Presidency Key Brief #8 COP 22 Marrakech: Rethinking comfort – A pathway to low-energy buildings

At the 22nd Conference of Parties in Marrakesh, the global community again search for realistic options to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The vastly growing building sector will be one of the major concerns in the next 25 years. Between 2010-2030, 84 billion m² of new and rebuilt buildings will be constructed in cities worldwide. That is the equivalent to the rebuilding of the entire US building stock three and a half times over. Nearly 60% of global development will occur in Asia, and most of these new buildings will be constructed in warm and humid climates.
In maintaining the type of indoor conditions we have learned to universally expect, buildings require massive energy inputs. The way we define comfort plays a significant role in this. What if we challenge this definition? Are the conventional targets to cool and condition spaces the only way to achieve thermal comfort?
This commentary is about a Hybrid System Design that goes beyond conventional air-conditioning concepts in hot climates. In this approach mechanical systems for air conditioning can be downsized substantially and energy demand can be reduced in the range of 30% to 50% without compromising thermal comfort and indoor air quality. This is not, however, a new concept. It is really about a reconceptualization of the problem and understanding how to do more with less. Revision of local legislation and standards is required to support this process.