Thermal discomfort in social housing: A scoping review on minimum requirements and the right to adequate housing

Abstract

This paper presents a scoping review on thermal discomfort in Brazilian social housing, examining how the literature evidences the mismatch between regulatory baselines and lived habitability. Twenty-three articles published between 2021 and 2025 were included and analyzed through a four-dimension extraction framework. Findings show a predominance of studies focused on building physical performance, emphasizing the envelope, natural ventilation, and shading, often through simulation and optimization, while empirical and post-occupancy studies report recurring discomfort, frequent use of resilience strategies (especially ventilation through openings and fans), and increased energy dependence to cope with heat. Unassisted renovations and dwelling expansions emerge as a relevant mechanism worsening discomfort by reducing ventilation and indoor health conditions. Although less explored, the economic and institutional dimensions highlight adaptation constraints linked to energy costs and energy insecurity, as well as gaps in implementation, technical assistance, and post-occupancy management. The study concludes that regulatory compliance and programmatic guidelines are necessary but insufficient to ensure thermal habitability, supporting the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms and to consider a gradual increase in requirements to move projects closer to the highest level of comfort achievable through passive strategies, including heat-mitigation measures at the housing complex and surrounding area to reduce urban heat exposure.