Geo-Climatic Indicators to Define Local Potential of Low-Energy Technologies Including Climate Changes

This chapter deals with a geo-climatic approach to low-energy technologies in climate change scenarios. Different key performance indicators (KPI) which are able to predict the geo-climatic potential distribution of bioclimatic solutions in reducing expected energy needs while guaranteeing space comfort in buildings (e.g. wind-driven, controlled natural ventilation for passive cooling of spaces) are described. This approach is further expanded to define the resilience of the above mentioned techniques in absorbing climate change impact on cooling and heating needs. The main objective of the chapter is to describe a methodological approach and introduce the aims of the geo-climatic vision. Three bioclimatic technologies based on low-energy/passive cooling (direct evaporative cooling, earth-to-air heat exchangers, wind-driven ventilation) and one low-energy/passive heating (earth-to-air heat exchangers), are taken as references. The calculation results of the local potential of these technologies based on related KPIs are described for the entire Italian peninsula, assuming both current typical meteorological years and two future climate change scenarios.