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The Retrofit for the Future programme, sponsored by UK Government's Technology Strategy Board from 2009-13, demonstrated innovative approaches to deep retrofitting of social housing, using a whole-house approach for achieving an 80% CO 2 reduction target. This paper critically examines the intent and outcomes of this programme (in which all authors participated) through a cross-project meta-study of the primary data, substantiated by insights from secondary sources. Given that only three (out of 45) projects met the expected CO 2 target in reality, despite generous funding and professional expertise, it suggests that decarbonizing existing housing will not be particularly easy. Important lessons are learnt from the formulation, target-setting, monitoring and evaluation procedures and feedback mechanisms of this initiative, which can inform the delivery and effectiveness of future national energy retrofit programmes. Furthermore, to support 'scaling up' of effective retrofit programmes and reduce the gap between intent and outcome, it is recommended that attention be moved from what level of CO 2 reductions are to be achieved, to how (delivery models) these radical reductions can be achieved, and by whom (supply chain). Such alternative delivery models to the 'whole-house' approach include, retrofit over time, city-scale retrofit and community-based energy retrofits.

This paper uses a socio-technical building performance evaluation (BPE) approach to assess the pre-and post-actual performance of two discrete deep low energy retrofits in the UK-a Victorian solid-wall house and modern 1990s cavity-wall house. A 'low-energy first, then low-carbon' approach was adopted in both cases, to achieve an 80% reduction in annual CO 2 emissions. Preretrofit, both houses had lower measured annual gas consumption as compared to predictions made by energy models, although the electricity consumption in the modern house was higher than modelled, due to occupancy pattern and occupant behaviour. Post-retrofit, it was found that the Victorian house achieved nearly 75% CO 2 reduction, while the modern house achieved only 57% CO 2 reduction over the baseline emissions. Key reasons were higher than expected air permeability rates, installation issues with micro-renewable systems, lack of proper commissioning, usability of controls, occupant preferences and behaviour. Despite the gap between expected and actual carbon emissions, occupant comfort and satisfaction was significantly improved across both retrofits. This evidence-based understanding of the process and outcomes of deep low carbon retrofits is vital not only for learning and innovation, but also for scaling-up deep retrofit programmes for meeting national and international carbon targets.

Research in UK and elsewhere has highlighted that older people are particularly vulnerable to negative health effects of overheating. This paper examines the magnitude, causes, preparedness and remedies for addressing the risk of summertime overheating in four case study residential care and extra-care settings across the UK, spanning different building types, construction and age. The methodological approach adopted is interdisciplinary, drawing from building science and social science methods, including temperature monitoring, building surveys, and interviews with design and management teams. The findings suggest that overheating is a current and prevalent risk in the case study schemes, yet there is currently little awareness or preparedness to implement suitable and long-term adaptation strategies (eg. external shading). There was a perception from designers to managers, that cold represents a bigger threat to older occupants' health than excessive heat. A lack of effective heat management was found across the case studies that included unwanted heat gains from the heating system, confusion in terms of responsibilities to manage indoor temperatures, and conflicts between window opening and occupant safety. Given that care settings should provide protection against risks from cold and hot weather, design, management and care practices need to become better focused towards this goal.

This paper investigates the risk of projected post-2050s overheating in existing, retrofitted and new-build dwellings in the UK. As previous research has shown, passive measures may not be sufficient in mitigating overheating risk. Therefore, mechanical cooling technologies that may be deployed to 'adapt' to a warming climate are tested for energy and CO 2 implications. For retrofits, heating demand is projected to remain dominant, whereas in post-2016 new-build, greater cooling system efficiency will be important. Thermal mass is shown to reduce future cooling load. The heat recovery element of MVHR may be rendered unnecessary in super-efficient homes. Ceiling fans coupled with natural ventilation may be sufficient in providing thermal comfort in the north of England. Ultimately, not planning for future overheating and cooling systems could create a new performance gap in design, construction and occupant behaviour. 14. Lowe R. Technical options and strategies for decarbonizing UK housing.

The majority of the English population lives in suburbs and this is where the impacts of climate change will significantly affect people's domestic lives: heat stress, respiratory problems, flooding, drought, deterioration of green spaces and damage from storms. A recognized need exists to adapt suburbs (homes, gardens and public space) physically to mitigate against further climate change and to adapt to inevitable weather patterns. A number of potential adaptation options, addressing different risks, are identified and tested using a range of methods, including modelling, and workshops with residents and professional and institutional stakeholders. The 'best' solutions are those that reduce the climate risk within the context of local adaptive capacity. Solutions are effective, acceptable and feasible given the type of suburb; its location; microclimate; housing type; the climate risk it faces; the socio-economic composition of its residents and their attitudes; resources; and governance conditions. It is essential to consider both the totality of the suburban environment and the combined effects of mitigation and adaptation measures. However, the biggest challenge is implementation which entails a better understanding of the problem by a range of stakeholders, a more supportive policy context, more resources, and clearer responsibilities.La majeure partie de la population anglaise vit dans les banlieues et c'est là que les effets du changement climatique affecteront considérablement la vie familiale des gens : stress thermique, problèmes respiratoires, inondations, sécheresses, détérioration des espaces verts et dommages causés par les orages. Il existe une nécessité reconnue d'adapter physiquement les banlieues (habitations, jardins et espaces publics) afin d'atténuer la progression du changement climatique et de s'adapter aux conditions météorologiques inévitables. Un certain nombre d'options d'adaptation possibles, répondant à des risques différents, sont identifiées et testées en utilisant un éventail de méthodes, dont la modélisation, et des ateliers avec les résidents et les parties prenantes professionnelles et institutionnelles. Les «meilleures» solutions sont celles qui réduisent le risque climatique dans le cadre des capacités d'adaptation locales. Les solutions se montrent efficaces, acceptables et faisables en fonction du type de banlieue; de sa situation; du microclimat; du type de logements; du risque climatique auquel la banlieue est exposée; de la composition socioéconomique de ses résidents et de leurs attitudes; des ressources; et des conditions de gouvernance. Il est essentiel de prendre en considération à la fois la totalité de l'environnement suburbain et les effets combinés des mesures d'atténuation et d'adaptation. Néanmoins, le plus gros défi est la mise en oeuvre, ce qui implique une meilleure compréhension du problème par un large éventail de parties prenantes, des politiques créant un contexte de soutien accru, des ressources plus importantes, et des responsabilités clarifiées.

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