Documentary analysis of temperature in Mexican housing: social, energy, and health implications

Abstract

The aim of this research is to analyze the issue of temperature in Mexican housing, identifying its structural causes, as well as its social, energy, and health impacts, and to propose technical and bioclimatic strategies to improve thermal comfort, particularly in vulnerable communities.   The methodology followed a systematic documentary analysis based on official sources, national regulations (NOM-020-ENER-2011, NOM-018-ENER-2018), reports from national and international organizations (INEGI, SENER, UN-Habitat, PAHO), and academic literature. Data were collected regarding construction characteristics, energy consumption, access to air conditioning, and health effects. The information was synthesized, categorized, and critically interpreted to identify causes, impacts, and potential solutions.   The analysis revealed that the main contributing factors to the problem are informal self-construction, the use of inadequate materials, limited enforcement of regulations, energy poverty, and the absence of climate-oriented policies. Housing deficiencies were found to increase energy consumption, generate health risks (thermal stress, insomnia, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases), and perpetuate social inequality.   The limitations of this study lie in its reliance on documentary review, without direct field measurements, meaning that results depend on the availability and quality of sources. In other words, the study does not include quantitative evaluations of all housing types in the country.   The originality of this research lies in its interdisciplinary integration of construction, energy, and health dimensions, providing a holistic framework for public policy, architectural design, and energy efficiency, thereby contributing to the mitigation of social and climate vulnerabilities.   The main conclusions indicate that inadequate thermal comfort affects health and well-being, increases energy consumption, and exacerbates social inequality. The application of passive and bioclimatic strategies, together with context-adapted public policies, offers sustainable and low-cost solutions, particularly for vulnerable populations.