Retrofitting dwellings in traditional coastal settlements in Egypt and Portugal using nature-based solutions and conventional thermal insulation materials: Technical and economic assessment

Abstract

Energy retrofitting is one of the critical elements in national energy efficiency action plans in Egypt and Portugal to achieve energy efficiency in the buildings’ sector. Therefore, this study explores the techno-economic feasibility of proposed simple passive retrofitting solutions using nature-based and conventional thermal insulation materials to the existing dwellings in the traditional coastal settlements under the Mediterranean climate. Two case studies, one representing a typical coastal, traditional wooden house in the west center of Portugal and another, a conventional brick house in the Delta region in Egypt, were selected. Each case study house was simulated using energy performance assessment tools (Energy+) before and after retrofitting in both locations using similar insulation properties. The results showed that energy consumption decreased by (29% and 43%) for cooling and (23% and 45%) for heating under different circumstances. Furthermore, the shortest simple payback model was projected by 16 and 25 years, with profitability achieved in 17 and 27 years for a proposed retrofitting solution. Also, a new propinquity between Portuguese and Egyptian Architecture was brought out.