Mediterranean climate

Climate change is a growing global concern and building stock, in particular, is responsible for the emission of greenhouse gases, largely due to its poor energy efficiency. This problem is especially serious in educational buildings, where it is necessary to encourage energy efficient retrofitting under the parameters of nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB), an objective which in Europe has been set for 2050. This is expected to produce economic, energy saving, hygrothermal comfort and health-safety benefits.

In high density occupation rooms, it is necessary to control indoor air quality (IAQ) combined with other comfort parameters. An adequate IAQ in classrooms enhances children learning and academic results are improved.

External shading systems, window systems and light control systems try to reach the indoor comfort and energy saving by approaches, that are different in complexity, costs and results; besides a good coordination among them could produce better performances. This paper analyses the office space energy demand connected to the use of different glazing materials, light control systems and external fixed shading devices for office buildings, with the aim to optimize their usage aspects and characteristics.