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Impact of the Urban Environment on the Thermal Performance and Environmental Quality of Residential Buildings: A Case Study in Athens

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  • Maria Kolokotroni

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Brunel University of London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK)

  • May Zune

    (School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 4DT, UK)

  • Petra Gratton

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Brunel University of London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK)

  • Thet Paing Tun

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Brunel University of London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK)

  • Ilia Christantoni

    (DAEM SA, City of Athens IT Company, 144 Peiraios, 11854 Athens, Greece)

  • Dimitra Tsakanika

    (DAEM SA, City of Athens IT Company, 144 Peiraios, 11854 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of the urban context on the energy performance of a residential building in Athens. Current and future weather files were modified to consider the urban heat island, the overshadowing of adjacent buildings, and the modification of wind speed due to the effects of urban canyons. Dynamic thermal simulations were carried out using the modified weather files. The results indicate that there was a change in heating and cooling demand in comparison to using typical weather files; heating was reduced, but cooling was increased with a total increase in energy demand. There was variation due to height, while overshadowing impacts energy demand significantly. The modified weather analysis also indicates that there are periods in the year that cooling and heating are negligible. During these periods, passive strategies can be used to maintain good internal air quality if occupants are informed how to use their windows and shading devices according to prevailing weather conditions. A method of achieving this occupant-centric operation of the building is described, and the results of an intervention study are discussed. It shows that internal environmental quality can be improved by occupant actions based on forecast weather conditions to direct them.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Kolokotroni & May Zune & Petra Gratton & Thet Paing Tun & Ilia Christantoni & Dimitra Tsakanika, 2025. "Impact of the Urban Environment on the Thermal Performance and Environmental Quality of Residential Buildings: A Case Study in Athens," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:8:p:2062-:d:1636615
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jentsch, Mark F. & James, Patrick A.B. & Bourikas, Leonidas & Bahaj, AbuBakr S., 2013. "Transforming existing weather data for worldwide locations to enable energy and building performance simulation under future climates," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 514-524.
    2. Duan, Zhuocheng & de Wilde, Pieter & Attia, Shady & Zuo, Jian, 2025. "Challenges in predicting the impact of climate change on thermal building performance through simulation: A systematic review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 382(C).
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