Retrofitting: Exploring a New Domain in Energy-Efficient Built Environment

Abstract

There has been a paradigm change in the building and construction industry recently, with more emphasis being placed on creating sustainable, energy-efficient new infrastructure. Although this trend has gained momentum in the last few decades, the results have noted a very minor contribution to energy concerns. Though new development is essential, it has also been advocated by studies, that a majority of the existing built stock bears significant potential for energy savings. In the case of developing nations such as India, it is even more vital to discover alternative solutions to their energy challenges while meeting their economic requirements. This article discusses the various aspects of energy retrofitting, including the process, levels of intervention, and possible challenges or barriers in implementing such projects in existing residential units in India. It further demonstrates the potential of energy savings by using different retrofit materials through the simulation of two cases of detached dwellings built in two different climate zones of India. The study contributes to the current literature by providing illustrative examples of the applicability of energy retrofits as a viable option for resource optimization in buildings.