Energy Efficiency in Buildings

This book analyzes the optimization of the energy and thermal performance of buildings in tropical climates through the study of four materials: composite cement-roasted wood fibers, composite cement-rice husks, agglomerate and composite cement-earth bar. Based on their thermo-physical properties, dynamic simulations using TRNSYS were used to assess the thermal gains of the walls, their impact on indoor comfort and air-conditioning requirements. The results reveal the outstanding performance of biobased composites: rice husk cement and roast wood fiber cement reduce cooling requirements in the living room by up to 20% and 11% respectively, and in the bedroom by up to 32% and 27%, compared with the reference agglomerate. Environmental analysis based on the TEWI indicator confirms their contribution to reducing the carbon footprint. At the crossroads of materials science and thermal simulation, this book makes a scientific contribution to sustainable construction adapted to tropical realities.