Integrated Energy and Social Retrofit Strategies for Lima’s Central Market: Balancing Cost and Sustainability

Abstract

There is an urgent need to implement sustainable solutions in the construction sector, particularly within the Peruvian context, where regulations on energy efficiency and building rehabilitation are still under development. This study addresses the energy and social rehabilitation of the Mercado Central in Lima, with the aim of identifying the most effective interventions from both energy and economic perspectives while promoting urban sustainability. A detailed assessment of the building’s original state—covering the thermal envelope and technical systems—was conducted, followed by fifty energy simulations using Ce3X© v.2.3. software. Based on the obtained energy rating, several envelopes and system improvements were proposed and evaluated in terms of energy savings, cost-effectiveness, and social benefits. The most advantageous option, Measure M9, combines interventions in roofs, openings, and installations. It achieved a global energy rating of 17.6 A, with a projected lifespan of 75 years and an investment of EUR 1,642,457.01, recoverable in just 1.4 years. The results highlight the potential of integrated retrofitting strategies to simultaneously improve energy performance and social impact. Measure M9 emerges as the most viable solution, providing a replicable model for sustainable urban rehabilitation in Peru and other regions facing similar challenges. © 2025 by the authors.