The concept of thermal comfort has been included in a Law introduced by the Committee on Housing and

Construction during the annual session 2009-2010. The purpose of the Law is to give priority to housing located
in rural areas nationwide through the implementation of the Family Housing Bond in rural areas.

Thermal comfort was mentioned in the fifth article of the law which states: The Ministry of Housing,
Construction and Sanitation, through the National Training Service for the Construction Industry - SENCICO
will sign agreements with Public and Private Universities, to collect, validate and promote research on new
earthquake resistant construction systems, options for sanitary solutions and alternatives of thermal comfort to
be applied in rural areas, providing appropriate certification for its application.

Thermal Comfort

Under the project CCasamanta Qarkanakusum, funded by the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European
Commission (VI Action Plan DIPECHO) thermal comfort measures are being developed for rural housing
located 3500 meters above sea level or more in the region of Huancavelica, as mitigation of the impact of
extreme temperatures.

Among the various improvements that we are introducing are solar ducts, level ceilings, insulated floors,
Trombe walls that also function as greenhouses, improved stoves, and most importantly the strengthening of
capacities in the family.

After our experience in improving the quality of housing, we consider it necessary to complete a comparative
study of thermal comfort, which has been entrusted to the Centre for Renewable Energy at the National
Engineering University.

Why thermal comfort?

1. The impact of low temperatures on the health of families is mainly due to prolonged exposure to very
low temperatures, rather than exposure to extreme "peak" temperatures.
2. A significant proportion of the few calories consumed by vulnerable people living in the Andean area
exposed to cold temperatures, will be used to maintain body temperature before development and
healthy growth, especially in the case of young children.
3. The thermal comfort associated with better housing that is fully equipped, requires parallel and
associated intra-domicile actions, demanding interpersonal training and support, including:
 Improved eating habits: more protein and more micronutrients through protective foods such as
fruits and vegetables.
 Using improved stoves to reduce smoke indoors.
 Managing home ventilation.
 Hygiene practices, especially hand washing.

4. The thermal comfort associated with a better quality of life has positive effects on people’s mental
health and contributes to the best practices, as well as higher self-esteem for the family.

The Thermal comfort system developed by CARE Peru's technical team is being monitored by the Renewable
Energy Centre of the National Engineering University (CER UNI). Preliminary results of research of the CER
UNI, suggests that it is possible to improve the thermal comfort of a home in high places, with clean solar
energy and integral construction.