**3. Results**

The final results of the testing produced several conclusions. All models were simulated in the software for verifying the standards. The following improved models met the Mexican standard: V3 and V1 with an energy savings of 20%; V1, X1, and Y1, with an energy savings of 19%; and the Z2 model, with an energy savings of 20%. Compared with the –151% of the base model, the 19–20% improvement with the the updated model is significant. Howeer, these results only show the heat gains and loses for the thermal envelope as requested by the Mexican energy standard. Open Studio SGSAVE software, using Energy Plus, simulated and calculated a wide variety of results. For example, it provides a broken-down report of the different heat gains and losses of the building. The report includes heat gains for two different season groups (winter and summer) and a classification according to transference channel.

As reported Figure 12, there are different heat gains and losses that should be analyzed. In summer, the largest heat gains of the thermal envelope occur in the external walls, windows through radiating heat gains, air infiltration, ventilation, and internal gains. For winter, the situation for heat losses also occurs for the same channels. These gains and losses can result in larger cooling demands. These results are important because they indicate the critical aspects to consider when optimizing the thermal envelope design. The Mexican standard only reports heat gains through the thermal envelope. However, the verification methods used by other entities, like the European Union, or private certifications, like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), consider energy demands for heating and cooling. Fortunately, Energy Plus also reports the heating and cooling demands for the evaluated project for a simulation period of one year. These are the results obtained, grouped by basic model demands, improved model demands, and energy savings percentages.
