Energy savings in the building construction phase focus mainly on embedded CO2 reduction, but it is necessary to identify specific solutions and apply measures to reduce energy consumption during the entire lifespan of the building. Particularly in the Mediterranean area, given the high number of sunlight hours and the high solar radiation levels, a decisive factor to maximize energy savings is to reduce the building solar energy uptake and analyse the use of materials of low thermal conductivity to improve heat isolating capability. Two techniques are analysed in this work: the use of cold paints to reduce surface temperatures and, the use of lime mortar, which has some advantageous and peculiar properties. Both techniques have some advantages in terms of energy savings, in the Mediterranean area to construct more efficient buildings.