Decision-Making Processes of Residents in Preservation, Thermal Comfort, and Energy Efficiency in Heritage Buildings: A Pilot Study in Mexico City

Residents of heritage buildings in Mexico City's Historic Centre prioritize preservation over invasive retrofitting, even when facing thermal discomfort and energy inefficiency. A pilot study found that while occupants perceived poor thermal conditions, they preferred passive solutions like adjusting clothing or closing windows to avoid altering the building’s heritage values or incurring high costs. Small-scale interventions, such as changes to floors and ceilings, were acceptable, but residents resisted modifications to culturally significant elements. The research highlights the tension between energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and heritage conservation, suggesting that integrating resident perspectives into decision-making could enhance long-term sustainability of retrofitting policies without compromising built heritage.

Murillo Camacho, K. S., Fouseki, K., & Altamirano Medina, H. (2022). Decision-Making Processes of Residents in Preservation, Thermal Comfort, and Energy Efficiency in Heritage Buildings: A Pilot Study in Mexico City. Applied Sciences, 12(3), 1486. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031486