Numerical and environmental analysis of post constructive application of PCM coatings for the improvement of the energy performance of building structures

•Investigation of post-constructive use of different PCM coatings under diverse environmental conditions.•Use of a validated finite elements numerical model is utilized, as well as Life Cycle Assessment.•Holistic determination of the optimal application conditions of PCM coatings.•The overall environmental performance of the investigated structural elements is defined.•PCM results to energy savings from 0.24 up to 29,84 [kWh/m2a] and energy payback periods from 0.81 to 19.40 years.