Effectiveness of passive climate adaptation measures in residential buildings in Germany

Current climate scenarios indicate that, summer and winter periods in Germany will get warmer and milder, respectively by 2090. This will affect the energy demand and the thermal comfort of the buildings' inhabitants. Whereas milder winters will reduce the heating demand, warmer summers will increase the overheating potential of the buildings. The resulting discomfort during summer could lead to an increased potential for active cooling and therefore to additional CO₂ emissions. This topic is investigated in a detached single family house which represents a large part of the German building stock. In order to reduce the potential cooling demand of the single family house, three passive climate adaptation measures: solar protection glazing, shading, and natural ventilation were combined and assessed. These measures were quantified with a dynamical thermal building simulation tool for the periods 2030-2060 and 2060-2090, by assessing the performance indicators: overheating degree hours, heating and cooling demand, and CO₂ emissions. The results demonstrate that a combination of automated blinds and ventilations can significantly reduce the overheating degree hours and the potential cooling demand. Furthermore, they illustrate the necessity to consider passive measures in a state of art refurbishment of existing buildings.