Doctoral Thesis
The aim of this thesis is to develop a structured argumentative framework to support the inclusion of Energy Efficiency Actions (EEAs) in rehabilitation projects for public office buildings. A recurring issue in building rehabilitation processes is the lack of consideration for energy efficiency strategies. To address this, a logically based methodology was developed to integrate energy planning into rehabilitation processes. The methodology was applied in a real context involving the planning of a retrofit contract for an IBGE building complex, following an action research approach. This allowed the exploration of the proposal’s applicability, the identification of challenges, and the extraction of lessons for replication. The argumentative framework was organized into five stages: (1) mapping of opportunities, (2) forecasting and recommendation of EEAs, (3) feasibility analysis, (4) selection of EEAs, and (5) planning of measurement and verification (M&V). The established methodology was also compared with the Guide for Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings, demonstrating compatibility of guidelines. Moreover, its modular structure provides flexibility for composing different contractual arrangements, adapting to various contexts of public administration. The application of the methodology in the case study revealed critical issues such as the lack of integration between constructive aspects and EEAs, shortage of technical training, contractual constraints, and the absence of an Energy Management System (EMS) within the institution. Nevertheless, the model proved to be promising in supporting decisions ranging from targeted renovations to full retrofits, promoting a logic of continuous improvement. Finally, guidelines for replication are proposed, with emphasis on integrating the EMS with the Sustainable Logistics Plan (SLP), contributing to the alignment of energy efficiency goals with the technical and budgetary decisions of public management.
THESIS LINK
Date: 28/08/2025
Person
- Alice de Barros Horizonte Brasileiro
- Leopoldo Eurico Gonçalves Bastos [contributor]
- Mariangela de Moura
- Patricia Teixeira da Costa Mattos [author]
- Patrizia Di Trapano
- Pedro Kopschitz Xavier Bastos
- Sylvia Meimaridou Rola
ResearchLine
- Architecture, Project and Sustainability
Course
- Doctor of Architecture PROARQ