited compared to passive strategies. It was also evidenced that building materials significantly influenced the thermal performance of buildings, while energy regulations showed partial implementation in the region. It was concluded that energy efficiency in sustainable buildings has evolved toward integrated approaches combining architectural design, technology, and energy management, although gaps between research, regulation, and practical implementation in Ecuador still persist.