Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to address the significant emissions from building fabrics which pose a threat to achieving these targets if not prope...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Emerald Publishing
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Urbanization, Sustainability and Society |
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| Online Access: | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/USS-09-2023-0004/full/pdf |
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| _version_ | 1849326165517402112 |
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| author | Ebere Donatus Okonta Farzad Rahimian |
| author_facet | Ebere Donatus Okonta Farzad Rahimian |
| author_sort | Ebere Donatus Okonta |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to address the significant emissions from building fabrics which pose a threat to achieving these targets if not properly addressed. Design/methodology/approach – The study, based on a literature review and ten (10) case studies, explored five investigative approaches for evaluating building fabric: thermal imaging, in situ U-value testing, airtightness testing, energy assessment and condensation risk analysis. Cross-case analysis was used to evaluate both case studies using each approach. These methodologies were pivotal in assessing buildings’ existing condition and energy consumption and contributing to the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Findings – Findings reveal that incorporating the earlier approaches into the building fabric showed great benefits. Significant temperature regulation issues were identified, energy consumption decreased by 15% after improvements, poor insulation and artistry quality affected the U-values of buildings. Implementing retrofits such as solar panels, air vents, insulation, heat recovery and air-sourced heat pumps significantly improved thermal performance while reducing energy consumption. Pulse technology proved effective in measuring airtightness, even in extremely airtight houses, and high airflow and moisture management were essential in preserving historic building fabric. Originality/value – The research stresses the need to understand investigative approaches’ strengths, limitations and synergies for cost-effective energy performance strategies. It emphasizes the urgency of eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming and meet the 1.5° C threshold. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-bd17c745b70047c8a5e345b3a9985eba |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2976-8993 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Emerald Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Urbanization, Sustainability and Society |
| spelling | doaj-art-bd17c745b70047c8a5e345b3a9985eba2025-08-20T03:48:13ZengEmerald PublishingUrbanization, Sustainability and Society2976-89932024-12-01117811410.1108/USS-09-2023-0004Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targetsEbere Donatus Okonta0Farzad Rahimian1School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UKSchool of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UKPurpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to address the significant emissions from building fabrics which pose a threat to achieving these targets if not properly addressed. Design/methodology/approach – The study, based on a literature review and ten (10) case studies, explored five investigative approaches for evaluating building fabric: thermal imaging, in situ U-value testing, airtightness testing, energy assessment and condensation risk analysis. Cross-case analysis was used to evaluate both case studies using each approach. These methodologies were pivotal in assessing buildings’ existing condition and energy consumption and contributing to the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Findings – Findings reveal that incorporating the earlier approaches into the building fabric showed great benefits. Significant temperature regulation issues were identified, energy consumption decreased by 15% after improvements, poor insulation and artistry quality affected the U-values of buildings. Implementing retrofits such as solar panels, air vents, insulation, heat recovery and air-sourced heat pumps significantly improved thermal performance while reducing energy consumption. Pulse technology proved effective in measuring airtightness, even in extremely airtight houses, and high airflow and moisture management were essential in preserving historic building fabric. Originality/value – The research stresses the need to understand investigative approaches’ strengths, limitations and synergies for cost-effective energy performance strategies. It emphasizes the urgency of eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming and meet the 1.5° C threshold.https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/USS-09-2023-0004/full/pdfNet zeroBuilding fabricEnergy efficiencyRetrofitting approachesExisting buildings |
| spellingShingle | Ebere Donatus Okonta Farzad Rahimian Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets Urbanization, Sustainability and Society Net zero Building fabric Energy efficiency Retrofitting approaches Existing buildings |
| title | Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets |
| title_full | Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets |
| title_fullStr | Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets |
| title_full_unstemmed | Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets |
| title_short | Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets |
| title_sort | examining approaches to investigating the united kingdom s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets |
| topic | Net zero Building fabric Energy efficiency Retrofitting approaches Existing buildings |
| url | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/USS-09-2023-0004/full/pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT eberedonatusokonta examiningapproachestoinvestigatingtheunitedkingdomsexistingbuildingfabricinthepursuitofnetzerotargets AT farzadrahimian examiningapproachestoinvestigatingtheunitedkingdomsexistingbuildingfabricinthepursuitofnetzerotargets |