Economic feasibility of passive ambient comfort in Baja California dwellings

The economic evaluation of some passive thermal comfort techniques is performed in order to compare long-term energy savings. A direct comparison is made of vernacular architecture, based on adobe walls, against modern, concrete brick building of low-income family housing in tropical, dry-climate conditions in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The expected energy requirements of each type, for the same comfort level, are calculated by means of a calibrated mathematical model, and present value of each option is obtained by conventional means using 10% interest over 15 years. The results indicate that, in cases as those analyzed, the use of vernacular passive techniques is more comfortable and economic than present light buildings by a very wide margin.