Integrated Deep Renovation of Existing Buildings with Prefabricated Shell Exoskeleton

The European goal to reach carbon neutrality in 2050 has further put the focus on the construction sector, which is responsible for great impacts on the environment, and new sustainable solutions to renovate the existing building stock are currently under development. In this paper, the AdESA (Adeguamento Energetico Sismico ed Architettonico, in Italian) system, a holistic retrofit technique for the integrated renovation of the existing buildings, is presented. The system was developed by a consortium of enterprises and universities and was applied to a pilot building. The system consists of a dry, modular and flexible shell exoskeleton technique that implements different layers depending on the building retrofit needs (cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels for the structural retrofit, thermal insulation panels for the energy efficiency amelioration, and claddings for the architectural restyling). In order to foster actual sustainability, the solution contextually targets eco-efficiency, safety and resilience. To this end, the system not only couples the structural and energy interventions to reduce the operating costs, but it is also conceived in compliance with life cycle thinking (LCT) principles to reduce impacts throughout the remaining building service life (from retrofit time to the end of its life). The system is designed to be easily mountable and demountable to allow for the reuse/recycling of its components at the end of life by adopting macro-prefabricated dry components and standardized connections, to reduce damage caused by earthquakes by reducing the allowed inter-story drift, and by amassing the possible damage into sacrificial replaceable elements. The paper describes the AdESA system from a multidisciplinary perspective and its effective application for the deep renovation of an existing gymnasium hall.

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Sustainable Urban Regeneration through Densification Strategies: The Kallithea District in Athens as a Pilot Case Study

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12229462 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (22) ◽

pp. 9462

Author(s):

Annarita Ferrante ◽

Anastasia Fotopoulou ◽

Cecilia Mazzoli

Keyword(s):

Seismic Vulnerability ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Construction Sector ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Zero Energy ◽

Building Stock ◽

Existing Building ◽

Innovative Methods ◽

European Policies

The current main issue in the construction sector in Europe concerns the energy refurbishment and the reactivation of investments in existing buildings. Guidance for enhancing energy efficiency and encouraging member states to create a market for deep renovation is provided by a number of European policies. Innovative methods and strategies are required to attract and involve citizens and main stakeholders to undertake buildings’ renovation processes, which actually account for just 1% of the total building stock. This contribution proposes technical and financial solutions for the promotion of energy efficient, safe, and attractive retrofit interventions based on the creation of volumetric additions combined with renewable energy sources. This paper focuses on the urban reality of Athens as being an important example of a degraded urban center with a heavy heat island, a quite important heating demand, and a strong seismic vulnerability. The design solutions presented here demonstrate that the strategy of additions, because of the consequent increased value of the buildings, could represent an effective densification policy for the renovation of existing urban settings. Hence, the aim is to trigger regulatory and market reforms with the aim to boost the revolution towards nearly zero energy buildings for the existing building stocks.

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Multidisciplinary Performance Assessment of an Eco-Sustainable RC-Framed Skin for the Integrated Upgrading of Existing Buildings

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13169225 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (16) ◽

pp. 9225

Author(s):

Luca Pozza ◽

Anna Degli Esposti ◽

Alessandra Bonoli ◽

Diego Talledo ◽

Luca Barbaresi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Cycle ◽

Performance Assessment ◽

Life Cycle Cost ◽

Cell Structure ◽

Critical Issue ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Seismic Capacity ◽

