Energy performance of the CUBO Urban Center for Wellbeing and Opportunities building through simulation and efficiency scenarios in El Tamarindo, La Unión

Abstract

This study evaluated the energy performance of the Urban Center for Well-being and Opportunities (CUBO), located in El Tamarindo, La Unión, El Salvador, during 2025, through the integration of experimental measurements and calibrated energy simulation. The objective was to analyze the building’s energy behavior and identify strategies to optimize its electricity consumption. A technical survey of the building was conducted, along with electrical consumption measurements using specialized instrumentation, and the development of an energy model using SketchUp, OpenStudio, and EnergyPlus. The model was calibrated using real data, allowing a reliable representation of the building’s energy behavior. Based on this model, several energy efficiency scenarios were evaluated, including optimization of operating schedules, HVAC adjustments, electrical load management, implementation of solar control strategies, and reactivation of the existing photovoltaic system. The results showed significant reductions in annual energy consumption, with HVAC systems identified as the primary contributor to the building’s energy demand. Furthermore, the combined implementation of strategies achieved higher efficiency levels compared to individual measures. It was concluded that calibrated energy simulation is a reliable tool for evaluating and optimizing energy consumption in public buildings.