Article | Energy efficient retrofit and the art of teaching an old dog new tricks A common misconception made when considering energy efficiency incentives is that older or outdated buildings need to be replaced entirely with a more modern counterpart in order to achieve any tangible results. In actuality, a building doesn’t need to be new to be efficient. Joe Bradbury of R&R investigates the crucial role of retrofit, industry behavioural change and an open mind if the commercial building sector is to lower its carbon footprint. 14 There are some wonderful innovations happening within architecture and construction. We have marvelled at a host of exciting, brand new smartstructures of late, which are built to passivhaus standard or better. The Crystal, in London, for example, was built by Siemens as an urban sustainable landmark and draws thousands of visitors each year. Aside from being an architectural marvel in terms of aesthetics and design, The Crystal also boasts the impressive title of being one of the greenest buildings ever built by mankind and is allegedly the most sustainable venue in the world. It uses natural light, smart lighting technology, photovoltaic solar panels, rainwater harvesting and black water recycling. The Pixel Building in Melbourne, Australia is another perfect example of modern building efficiency. The carbon produced each year by the building is compensated by renewable energy and carbon consuming materials, which are utilised in the structure throughout, resulting in a truly 100% carbon-free building. These are just two of a myriad of examples of some of the fantastic things that are happening within construction today. Good news, right? Well, yes… but with a few caveats. The bad news for the retrofit sector is that all of these stunning new buildings have started to breed a culture of construction professionals, building specifiers, architects and contractors who believe that new = better. However, the true unsung heroes of the energy efficiency game are building owners who make efforts to retrofit older buildings to meet modern demand in both an ethical and economical way. By improving the usage of energy in existing buildings and improving the behaviour of its o<strong>cc</strong>upants, many older structures are steadily being converted one by one into true models of sustainability. Take CoRE in Stoke-on-Trent as an example; the wholesale refurbishment of one of Stoke on Trent's most derelict pottery factories was completed in 2013. By tackling one of the hardest to treat properties possible, the design and build team created something not only spectacular but also educational and inspirational. CoRE is a true testament to the potential of retrofit, showing how with effort and a little refurb| RENEW <strong>July</strong> / August 2O16 issue <strong>8958</strong> elbow grease, a derelict building can go on to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating. This was done with careful consideration and implementation of sensitive yet striking additions to the site was needed, along with thermal and air tightness improvements to the existing building. Technical innovation played a large part in order to incorporate sustainable materials, plant and construction methods into a building with different construction materials, ages and techniques. Time for change Commercial properties make up an enormous portion of the built environment. They serve as a platform for most of the country’s major industries and provide the general public with areas in which to work, shop, socialise and relax. Needless to say, commercial buildings play a crucial role in 21st century Britain. However, despite investment in this booming sector being ever on the rise, commercial buildings are amongst some of the poorest performing buildings in terms of energy efficiency. A<strong>cc</strong>ording to the Committee on Climate Change, the commercial sector is a<strong>cc</strong>ountable for approximately 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in the UK. The world’s population is currently consuming the equivalent of 1.6 planets resources a year. The Global Footprint Network estimates that if we continue to consume at current rates we'll blow the global carbon budget and lock in more than 2C of global warming in approximately 17 years. This is frankly una<strong>cc</strong>eptable and most are now in agreement that changes need to be made in both our practices and the products that we use. Retrofit will play an enormous part in implementing this change. The EU is currently reviewing its EU 2030 energy efficiency targets, with buildings in general highlighted as having great potential to reduce global emissions if efforts are made to make them more energy efficient. This ultimately means that more investments will be made in retrofitting buildings with efficient technology going forward. Retrofit is the future. Retrofit needn’t cost the earth While many building owners often pursue single technology improvements, such as heating or lighting alone, it is actually a multifaceted approach that is needed long term in order to enhance savings. Whilst the initial outlay will be higher by utilising multiple technologies and techniques within a refurbishment, the upgrades are ultimately paid for through energy savings over time. Take lighting for example - the amount your facility will save by performing a lighting retrofit only will often reduce energy costs by over 50%. Considering that lighting is typically a<strong>cc</strong>ountable for 30-40% of a commercial building’s electric bill, it’s easy to see where money is saved. If other energy efficient practices were in place, these savings would be even more pronounced. 7 steps to efficiency Here are 7 key areas to look at which, if steps are taken to improve them, will result in an old building becoming as efficient (if not more) as its newer architectural counterparts: 1. Insulation - primarily look at the roof, ceiling and loft space followed by walls and flooring 2. Heating – Consider replacing outdated systems with heating pumps, electric boilers, smart controls etc. Savings of 30–80% can be made with products such as these. 3. Air tightness - Plug air leaks and perhaps install new windows and doors. After all, why pay for heating if most of it is lost to poor indoor air control? 4. Lighting – Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and/or LED light bulbs. This is cheap, easy and provides immediate improvements. 5. Lower energy usage – Try to specify appliances and products with low energy consumption only. 6. Go green – There’s a lot to be said for solar energy and biomass boilers! In short, retrofit is a modern solution to present and future problems. The construction industry has all too often been described as being stuck in its ways and therefore an unattractive career prospect for the younger people. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. We are diverse, exciting and ever-changing as an industry, but retrofitters need to start re-educating industry peers and stressing the true value of retrofit if we are to improve our image overall, lower our carbon footprint and attract the next generation of budding professionals.
: The Centre of Refurbishment Excellence (CoRE) was completed in April 2013 following an investment of £12.4 million in to the wholesale refurbishment of one of Stoke on Trent's most derelict pottery kilns. It is a physical embodiment of sustainability and a true testament to the amazing capabilities of retrofit. : Core Interior refurb| RENEW 15
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