Method for Developing and Assessing Holistic Energy Renovation of Multi-Storey Buildings

A large part of the Danish building stock is from the post-war era, and thus there is an immense need for renovation within a few years. Also there is a persistent focus on energy use in buildings as it corresponds to about 40% of the total energy use in Denmark. However to secure durable solutions a holistic approach is needed, which takes into account also other aspects than energy such as social or economical values of the buildings.
This paper presents a standardised method for developing and assessing a holistic energy renovation of multi-storey buildings. The method is intended to be used both in the design phase of renovation proposals and for evaluation of the improvements that follow from a holistic energy renovation.
The method was developed as part of a Danish research project on holistic approaches in energy renovation of multi-story buildings. In the project, nine overall indicators are established based on the aspects of “people, planet and profit”. The assessment method comprises five elements that span across the nine indicators. The elements consider the economical, architectural, technical and social values of the buildings and also include user involvement as a central element. The assessment method is tested on two case buildings, and the assessment involves all relevant stakeholders including building owner, users, and caretakers.
An element of the project looks to the development of new products and solutions for renovation for buildings. As part of the method, user involvement will be applied in order to guide and optimize the development of proper new products or solutions especially for renovation. The paper will illustrate how this is done in cooperation with manufacturers from the building industry.