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Thermal Comfort in Places of Worship within a Mediterranean Climate

Author

Listed:
  • Robert C. Vella

    (Departamento Ingeniería Energética y Fluidomecánica, Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Francisco Javier Rey Martinez

    (Departamento Ingeniería Energética y Fluidomecánica, Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Charles Yousif

    (Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Malta, MXK 1531 Marsaxlokk, Malta)

  • Liberato Camilleri

    (Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Faculty of Science, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta)

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between the actual thermal comfort levels measured according to EN 16798-1 standard and the expected thermal comfort of attendees in five parish churches throughout 2018. This is carried out through statistical analysis of qualitative research based on questionnaire responses from church goers and quantitative research based on indoor measured data. This investigation includes the gathering of scientific data relating to temperature and relative humidity together with statistical data through thermal sensation surveys (TSSs). Thus, this study provides first-hand information about occupants’ diversities of thermal sensations and dynamic behaviour adaptations to the intricate environment within churches. Results determine that a significant correlation exists between the actual thermal comfort levels measured according to EN 16798-1 standard and the expected thermal comfort perceived by the church attendees in most of the parish churches under review. Analysis of the sources of discomfort and suggestions made by the occupants revealed that passive design measures contribute towards improved indoor thermal conditions, reduced energy demand and lower carbon emissions. This information provides assurance for optimised decision-making methods, used to generate accurate solutions for policy-makers, architects and engineers, with an understanding of practical applications of passive measures for places of worship. Moreover, the paper provides insight on indoor comfort levels in places of worship within a Mediterranean context, which is insufficiently addressed by scholars at a global level.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert C. Vella & Francisco Javier Rey Martinez & Charles Yousif & Liberato Camilleri, 2021. "Thermal Comfort in Places of Worship within a Mediterranean Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:13:p:7233-:d:584036
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ballarini, Ilaria & Corgnati, Stefano Paolo & Corrado, Vincenzo, 2014. "Use of reference buildings to assess the energy saving potentials of the residential building stock: The experience of TABULA project," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 273-284.
    2. Pooya Lotfabadi & Polat Hançer, 2019. "A Comparative Study of Traditional and Contemporary Building Envelope Construction Techniques in Terms of Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Hot and Humid Climates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-22, June.
    3. Corgnati, Stefano Paolo & Fabrizio, Enrico & Filippi, Marco & Monetti, Valentina, 2013. "Reference buildings for cost optimal analysis: Method of definition and application," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 983-993.
    4. Boris Kingma & Wouter van Marken Lichtenbelt, 2015. "Energy consumption in buildings and female thermal demand," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 5(12), pages 1054-1056, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michal Poljak & Radoslav Ponechal, 2023. "Microclimatic Monitoring—The Beginning of Saving Historical Sacral Buildings in Europe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-20, January.
    2. Robert C. Vella & Charles Yousif & Francisco Javier Rey Martinez & Javier María Rey Hernandez, 2022. "Prioritising Passive Measures over Air Conditioning to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Mediterranean Baroque Churches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-23, July.

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