Energy and cost evaluation of thermal bridge correction in Mediterranean climate

In the cold climate of continental Europe the correction of thermal bridges in buildings is a mandatory issue, as in these areas they produce not only heat losses but frequently also condensation and mould growth.In mild Mediterranean climate thermal bridges also cause an increase in energy consumption, but usually do not present condensation effects. In Italy, the current regulations for new buildings only recommend but do not impose the thermal bridge correction, which usually needs extra costs during construction and refurbishment phases.This paper presents a study on the effects of thermal bridges for two building types (terraced houses and semi-detached houses) and three current envelope solutions in Italian climate, which may be considered representative of mild Mediterranean climate. The buildings are characterised by reinforced concrete frameworks and clay block walls; the thermal performance of the envelopes complies with Italian regulations for new constructions. In a first step the impact of thermal bridges on both heating and cooling energy demand is studied; then the economic convenience of correcting such thermal bridges is assessed by calculating the discounted payback period referred to the additional costs of construction and refurbishment.

► Thermal bridge correction is often not compulsory in Mediterranean area, as no mould growth normally occurs.
► We studied the effects of thermal bridge correction for three envelope solutions typical of this area.
► The energy and economic savings are far more interesting in the heating season than in the cooling season.
► The construction and refurbishment cost for the solutions with thermal bridge correction is important.
► As a consequence, the cost benefit-analysis is not favorable, and incentives are welcome.