Conference Paper

Proceedings of Building Simulation 2021: 17th Conference of IBPSA

Pre-retrofit monitoring of indoor air quality and energy use in a low-rise block of flats in the UK

Rajat Gupta, Alastair Howard
Low Carbon Building Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26868/25222708.2021.30980
Abstract: This paper presents an empirical investigation of the building fabric thermal performance, energy use, indoor environment and occupancy characteristics of a low-rise block of flats in the UK, prior to a fabric-first energy retrofit with occupants remaining in-situ. The empirical findings were used to calibrate the energy model Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) and inform the selection of retrofit measures. Results showed that building fabric was more airtight and insulating than standard assumptions, but with prevalence of damp and mould. This emphasised the need for integrating continuous ventilation alongside insulation of walls, roofs and windows, to avoid negative effects on occupant health and comfort.
Keywords: indoor air quality, energy, housing, retrofit
Pages: 2836 - 2843
Paper: