Residential Retrofit: 20 Case Studies

The essence of sustainability in buildings is their capability to adapt to change over time. The UK has a large housing stock that has been developed and evolved over generations, and become the fabric and character of our cities, towns and neighbourhoods. The capability of buildings to adapt to changing lifestyles is the root of their sustainability. When buildings do not adapt they are disposed of, since it is only active use that confers value. It is only value that provides necessary investment for renewal. This book presents a series of innovative and best practice case studies of residential low energy retrofit projects, and illustrates what has been achieved in practice in the UK. The book: * Offers examples of residential retrofit which can effectively address major issues raised by the UK existing housing stock, such as: major CO2 emissions; energy efficiency; ageing building fabric; uncomfortable internal environments; and fuel poverty. * Increases the construction industry's understanding of residential retrofits. * Increases the confidence of professionals and homeowners to undertake low energy retrofits. * Informs home owners and social landlords of the financial implications and whole life costing of low energy retrofit. * Illustrates strategies available for different construction types. * Explains the main issues to look out for in a retrofit project, through the experience of the various case study teams. * Provides building energy monitoring data to confirm the potential real energy savings.