*3.1. Testing Results 1: Improved Models for Climatic Zones*

For the V1 (Table 1) cooling demand, the base model needed 0.40 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 0 kWh/m2, and the savings was 100%. For V1 heating demand, the base model needed 14.87 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 17.10 kWh/m2, and the savings was –16%. In this case, the V1 model meets the Mexican standards, but the improved model resulted in larger heating demands due to thermal insulation. For V3 (Table 1) cooling demand, the base model needed 0 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 0 kWh/m2, and the savings was 0%, because there was no cooling demand due to the effectiveness of the thermal envelope. For V3 heating demand, the base model needed 76.26 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 58.69 kWh/m2, and the savings was 23%. As shown, the energy savings are similar in both the Mexican standard and in the heating/cooling demands.

For W1 (Table 1) cooling demand, the base model needed 33.30 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 2.80 kWh/m2, and the savings was 91%. For W1 heating demand, the base model needed 0.46 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 0 kWh/m2, and the savings was 100%. Although the Mexican standards report energy savings of only 19%, the heating/cooling demand reports savings from 91% to 100%.


**Table 1.** Energy simulation results of basic and improved models for cooling and heating demands, with their correspondent savings percentage.

For X1 (Table 1) cooling demand, the base model needed 40.34 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 2.78 kWh/m2, and the savings was 93%. For X1 heating demand, the base model needed 0 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 0 kWh/m2, and the energy savings was 0% because this climatic zone is tropical and does not require energy for heating.

For Y1 (Table 1) cooling demand, the base model needed 70.83 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 12.06 kWh/m2, and the savings was 83%. For the Y1 heating demand, the base model needed 0.59 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 0.20 kWh/m2, and the savings was 66%. Analyzing this semi-arid zone with high temperature range (27 to 35 °C for 50% of the year), we found that the cooling demand became more relevant and expensive than heating demand. So, 66% energy savings translates into lower electricity cost for the model.

For the Z2 (Table 1 cooling demand, the base model needed 104.77 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 24.16 kWh/m2, and the savings was 77%. For the Z2 heating demand, the base model needed 26.73 kWh/m2, the improved model needed 20.68 kWh/m2, and the savings was 23%. This climatic zone with the most extreme conditions had high energy demands for cooling. The heating is needed at night due to being located in a desert area. Although the energy savings are the lowest compared with the other climatic zones, they represent significantly lower energy consumption.

The energy label, graphic proposal and energy demand results, for each climatic zone, are displayed on Figure 13.

**Figure 13.** Testing results for the proposed geometric model, Mexican standard certification label, and comparison of heating and cooling demand simulations between the base model and the improved model for Mexican standard certification.
