Volume 63

Effectiveness of Passive Cooling Paints in Mediterranean Climates Aikaterini Koronou, Lloyd Corcoran, Carlos E. Ugalde Loo

Abstract

Rising global temperatures have intensified the need to reduce energy consumption in the built environment. Passive cooling measures, such as cooling paints and films, can mitigate indoor overheating by reflecting solar radiation. While their capabilities have been demonstrated particularly in tropical climates, their effectiveness in Mediterranean regions remains underexplored. Through building simulations conducted in the software IES VE, this paper evaluates the performance of cooling paints using historical weather data of Mediterranean locations. Results indicate that these paints can reduce annual average indoor temperatures by 1.98 ± 0.86 °C, contributing to improved thermal comfort and reduced cooling demand. These findings showcase the potential of cooling paints as a promising passive strategy to enhance building energy performance, particularly in countries facing elevated and prolonged heat events.

Keywords Cooling demand, passive cooling strategies, cooling paint, IES VE, Mediterranean climate.