Low-cost design to cut indoor heat in Latin American cities ^{CEFR B1}

A study published in the November issue of Energy and Buildings highlights low-cost, climate-smart design strategies for housing in rapidly warming Latin American cities. Researchers ran computer simulations to test different building materials and configurations under current and projected climate conditions in five cities: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santiago, Bogotá and Lima. They analysed energy use, costs and carbon emissions to identify effective combinations.

Lead author Alexandre Santana Cruz, who has a PhD in architecture from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, says commonly used construction systems—traditional masonry, fibre cement or clay tiles—combined with expanded polystyrene and single-pane glass represent ideal configurations for the countries studied. The researchers describe these changes as passive architectural design, which relies on natural ventilation, shading and sunlight rather than heavy air conditioning.

The study argues passive strategies suit low- and middle-income countries because they are affordable and sustainable. It also notes that more than a billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing. To close the gap between design and practice, the team proposes a free digital tool for customised housing designs and recommends community engagement, homeowner education, renovation guides, worker training and local workshops.