Linking Thermal Risk, Energy Performance, and Building Typology: A Comparative Study of Walloon Residential Buildings Under Climate Change

Many recent studies have examined the impact of extreme weather conditions on building performance, mainly focusing on newly constructed energy-efficient buildings. This paper investigates the thermal and energy performance of pre-war Walloon residential buildings under projected climate conditions, comparing them with renovation scenario and new constructions that comply with current regulations. To assess potential heat-related health risks, the study introduces the Heat Index as a complementary indicator to conventional metrics used in Belgium such as overheating degree hours and annual energy consumption. Simulations conducted using TRNSYS reveal a trend of increased overheating and potential thermal stress, particularly in buildings designed to meet Walloon regulatory standards.