Today, there is a growing interest in developing energy efficient buildings since it is estimated that buildings account for about 40% of the total primary energy consumption in the world. In relation to existing buildings, energy efficiency retrofits have become …
The preservation of cultural heritage through education and training has always been a relevant issue and, sure enough, can contribute to the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 (e.g., 4: Quality education, 8: Decent work and economic …
A collection of twelve papers published in Energies, in a Special Issue on “Building Energy Audits-Diagnosis and Retrofitting”, was bound together and published in 2021, focusing on the built environment. The aim was to systematically collect and analyze relevant data …
The most commonly used interventions for energy requalification of buildings aim to increase the thermal resistance of the perimeter walls and ceiling and the efficiency of the HVAC system. Windows replacement is also usually foreseen. Moreover, the energy saving strategies …
With an increased focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy saving is of great importance in all sectors of society. EU directives set targets for member states to reduce energy use in buildings. Energy saving in historic buildings requires special …
Adaptive reuse is a process of retrofitting old buildings for new uses. Existing residential buildings in European cities are often being retrofitted to be adapted as office buildings whilst keeping its historical value. The main goal of this article is …
When deciding on the best historic building retrofit, energy savings and thermal comfort can be quantitatively evaluated using an energy model, whereas conservation compatibility is intrinsically qualitative and reflects the perspective of the local heritage authority. We present a methodology …
Energy retro-commissioning of historical buildings is an important challenge that implies both historic-artistic and technological aspects concerning the improvement in energy efficiency and comfort. A critical analysis of each possibility is essential in order to preserve the balance between efficiency …
The Directive 2010/31 UE (EBPD) introduced the “Nearly Zero Energy Buildings” linked to cost optimality, where energy benefits are related to economic benefits. The “Cost Optimality” methodology is applicable both to new and existing buildings, as introduced in the Regulation …
Research and development of cost-effective, high-performance thermal insulation materials for the construction sector has to be focused on their final application. In particular, solutions for refurbishing historic buildings, which represent 40% of the European building stock, have to offer a …