Short answer
When designing renovations for existing homes, consider a tiered approach to energy upgrades, evaluating the lifecycle cost-benefit of different levels of building envelope performance against the integration of renewable energy and efficient systems.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Duo Research Archive (University of Oslo) (2013)
- Method
- Case Study Analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Renovating existing single-family homes to achieve zero-energy status is feasible and can simultaneously improve home qualities, though the 'ambitious' passive house standard incurs higher lifecycle costs than a 'facade' upgrade strategy. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in Duo Research Archive (University of Oslo). Using Case study analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing renovations for existing homes, consider a tiered approach to energy upgrades, evaluating the lifecycle cost-benefit of different levels of building envelope performance against the integration of renewable energy and efficient systems.
Zero-Energy Renovation: Balancing Cost and Enhanced Home Quality in Existing Single-Family Homes
Renovating existing single-family homes to achieve zero-energy status is feasible and can simultaneously improve home qualities, though the 'ambitious' passive house standard incurs higher lifecycle costs than a 'facade' upgrade strategy.
Duo Research Archive (University of Oslo) · 2013
Key Findings
- 01Zero-energy renovation of single-family houses is technically achievable.
- 02The 'Ambitious' renovation strategy, aiming for passive house standards, results in higher lifecycle costs compared to the 'Facade' upgrade strategy.
- 03Renovation status does not correlate with the number of defects found in houses.
- 04Four categories of houses based on technical condition and renovation status were identified.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing renovations for existing homes, consider a tiered approach to energy upgrades, evaluating the lifecycle cost-benefit of different levels of building envelope performance against the integration of renewable energy and efficient systems.
How to apply
When assessing existing residential buildings for renovation, conduct a lifecycle cost analysis for different energy performance upgrade scenarios, including facade improvements, insulation, window replacements, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
Project actions
- 01When proposing a renovation, clearly define the scope of work and the expected energy savings.
- 02Include a cost-benefit analysis that considers both initial investment and long-term operational savings.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a significant portion of the building stock (single-family homes).
- +Compares distinct renovation strategies with clear performance and cost implications.
Limitations
The cost of materials and labor can vary significantly by region and time, affecting the lifecycle cost calculations.
Reliability & validity
The study's validity is supported by its focus on specific renovation strategies and quantifiable metrics like lifecycle cost. Reliability could be enhanced by replicating the analysis with a larger sample of diverse house types and climates.
Think critically
How might the identified categories of houses (e.g., 'as built') influence the choice and effectiveness of different renovation strategies?
Design Principles
"Prioritize cost-effective deep energy retrofits that enhance building performance and occupant comfort, considering the entire lifecycle of the intervention."
This research highlights a critical pathway for reducing the significant energy consumption of existing building stock. By demonstrating the potential for zero-energy performance, it provides a framework for designers and engineers to develop renovation strategies that not only address environmental concerns but also enhance occupant comfort and property value.
What This Means for Your Design
You can make old houses use no energy by fixing them up, but the most expensive way to do this might cost more over time than a slightly less intense fix.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of energy-efficient building renovations in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research by Risholt (2013) demonstrates that renovating existing single-family homes to achieve zero-energy status is technically feasible. The study analyzed two strategies: a 'Facade' upgrade and a more extensive 'Ambitious' upgrade to passive house standards. While both approaches can lead to significant energy savings and improved home qualities, the 'Ambitious' strategy incurred higher lifecycle costs, suggesting that designers should carefully balance the depth of renovation with economic considerations when developing sustainable building solutions.
Source
Duo Research Archive (University of Oslo)
Zero energy renovation of single family houses
journal · 2013
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about zero-energy renovation: balancing cost and enhanced home quality in existing single-family homes?
- When designing renovations for existing homes, consider a tiered approach to energy upgrades, evaluating the lifecycle cost-benefit of different levels of building envelope performance against the integration of renewable energy and efficient systems. Evidence: Duo Research Archive (University of Oslo) (2013).
- Why does "Zero-Energy Renovation: Balancing Cost and Enhanced Home Quality in Existing Single-Family Homes" matter for design?
- This research highlights a critical pathway for reducing the significant energy consumption of existing building stock. By demonstrating the potential for zero-energy performance, it provides a framework for designers and engineers to develop renovation strategies that not only address environmental concerns but also enhance occupant comfort and property value.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing renovations for existing homes, consider a tiered approach to energy upgrades, evaluating the lifecycle cost-benefit of different levels of building envelope performance against the integration of renewable energy and efficient systems.
- What were the main findings?
- Zero-energy renovation of single-family houses is technically achievable.. The 'Ambitious' renovation strategy, aiming for passive house standards, results in higher lifecycle costs compared to the 'Facade' upgrade strategy.. Renovation status does not correlate with the number of defects found in houses.. Four categories of houses based on technical condition and renovation status were identified.
- What research method was used?
- Case Study Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2013 journal from Duo Research Archive (University of Oslo).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When assessing existing residential buildings for renovation, conduct a lifecycle cost analysis for different energy performance upgrade scenarios, including facade improvements, insulation, window replacements, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on houses built in the 1980s in Norway, and findings may vary for different building typologies, climates, or construction eras. The correlation between renovation status and defects requires further investigation.