Trust in circular design: active stakeholder participation in Chinese and Dutch housing retrofit projects

Feijter, F.J. de

doi:10.1080/09613218.2022.2121905

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 30 publications

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“…The established relationship between the professionals and the clients [37] could help in the thermal comfort and indoor air quality perception assessment. The participants highlighted "Unless the Clients/ Occupants feel that the retrofitting exercise was worthwhile, then they will not help 'spread the word' to others''.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding current retrofit practices to prevent the unintended consequences affecting IEQ and health

Petsou¹,

Medina²,

Pender

et al. 2023

E3S Web of Conf.

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The climate crisis demands an urgent societal shift, and the UK government has responded with a strong policy targeting energy retrofit to improve the energy performance of homes to achieve the net zero target by 2050. However, research has shown that standard retrofit measures have resulted in undesirable unintended consequences. Incorrect interventions such as using incompatible materials can affect the equilibrium of the building, increasing the risk of surface and interstitial condensation due to excessive humidity levels. Mould growth may develop under high levels of humidity, damaging the building fabric but also posing a risk to the occupants; it has been linked to asthma exacerbation and other respiratory infections. Therefore, what is needed is a well-integrated retrofit approach that not only reduces energy use but protects the building and the health and well-being of its occupants. This paper discusses the retrofit practices, the main challenges that retrofit practitioners face in the UK, and which guidance and tools they work with through the lens of the impact on occupants. A deeper understanding of the current practices is needed if those unintended consequences are to be avoided. For instance, replacing a 'fabric-first' mindset with a 'people-first' approach that considers more factors like the causes of thermal discomfort, and the gains to be made from passive and adaptive comfort approaches, could contribute to deliverer energy and carbon savings and increased building's indoor environment quality and usability justified.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%