On the effectiveness of passive controls for summer thermal comfort in highly insulated dwellings

Among environmental controls, solar shading and ventilative cooling are widely considered as key passive strategies for limiting the overheating risks in buildings. While their application is encouraged through Energy Performance of Buildings Directive regulations, several studies have shown that summer thermal comfort in heating-dominate temperate climates still requires deeper investigation, particularly in low-energy residential buildings. Based on qualitative and quantitative data collected through surveys and monitoring in 147 highly insulated houses in Wallonia (Belgium), this paper gives an overview of the implemented passive strategies and discusses their effectiveness. Statistical tests are conducted to evaluate their impact on both perceived and measured indoor conditions. In general, the results highlight a limited impact of the implemented strategies, questioning their proper operation. Operational modes for environmental controls thus appear crucial, and should better respond to occupants’ needs, preferences and control opportunities. At a more general level, the study calls for a better understanding of the barriers inhibiting successful integration and operation of environmental controls, in order to effectively reduce overheating risks in residential buildings and limit future diffusion of active cooling systems with their induced environmental impacts.