Methodology for the Rehabilitation and Improvement of Energy Efficiency in Social Housing in a Hot–Humid Climate with the EDGE App: Case Study in Montería, Colombia

Social housing plays a key role in the Colombian residential market, showing a growing commitment to sustainability: currently, a high percentage of EDGE-certified homes belong to this segment. However, in hot and humid areas such as Montería, most VIS homes have deficiencies in their thermal envelopes and poor roof insulation, which leads to a heavy reliance on air conditioning. This study addresses the lack of practical and replicable methodologies for improving energy efficiency in social housing located in hot–humid climates. The research aims to develop and apply a methodological framework that integrates architectural rehabilitation strategies with quantitative evaluation using the EDGE App tool. The proposed approach was implemented in Montería, Colombia, through a case study that combines diagnostic analysis of existing housing conditions, simulation of energy-saving measures, and assessment of environmental and economic performance. A real home in Montería was used as a reference, and more than 600 simulations were carried out considering different orientations and passive strategies. Through a Pareto analysis, the three most efficient measures were identified: natural ventilation, high-solar-reflectance roofing, and moderate reduction in the U-value. Together, these measures reduced energy consumption by up to 50%, with minimal increases in construction costs (≤1.2% of the commercial value). It was also found that excessive insulation can induce unwanted nighttime heating demands, highlighting the need for adjustments to the climatic context. The results confirm the technical and economic feasibility of mass rehabilitation of VIS in hot and humid climates using standard passive measure packages, consolidating the role of the EDGE App as a key tool for guiding sustainable design, investment, and environmental certification decisions.