A Framework for Green Remodeling Enabling Energy Efficiency and Healthy Living for the Elderly

Abstract

This study proposes a framework for green remodeling for the elderly that emphasizes the role of designers and the notion of aging in place. Energy efficiency is critical for older persons because many of them spend more time at home and are less likely to heat and cool their homes appropriately. Improving the energy performance of the elderly’s housing by green remodeling could promote energy efficiency and healthy living for the elderly. Based on remodeling components derived from related work, key factors to be considered regarding the remodeling for the elderly were investigated. A framework for green remodeling enabling energy efficiency was developed for home upgrades for the elderly. Identifying the area of application and critical components for energy efficiency helps improve the energy performance for the elderly. This study is significant because it considers the elderly’s characteristics and experiences in the development of a sustainable remodeling process rather than new-building construction.

A Preference-Driven Smart Home Service for the Elderly’s Biophilic Experience

“…Technical elements include various types of sensors, devices, and monitoring systems, along with a central control hub. However, despite various technological convergences, the scope of SHS provision for the elderly focuses on supporting energy efficiency and physical functions, such as indoor environment control and automation [ 44 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]. However, despite various technological convergences, the scope of SHS provision for the elderly focuses on supporting energy efficiency and physical functions, such as indoor environment control, automation [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ], and remote response in case of emergency [ 42 , 43 ].…”

A Framework of Smart-Home Service for Elderly’s Biophilic Experience

“…Temperature/humidity sensor [77,80,81] Air volume/direction sensor [79,81] CO 2 sensor [77][78][79] TVOC sensor [77] Dust sensor [77] Smart devices and system Greenwall irrigation automation system (GIAS) 1 [76] Animals and plants Smart devices and system PC/mobile devices [76,82] AI social robot (Aibo/Paro/NeCoRo) [55,72,73] Smart aquarium [74] Smart plants growers [75] View and weather Environmental sensor Video/mike outdoor sensor [80] Smart devices and system…”

“…Rainwater harvesting system (RHS) 2 [79,81] Three-dimensional (3D) surround speaker [55] Smart glass [55,83] 1, 2 Most of the paper sources for the elements of smart-home devices were literature review papers. The terms of devices were attuned to maintain consistent terminology, and these were newly established in this study.…”

“…Environmental sensor Luminance sensor [77,80] Environmental controller and actuator HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system [60,81] Smart devices and system Smart guide lighting [77,80] Artificial sunlight [23,90] Projector lamp [55] 3.…”

“…Nature-immersed contents VR/AR display Wearable devices (HMD, EGD, etc.) [73,85] Screen display (FogScreen, wall display, invisible display) [83,86] Smart devices and system PC/mobile devices [60,62] Haptic actuator [85,101] Collaboration system with nature Smart devices and system Smart kitchen and toilet [82,91] Natural energy reproduction system (NERS) 1 [91,102] Rainwater recycling system (RRS) 2 [79,81] 1, 2 Most of the paper sources for the elements of smart-home devices were literature review papers. The terms of devices were attuned to maintain consistent terminology, and these were newly established in this study.…”