Since childhood, I have been fascinated by inventing and experimenting—whether by taking apart electronic devices or tinkering with computers. That early curiosity marked the beginning of a path that, over the years, has taken shape in the field of innovation in sustainable building. From my first steps in R&D projects to the development of methodologies for the energy and environmental assessment of buildings, I have sought to bring scientific knowledge into professional practice.

Beginnings in R&D and technological innovation

My professional experience in research and development began at Grupo Valero, where I worked from 1996 to 2005 as an engineer responsible for technical consulting and support to the sales teams. In addition to that role, I also took on the management of several innovation projects under the supervision of senior management.

One of the most significant projects was the development of the Reltec formwork system for columns, a pioneering product at the time. My work involved analyzing and determining—both theoretically (through structural calculations) and experimentally—the amount of external fiberglass required to ensure the formwork’s resistance to the pressures of fresh concrete, depending on its cross-section and height. To achieve this, I carried out multiple concreting tests, pushing the formwork to failure in order to define the optimal manufacturing specifications. This development concluded with the preparation of the technical documentation and the filing of national and international patents for the system.

At the same time, in the field of construction materials, I took part in the design of the TR-5, an innovative product that combined the thermal properties of graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene with the acoustic properties of EPDM sheets. This work opened new possibilities for construction solutions with improved performance in both energy efficiency and acoustic comfort.

This stage was key to strengthening my interest in applied research and in transferring the results of technological innovation to the building sector.

Research and publications at Miguel Hernández University of Elche

1. PhD Thesis (2022, “cum laude” distinction)

“Strategies to Achieve Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB). Residential Buildings in the Warm Mediterranean Climate”

Supervisor: PhD. D. Pedro Ginés Vicente Quiles | Co-supervisor: PhD. D. Francisco Javier Aguilar Valero

Available in the repository Teseo and RediUMH

2. Publications

Journal publications (SCI)

1. M. J. Romero | F. Aguilar | P. G. Vicente. Analysis of design improvements for thermal bridges formed by double-brick façades and intermediate slabs for nZEB residential buildings in Spain. Journal of Building Engineering 44 (2021). Q1

Books and book chapters

1. Vicente, P. G. | Romero Rincón, M. DITE 19.01. Edificios de Consumo de Energía casi Nulo. Parte Teórica. ATECYR, 143, ISBN 978-84-95010-73-5 (2020)
2. Romero Rincón, M. | Aguilar Valero, F. J. DITE 19.03. Calidad de la envolvente térmica de los edificios, infiltraciones y puentes térmicos. ATECYR. ISBN 978-84-95010-74-2 (2024)

Journal publications

1. Romero Rincón M. | Vicente, P. G. NZEB strategies. Mediterranean warm climate in housing buildings. The REHVA European HVAC Journal, 55, 17-22 (2018)

3. Conference papers

1. Romero Rincón, Manuel | Vicente Quiles, Pedro Ginés. Estrategias para lograr EECN en clima cálido mediterráneo en edificios de viviendas. Comunicación oral. V Congreso EECN. Publicación: Libro de comunicaciones del congreso. Madrid. 2018. Congreso Nacional.
2. Romero Rincón, Manuel | Aguilar Valero, Francisco Javier | Vicente Quiles, Pedro Ginés. Hermeticidad de edificios de nueva construcción de vivienda. Medición y resultados. Comunicación oral. XII Congreso Ibérico y X Congreso Iberoamericano de ciencias y técnicas del frío. Publicación: Libro de resúmenes del congreso. Elche. 2024. Congreso Internacional.
3. Vera Alves, Ícaro César | Romero Rincón, Manuel | Martínez Beltrán, Pedro Juan. Influencia de las infiltraciones en la demanda de calefacción en una vivienda unifamiliar aislada. Comunicación oral. XII Congreso Ibérico y X Congreso Iberoamericano de ciencias y técnicas del frío. Publicación: Libro de resúmenes del congreso. Elche. 2024. Congreso Internacional.

4. Publications reviewer (SCI)

1. Reviewing and evaluation for the journal: Building simulation: An International Journal. 2022