To learn more about the new regulations—which have been in effect since 2024 and establish new thermal insulation standards for homes— we reviewed the resolution and spoke with Architect Eliseo Cabrera, professor and academic coordinator of the Specialization Diploma in Sustainable Architecture at the School of Architecture of Universidad ORT Uruguay.
Objectives of Resolution 1962/24
The main objective of the new regulations is to optimize the energy efficiency of homes in Montevideo, reduce energy consumption, and promote environmental sustainability, thereby improving citizens’ quality of life. To that end, it establishes specific requirements for thermal transmittance and solar shading of building envelopes.
Thus, the minimum thermal insulation requirements for hygiene purposes, by Resolution IM No. 1962/24, dated May 6, 2024, supersedes Articles R.1652.6; R.1652.7; R.1652.8; R.1652.9; R.1652.10; R.1652.11.
In addition, it incorporates Articles R.1652.12, R.1652.13, and R.1652.14 of the Sole Chapter “On the Reduction of Energy Demand for Thermal Conditioning,” Title III.I: “Standards for Residential Buildings,” Regulatory Part, and Book XVI “Building Planning” of Volume XV Building Planning, regarding establishing minimum thermal insulation requirements in the area of hygiene.
The resolution is based on the need to reduce energy consumption in the construction sector, one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Improving thermal insulation of homesis, in this regard, a step toward reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Read Resolution 1962/24 of the IM
- You might also be interested in reading: “What is sustainable architecture and how does it contribute to a culture of sustainability”
Some details of the regulation
Thermal transmittance
Maximum allowable values have been established for glazed and opaque areas with regard to the thermal insulation of the building envelope.
Sunscreen
Requirement for exterior sunshades on certain orientations.
Gap factor
Limiting the gap factor in facades to optimize energy performance.
The resolution stipulates that all new homes in Montevideo must comply with the thermal insulation requirements set forth therein.
This means that homes will need to have better building envelopes, windows, and sunshades, which will help reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Learn about the Specialization Diploma in Sustainable Architecture
Implications for architecture professionals in Montevideo
Architects, developers, and homebuilders in Montevideo will need to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and design and build homes that comply with the new thermal insulation requirements and standards.
- You might also be interested in reading: “15 Reasons to Study Sustainable Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay”
Impact on academic education
Keeping abreast of regulatory changes is key to the professional development of competent architects who are committed to sustainability.
For the students in the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay in Universidad ORT Uruguay, it is essential to understand and apply these new regulations in their projects and professional practice.
The new regulations on thermal insulation in Montevideo presents, in this regard, both a challenge and an opportunity for students and graduates.
On the one hand, it requires future architects to be familiar with the new requirements and know how to apply them in their projects. On the other hand, it opens up a world of possibilities for the development of new construction solutions and technologies that allow for compliance with energy efficiency standards in a creative, innovative, and sustainable manner.
- You might also find this article interesting: “Why Sustainability Matters in Architecture”
New thermal insulation regulations from the IM
When asked about the new regulations, the Architect Eliseo Cabrera, professor and academic coordinator of the Specialization Diploma in Sustainable Architecture at the School of Architecture of Universidad ORT Uruguay in Universidad ORT Uruguay, the expert noted:
“This is an important step toward improving energy efficiency and, therefore, sustainability. However, I believe we have missed an opportunity to make further improvements to address some of the shortcomings we’ve had in this area since 2012.”
Learn about the Specialization Diploma in Sustainable Architecture
A este respecto, Cabrera hace especial hincapié en que la medida resulta, en realidad, poco eficiente, ya que se mantiene un requerimiento de transmitancia térmica poco exigente para los muros (U < 0,85 W/mk), “que lo arrastramos desde las leyes del Banco Hipotecario en la década del 60, valor que se mantuvo en la normativa de 2012 y que se vuelve a mantener ahora”, refirió Cabrera, quien además agregó:
“Ese valor surge de una norma argentina que dice que lo básico es que un muro tenga U < 0,85, pero en realidad lo ideal es que ese valor sea U < 0,35. Lo interesante de esto es que el costo de pasar de una U 0,85 a una de 0,35 es mínimo, es usar un poco más de material aislante que no es costoso, (lo costoso es resolver el paquete constructivo para poder incorporar la capa aislante)”.
According to analysis by Architect Cabrera, this new regulation adds another aspect that is indirectly related to energy efficiency but will undoubtedly will improve the hygrothermal performance of buildings, as it establishes a prescriptive formula for calculating moisture condensation in buildings.
“More than just sustainability, this is a public health measure that we applaud. While this new regulation isn’t directly related to energy efficiency, it does have positive side effects,” said Cabrera.
Furthermore, the resolution opens up an interesting opportunity for designers, as it allows us to move beyond prescriptive measurements, exercise our imagination, and develop innovative solutions to the problem by simulating these ideas in calculation software that MIEM will provide free of charge.
“It’s interesting to explore the design using this calculation software that the MIEM will provide,” Cabrera concludes on this point, adding: “We welcome that decision because we have greater autonomy; there is a major challenge for our colleagues: to use that software in new projects.”
Learn about the Architecture Degree