This book discusses the issues relevant to the evaluation of the thermal energy balance of
buildings in southern Europe and equips readers to carry out optimal building
energy-performance assessments taking into account the peculiarities of the climatic context.
Evaluation of building energy performance in this region is complex since the significant need
for cooling means that the effect of thermal capacity glazed surfaces and ventilation and
shading strategies have to be carefully considered when determining the indoor operative
temperatures. This is fully explained and critical issues in the application of the commonly
employed simplified procedures and assumptions are identified. In addition to the theoretical
analysis there are case studies that explore the energy performances of a set of typical
building typologies within the variability of the Italian climate considered as representative
of conditions in southern Europe. These descriptions will support energy consultants and other
stakeholders in assessing building energy performances beyond the mere simplified standard
assumptions. Furthermore the numerous graphs and tables documenting data can be easily adopted
to serve as design advice tools for both new constructions and retrofits.
