The possibilities of applying energy saving measures in vernacular buildings are examined in this paper. A traditional hostel, in the mountainous Greek village of Kalarrytes, is used as a case study.

The thermal losses of the hostel are initially calculated. After detecting the most crucial factors affecting the energy efficiency of the building, six different energy saving scenarios are formed. The amounts of the conserved energy, the costs, as far as the financial and environmental benefits of each scenario are, then, assessed.

In order to select the optimum energy saving scenario the technical, financial and environmental aspects of each case are being concerned.

Finally, general consumptions about energy saving in vernacular buildings are set out, based on the calculations and assessments made.