Climate change in Belo Horizonte/MG and implications for design recommendations

Abstract

Faced with climate change and the constant increase in temperatures, this article analyzes the thermal behavior of a residential building in Belo Horizonte/MG, evaluating thermal dynamics and possible impacts on environmental comfort and possible changes to design recommendations over time, with the aim of anticipating their implementation and thus minimizing climate effects in the capital of Minas Gerais. For this purpose, climate files from the past, present and future periods were used, through thermoenergetic simulations in EnergyPlus. The choice of periods considered the availability of climate files for different temporal scenarios, allowing the evaluation of the modification or permanence of design strategies over the years. The results indicate a significant increase in thermal discomfort due to heat and a reduction in hours of comfort for the future climate and thermal inertia as a more effective strategy for adapting buildings to climate change for the climate analyzed.