Building Stock ◽

Existing Building ◽

Recent Earthquakes

Recent earthquakes have highlighted a general inadequacy of the existing building stock in Italy and the need to address this critical issue by increasing its structural resilience. At the same time, the problem of energy consumption in existing residential and commercial buildings is increasingly significant and incompatible with the environmental targets set by governments. Considering all the aforementioned aspects, the seismic upgrading of existing buildings, based on the use of an eco-friendly and sustainable technology, has become more and more relevant and different intervention approaches have been developed. This paper aims to provide a multidisciplinary approach for the performance assessment of an eco-friendly and sustainable RC-framed skin for integrated refurbishment of existing buildings. A preliminary description of such skin technology is provided with particular attention to the simultaneous improvement of structural (e.g., seismic) and non-structural (e.g., energy, acoustic) performances and to issues concerning the limitation of invasiveness and interruption of use of the building. Technological details and in situ installation phases are described with special regard to connection and interaction with the existing building. Procedures for the assessment of upgraded building performances, in terms of seismic capacity and thermo-hygrometric and acoustic performances, are defined and applied to a selected basic cell structure. The feasibility and sustainability of the proposed upgrading intervention is finally investigated by means of a holistic Life Cycle Assessment for environmental impact and Life Cycle Cost for an economic evaluation. Finally, results from a multidisciplinary performance assessment are critically discussed by relating the performance aspects to the technological and installation issues.

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THE STRUCTURE ANALYSIS OF BUILDINGS IN TURKEY AND SELECTION OF THE STRUCTURE

INTERNATIONAL REFEREED JOURNAL OF DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE ◽

10.17365/tmd.2021.turkey.23.01 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (23) ◽

pp. 0-0

Author(s):

Esra BOSTANCIOĞLU

Keyword(s):

Reinforced Concrete ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Structural Systems ◽

Building Structures ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Structural System ◽

Building Stock ◽

Existing Building ◽

Framed Structures ◽

Selection Of

Aim Building structures are assessed with several parameters such as cost, construction time, fire resistance, life cycle, maintenance and repair frequency, and environmental impacts. Building structures are reviewed as masonry, steel framed, wood framed, reinforced concrete framed, composite and prefabricated structures. This study aims to analyze the existing building stock of Turkey and assess the existing buildings in terms of their structural system decisions. Method: Following the comparative assessment of the types of structures based on literature review, assessment criteria for the selection of structural system are determined and a statistical analysis of the existing building stock in Turkey has been made in terms of the use of different structures. A questionnaire was prepared for the architects who decided the structural system in the design phase. Respondents evaluate the structural systems and selection criteria. Statistical analysis is made with the results of the survey. Findings: There is a clear preference for reinforced concrete framed structures in Turkey. A quantitative assessment of the structural systems in the existing buildings in Turkey by 2018 shows that 93.13% of the building stock has reinforced concrete framed. Looking at the individual years in the 2009 to 2018 period, the rate of preference of using reinforced concrete framed structures never went below 89% among all types of structures, but steel framed structure is the most preferred structural system at the end of the survey. Conclusion: It is thought-provoking that although different structures have different comparative advantages, structures other than reinforced concrete framed are preferred so little. The findings will contribute to making the right decision in building structure with the assessment of different structures in different aspects.

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Lifecycle profit analysis of prefabricated multi-active façades

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation ◽

10.1108/ijbpa-12-2018-0109 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (5) ◽

pp. 565-578

Author(s):

Rikard Sundling ◽

Stefan Olander ◽

Petter Wallentén ◽

Stephen Burke ◽

Ricardo Bernardo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficient ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Building Stock ◽

Content Type ◽

Existing Building ◽

High Rise ◽

Profit Analysis ◽

Two Factors ◽

Research Findings ◽

Multifamily Buildings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify appropriate concepts of multi-active façades for the renovation of multifamily buildings in Sweden and to determine which, if any, are financially viable. Design/methodology/approach A lifecycle profit (LCP) analysis was used to examine financial viability through a ten-step process, which included identifying concepts, assessing costs and prices, calculating the LCP and performing sensitivity analysis. Two existing buildings – one low rise and the other high rise – were used as reference models. Findings The findings were contradictory. Implementing any of the multi-active façade concepts on the high-rise building would be financially beneficial. The opposite was, however, the case for the low-rise building. Two factors causing this contradiction have been identified: the façade material before renovation and the size of the building. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to two case buildings situated in Sweden; however, similar buildings represent a significant amount of the existing building stock. Part of the purpose of the study is also to investigate the merits of LCP analysis to evaluate energy-efficient retrofitting. The study implicates the benefits and pitfalls of LCP analysis needed to be considered by researchers and practitioners alike. Originality/value The research findings contribute to the understanding of energy-efficient retrofitting of existing multifamily buildings based on prefabricated multi-active façade concepts.

