Passive Cooling in Sustainable Constructions: A Review for Latin America

Abstract

Latin American countries from the tropics are energy dependent. Residential and commercial sectors are accountable for more than 40% of the total demand of electric power, mainly due to massive use of air conditioners. Passive cooling techniques represent a sustainable, environmentally, friendly and economic alternative to implement to meet the need to reduce electricity demand in the region and thus, the current deficit. Nonetheless, Latin America does not show enough experiences taking advantage the benefits of passive cooling techniques. This research paper presents the state of the art of passive cooling and a designed review of its implementation in Latin America.

Keywords: passive cooling techniques, sustainable construction, thermal control, energy saving