Sustainable strategies for improving passive survivability of the traditional Pol House in Ahmedabad, India

Abstract Demand for cooling is increasing globally as a result of economic and population growth, as well as higher temperatures. Emerging economies like India contribute to half of this growth. Adaptation of cities to changing climatic conditions is needed, along with a reduction in cooling demand to limit the greenhouse emissions that are affecting climate change. This study proposes a methodology of analysis and adaptation of a traditional dwelling, the Pol House, in the Indian city of Ahmedabad. The use of various low carbon strategies to improve passive survivability, and increase indoor and outdoor comfort is studied through a simulation model. Results show that passive strategies like increased insulation in walls and roof, a seasonal shading schedule for the windows and courtyard, when coupled with increased air movement using simple fans have proven to be very effective. Indoor comfort time increased from 39% to 90–100% and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature in comfortable categories increased between 9% and 16% in all the rooms, during the periods analyzed. In conclusion, the adaptation of traditional dwellings to current climatic conditions can be achieved with low carbon emission strategies, using adaptive comfort method, and contributing to reducing global cooling demand.