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Energy Upgrading of Residential Building Stock: Use of Life Cycle Cost Analysis to Assess Interventions on Social Housing in Italy

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11051452 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1452 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Fabio Fantozzi ◽

Caterina Gargari ◽

Massimo Rovai ◽

Giacomo Salvadori

Keyword(s):

Life Cycle ◽

Cost Analysis ◽

Social Housing ◽

Life Cycle Cost ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Frame Structure ◽

Life Cycle Cost Analysis ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Building Stock ◽

Existing Building

The debate on the relevance of the global sustainability (including energy, environmental, social, economic, and political aspects) of building stock is becoming increasingly important in Europe. In this context, special attention is placed on the refurbishment of existing buildings, in particular those characterized by significant volumes and poor energy performance. Directive 2012/27/EU introduced stringent constraints (often disregarded) for public administrations to ensure a minimum yearly renovation quota of its building stock. This study describes how Life Cycle Cost analysis (LCC) can be used as a tool to identify the “cost-optimal level” among different design solutions to improve the energy performance of existing buildings. With this aim, a social housing building located in the town of Pisa (Italy) was chosen as the case study, for which two alternative renovation designs were compared using the LCC methodology to identify the optimal solution. The two alternatives were characterized by the same energy performance—one was based on the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new building (with a wooden frame structure, as proposed by the public company owner of the building), while the other was based on the renovation of the existing building. This study can provide useful information, especially for designers and public authorities, about the relevance of the economic issues related to the renovation of social housing in a Mediterranean climate.

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Assessing determinants of sustainable upgrade of existing buildings

Journal of Engineering Design and Technology ◽

10.1108/jedt-09-2018-0148 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 270-292

Author(s):

John Dadzie ◽

Goran Runeson ◽

Grace Ding

Keyword(s):

Energy Consumption ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Building Stock ◽

Content Type ◽

Existing Building ◽

Sustainable Technologies ◽

Energy Consumption Patterns ◽

Main Components

Purpose Estimates show that close to 90% of the buildings we will need in 2050 are already built and occupied. The increase in the existing building stock has affected energy consumption thereby negatively impacting the environment. The purpose of this paper is to assess determinants of sustainable upgrade of existing buildings through the adoption and application of sustainable technologies. The study also ranks sustainable technologies adopted by the professionals who participated in the survey with an in-built case study. Design/methodology/approach As part of the overall methodology, a detailed literature review on the nature and characteristics of sustainable upgrade and the sustainable technologies adopted was undertaken. A survey questionnaire with an in-built case study was designed to examine all the sustainable technologies adopted to improve energy consumption in Australia. The survey was administered to sustainability consultants, architects, quantity surveyors, facility managers and engineers in Australia. Findings The results show a total of 24 technologies which are mostly adopted to improve energy consumption in existing buildings. A factor analysis shows the main components as: lighting and automation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HAVC) systems and equipment, envelope, renewable energy and passive technologies. Originality/value The findings bridge the gap in the literature on the adoption and application of sustainable technologies to upgrade existing buildings. The technologies can be adopted to reduce the excessive energy consumption patterns in existing buildings.

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Building Façade Retrofit with Solar Passive Technologies: A Literature Review

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14061774 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. 1774

Author(s):

Sara Brito-Coimbra ◽

Daniel Aelenei ◽

Maria Gloria Gomes ◽

Antonio Moret Rodrigues

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Thermal Comfort ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Mediterranean Climate ◽

Special Focus ◽

Building Stock ◽

Existing Building ◽

Building Retrofit ◽

Policies And Measures ◽

Trombe Wall

Worldwide, buildings have been presented as one of the main energy consumers and, for that matter, there is an increased tendency to invest in policies and measures that promote more efficient buildings. Among the chosen strategies, the need to promote the use of passive solutions and retrofit the existing building stock is often pointed out. Portuguese building stock has proven to be obsolete in terms of thermal comfort, which can directly affect the energy demand for climatization purposes. Considering the great solar availability in the country, when compared to other European locations, building retrofit with solar passive technologies can be a suitable solution. This paper aims to review studies on the application of solar passive technologies to retrofit façades in the Mediterranean climate context, with a special focus on Portugal. Four retrofit passive solar technologies were reviewed, namely glazing, sun shading, sunspaces and Trombe wall technologies.

