Eco-Retrofit Techniques for Energy Efficiency

Abstract

The objective of this thesis on retrofitting techniques is to demonstrate how retrofitting can improve overall human and environmental health conditions by minimizing the need for energy and thus ultimately, help improving social, ecological, environmental and economic conditions. These techniques can be implemented in new development, built environments or in old buildings to make them more energy efficient. Applying these techniques on older buildings will not be successful without new approaches to design and one of the ways is to treat their external envelopes or facades. This approach has been neglected. This thesis aims to describe step by step how to turn an existing building into an energy-efficient one by simply retrofitting the facade. It will focus on developing a universal management process for commercial buildings. However, the process, technique and methodology can be easily translated to any other built types. The building typology chosen for the study is commercial as these buildings consume far more energy than most. This study will analyse various façade techniques for different climatic conditions to guide the selection of available sustainable techniques and materials in the design of a façade or a new ‘skin’ of the building. This study researches, analyses, understands and documents the strategies and techniques of retrofitting with the use of 3 case studies of retrofitted buildings which have been examined and suitable suggestions have been made that could be used to improve them. The study will help in identifying the key determinants/requirements for a successful retrofit design process of a sustainable office façade to facilitate the selection of the best available low and zero carbon technologies, to provide general principles and strategies for reducing energy consumption. It is recognized that buildings must be designed as whole systems. However, this thesis concentrates only on operating energy, one component of sustainable design, due to the large scope of this research area.