The Challenge of Energy Efficiency in Social Housing: An Evaluation of Envelope's Improvements and their Economic Effects

Objective: This study aims to propose a combination of modifications to the envelope of a Social Housing (SH) project and evaluate their impacts on thermal load reduction and cost increase, staying within the budgetary constraints. Theoretical Framework: The Minha Casa Minha Vida Program (PMCMV) prioritizes architectural solutions focused on large-scale production and reduced unit costs, at the expense of environmental comfort and energy efficiency. However, efforts to raise the standards of habitability and quality of life are evident in the new 2023 program version and its regulations for new projects. Method: This case study assesses the envelope classification of an SH project applied to 20 sets of construction modifications and 4 deployment orientations, using the Inmetro Normative Instruction for Building Energy Efficiency (INI-R). Thermal load reduction and cost increment analysis will be performed. Results and Discussion: For each deployment orientation, the modifications that resulted in the greatest reduction in thermal load. This reduction ranged between 20% and 26.5% for the four orientations, with an additional cost ranging from 6% to 16%. Research Implications: Energy efficiency measures, even if they entail higher costs, may provide economic benefits during the operation and maintenance phases of the properties within PMCMV standards. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the dissemination of the simplified method of INI-R for envelope analysis in buildings and may influence improvements in public policies related to environmental quality in housing programs.