Retrofit modelling of existing dwellings in the UK : the Salford Energy House case study

Ji, Y; Lee, A; Swan, W

Abstract

There is a clear consensus that improving energy efficiency of existing housing stock is
necessary to meet the UK’s legally binding carbon emission targets by 2050. The aim of this
research is to assess the energy saving potentials from building retrofit using an end terrace
house, similar houses represent about 30% of the existing building stock in the UK. The Salford
Energy House - a unique pre-1919 Victorian end terrace house built within an environmental
chamber was used. Retrofit modelling analysis was carried out using IESVE - a dynamic
thermal simulation tool. The retrofitted model was also evaluated using future projected climate
data (CIBSE latest release) to examine energy demands and overheating. Findings show that
improving building fabric thermal characteristics can reduce space heating demands
substantially. Heating modes, set point preferences and
infiltration level all have strong impact on heating demands. Space heating demand savings can
be as much as 77% when the property facades were upgraded to the similar requirements of
Passivhaus standards. The research implicates that, for dwelling retrofit practices, a whole
house holistic approach should be the preferred option to improve energy
efficiency. With future climate scenarios where temperatures are potentially elevated, the
heating demands can be potentially reduced as much as 27%. The likelihood of overheating in
dwellings after a deep retrofit due to future elevated temperatures becomes apparent. Therefore,
mitigation of overheating risk becomes a necessity for future domestic housing stock retrofit
planning and policy making. The research presented in this paper highlights the effectiveness
of various retrofit measures individually as well as holistically, also the implications on energy
demands and the likelihood of overheating in dwellings under future climate scenarios.

Citation

Ji, Y., Lee, A., & Swan, W. (2019). Retrofit modelling of existing dwellings in the UK : the Salford Energy House case study. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 37(3), 344-360. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-12-2018-0106

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 17, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Mar 27, 2019
• Publication Date: Mar 27, 2019
• Deposit Date: Mar 26, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 1, 2019
• Journal: International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
• Print ISSN: 2398-4708
• Publisher: Emerald
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 344-360
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-12-2018-0106
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-12-2018-0106
• Related Public URLs: https://www.emeraldinsight.com/loi/ijbpa