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

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