The significance of U values in buildings' shell energy performance is well known in the scientific community as well as in the construction sector. In addition, conducting a validation of the energy performance of a building often requires the knowledge of real U value figures, since their theoretical peers may deviate considerably from the real ones. The theoretical U value of a shell element may be calculated using complex material and surface related information, while its practical validation is conducted usually by equipment that requires tedious installation and constant contact with the examined element. Aim of this paper is to introduce an easily deployed, plug and play, contact less technology, able to provide a reasonable approximation of the building element U value and its variation with external air speed as well as an accurate estimation of the U value change in case of a shell (wall or window) retrofit.

The assessment of an energy retrofit necessarily requires an energy measurement campaign before (base year energy consumption) and after (post retrofit energy consumption) the retrofit. Only in this way is it possible to reach a safe conclusion, on the true retrofit impact. In addition, a number of adjustments are necessary to secure that the retrofit impact on energy consumption is effectively isolated, i.e., which we report on the true retrofit impact and not, for example, on external variations, such as a more mild winter. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for taking account, in the retrofit impact assessment, of three external parameters: weather, indoor comfort and space occupancy. The broader strategy behind this work is to develop a comprehensive methodology that would allow a cost efficient, fast and accurate assessment of energy retrofits in buildings. This would allow insight, on the investor side, as to the prudence of his investment and, and in this way, could help the proliferation of the practice of energy retrofits. The adjustment methodology, introduced here, is a first step in this direction.