Shading Calculation Methods and Regulation Simplifications—The Portuguese Case

Abstract

How to analyse the omissions of thermal regulations and evaluate methodologies that provide building execution or thermal certificates that do not correspond to reality and usually incur costs? We can start by analysing different simulation methods and shading calculations that provide solar gains and shadow optimisation. After evaluating how the regulations define the calculation assumptions and how this calculation is performed, the discrepancies (simplifications) that the regulations allow or ignore are presented, and it is exemplified using two case studies. Using the Portuguese regulation as a case study, it leads to incorrect conclusions or assumptions due to unequal access to solar radiation or the shading factor calculation that experiences the omission of angles or time periods. Therefore, the aim is to propose a calculation process (premises) that minimises the discrepancies between simulation (optimisation strategy) and reality (applicability of strategies) for sustainable output.