Reflections on thermoeconomics as a methodological tool for sustainability in buildings

This work tries to present some reflections that help to understand the bases and the interest of the application of the exergetic analysis method and of thermoeconomics in buildings, both in what refers to their envelope and to their facilities. A brief introduction is made to the concept of exergy and the interest in incorporating the exergetic method in buildings is justified, both from a purely energetic, as well as economic and environmental point of view. Using exergy as a basis, the foundations of thermoeconomics, a discipline dating back to the sixties of the last century, are presented. Knowledge of the costs of flows in a building as a whole or in its facilities is based on understanding its formation process, from primary resources to final products. Through this work we intend to highlight the advantages of using these methodologies and thus encourage professionals in the building sector to incorporate them into their daily activities