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HVAC’s Role in the Decarbonisation of the Existing BuildingStock - case Finland

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202124613005 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 246 ◽

pp. 13005

Author(s):

Terttu Vainio ◽

Eero Nippala ◽

Timo Kauppinen

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Energy Efficient ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Building Automation ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Building Stock ◽

Existing Building ◽

Target State ◽

Automation Systems

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive together with the Energy Efficiency Directive and Renewable Energy Sources Directive define the frame and target state for energy performance of the existing building stock. This should be very energy efficient and decarbonised by 2050. The Finnish target is more ambitious, to achieve the target state already in 2035. In this paper, we discuss and concretise the role of HVAC in overcoming the challenge. Buildings in the Nordic countries are already very energy efficient. Structural improvements of energy efficiency are relatively expensive and have limited potential for energy saving. The best cost-benefit ratio can be obtained by combining HVAC with dynamic building automation systems. Also the EPBD calls for improvement of building automation systems and related measurements in new as well as existing buildings. The performance of buildings can be verified and deviations can be detected by monitoring-based commissioning during their life cycle. This means that special attention must be paid to the instrumentation level and an improved online reporting system for stakeholders. As a conclusion, we see that HVAC systems are in a key role in decarbonisation of existing buildings and a strategic sector on the way to a carbon-neutral society.

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Greening Existing Buildings with the LEED Rating System

Journal of Green Building ◽

10.3992/jgb.4.1.41 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 41-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brad Jones ◽

Peter Dahl ◽

John Stokes

Keyword(s):

Implementation Strategies ◽

Rating System ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Existing Buildings ◽

Rating Systems ◽

Building Stock ◽

Existing Building ◽

Operations And Maintenance ◽

New Construction ◽

The Impact

When considering the current situation of the built environment it becomes readily apparent that the LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance (LEED-EBOM) Rating System is the most important of all the LEED Rating Systems. Historically its adoption in the industry has lagged behind the better known LEED for New Construction Rating System. In the effort to create more efficient, healthy, and financially sound buildings, LEED-EBOM accounts for two significant classes of buildings: buildings certified under the LEED Rating Systems geared toward design and construction, and buildings not previously certified. LEED-EBOM is a tool to measure the impact of a building's operations and provide a means to track performance over time. This information allows stakeholders to make informed decisions about operating policies that support energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and comfortable spaces for the occupants of the building. This article presents statistics about the existing building stock, provides an overview of the LEED-EBOM Rating System, and offers examples of successful implementation strategies drawn from over a dozen projects certified through the LEED-EB Rating Systems.

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Proposal for a Methodology for Sustainable Rehabilitation Strategies of the Existing Building Stock—The Ponte Gêa Neighborhood

Designs ◽

10.3390/designs5020026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 26

Author(s):

Michael M. Santos ◽

João C. G. Lanzinha ◽

Ana Vaz Ferreira

Keyword(s):

Urban Space ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

Expected Improvement ◽

Water Efficiency ◽

Building Stock ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

Existing Building ◽

Agenda 2030 ◽

Development Agenda ◽

The City

Having in mind the objectives of the United Nations Development Agenda 2030, which refers to the sustainable principles of a circular economy, it is urgent to improve the performance of the built environment. The existing buildings must be preserved and improved in order to reduce their environmental impact, in line with the need to revert climate change and reduce the occurrence of natural disasters. This work had as its main goal to identify and define a methodology for promoting the rehabilitation of buildings in the Ponte Gêa neighborhood, in the city of Beira, Mozambique, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, water efficiency, and construction and demolition waste management. The proposed methodology aims to create a decision support method for creating strategic measures to be implemented by considering the three specific domains—energy, water, and waste. This model allows for analyzing the expected improvement according to the action to be performed, exploring both individual and community solutions. It encompasses systems of standard supply that can reveal greater efficiency and profitability. Thus, the in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of urban space and buildings allows for establishing guidelines for the renovation process of the neighborhood.

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