Integrating courtyard microclimate in building performance to mitigate extreme urban heat impacts

• Specific urban microclimates are not considered by building energy simulation tools. Numerical modelling with multi-nodal outdoor conditions is developed. The aim to quantify the benefits of specific in performance. A reference case a courtyard microclimate was measured, simulated and validated. Courtyard mitigates impact extreme heat buildings. Extreme events expected occur more often as consequence climate change. This paper quantifies on performance evaluates microclimates, such inner courtyards, mitigate impacts. study associated two weather conditions, an local climate, validated TRNSYS. model then compared three models single condition data from rural station typical year file. were evaluated free-running air-conditioning systems. results show how can increase indoor discomfort hours 32% demonstrate that almost completely overheating buildings, eliminating severe than 88%. Moreover, cooling demand due reduced 15% having findings manifest importance accurate for enable additional strategies risks, highlighting promising strategy tackle buildings cities.