Building Performance Evaluation – A Design Approach for Refurbishment of a Small Traditional Building in Scotland

Abstract

In recent years, thermal performance improvements have been applied to an increasing number of historic buildings towards the achievement of the legally binding Scottish carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions. Over 20 % of the built environment in Scotland was constructed pre 1919 and the targeting of fabric improvements in these buildings can pose a performance risk if inappropriate measures are applied. This paper discusses through a case study a Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) approach used in conjunction with the design process for refurbishment of a community owned historic building, located in Arisaig, Scotland. The community received funding to improve the energy performance of this nineteenth century stone building and committed to a 75 % reduction in CO2 emissions. BPE was conducted in 2014 as part of the design process and repeated post-refurbishment in 2015 to validate the design. The initial BPE identified high heat losses, inefficient heating and lighting systems that resulted in occupant discomfort, high running costs and consequently the loss of a community facility during the winter months. The resulting BPE quantified improvements to the building fabric, occupant comfort and reduced energy consumption, which advocated this design approach as a beneficial tool for informing historic building refurbishment.

Developing an Evaluation Protocol for the Toronto Public Library (TPL) System Through the Application of a Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) of a Branch Library to Inform its Retrofit Strategy

“…Following the implementation of the retrofit strategy, a post-retrofit BPE was conducted. The results showed improvements in the building enclosure, occupant comfort and energy efficiency (Foster et al, 2016).…”

“…When BPEs are undertaken, they typically are conducted of new buildings to evaluate performance post construction (Foster, J. A., Foster, S. A., Sharpe, T. R., & Poston, A., 2016 (Foster et al, 2016).…”

“…When BPEs are undertaken, they typically are conducted of new buildings to evaluate performance post construction (Foster, J. A., Foster, S. A., Sharpe, T. R., & Poston, A., 2016 (Foster et al, 2016). The purpose of the BPE of the visitor centre was to inform a retrofit strategy to improve energy efficiency (Foster et al, 2016).…”

“…A., Foster, S. A., Sharpe, T. R., & Poston, A., 2016 (Foster et al, 2016). The purpose of the BPE of the visitor centre was to inform a retrofit strategy to improve energy efficiency (Foster et al, 2016). The BPE comprised airtightness testing, infrared thermography scans, in-situ U-value measurements, monitoring of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and energy metering.…”

“…U-value measurements showed that heat loss was less than expected through the stone walls, and more than anticipated through the ceiling (Foster et al, 2016). The identification of thermal losses in the building enclosure permitted the architects to reduce insulation thickness in the stone walls minimizing costs in this area while offsetting increased insulation values in the ceiling (Foster et al, 2016). Following the implementation of the retrofit strategy, a post-retrofit BPE was conducted.…”