Optimising renovation strategies for energy conservation in housing

A method for developing an optimal energy strategy for housing refurbishment, specifically applied to high rise, multi-family blocks, is considered. The ‘BREDEM 8’ monthly calculation procedure was used to compare the effect of various refurbishment measures on a flat in a typical housing block. The performances of insulating measures, glazing options, control of ventilation and alternative heating systems were considered. A life cycle costing method was used to assess and compare their performances, to give an indication of financial benefits over the life of the measures. The ‘savings-to-investment ratio’ was used as a ranking tool, and a process for selecting measures, applying them to the building, and re-calculating the cost effectiveness of the remaining measures enabled interaction between the retrofits to be considered.