Retrofitting traditional buildings: a risk-management framework integrating energy and moisture

Abstract

Traditional buildings constitute a large proportion of the building stock in many countries worldwide; around 40% of the UK's housing stock was built before 1940 and was primarily made with solid masonry walls. Only 11% of UK solid-walled dwellings had insulation installed, suggesting the high potential of the low-carbon retrofit of traditional buildings. However, there is evidence of the occurrence of unintended consequences, often associated with excess moisture. A method is presented for moisture risk management that includes the development of a process and a framework. These tools are then integrated into a novel framework for the combined energy and moisture performance retrofit of traditional buildings. An example of the framework's practical application is provided, with a focus on retrofit measures for solid-wall insulation. The proposed systematic approach demonstrates the interconnected nature of energy and moisture. It harmonises the principles needed to support organisations in the delivery of robust retrofit of traditional buildings through the integration of pre-retrofit building assessment and post-retrofit monitoring in the process. The risk-management process and framework presented can be valuable tools to support designers in providing robust and scalable retrofit measures and strategies. PRACTICE RELEVANCEAn integrated energy and moisture risk-management process is presented to support designers in the retrofit of traditional buildings. This is accompanied by a framework that explains the steps required for moisture risk management at the various stages of the retrofit process. This systematic approach harmonises the principles needed to support organisations in delivering robust low-carbon retrofits and integrates pre-and postretrofit building assessment in the process. While previous work has addressed energy and moisture management separately, this integrates the two aspects into a framework for VIRGINIA GORI VALENTINA MARINCIONI

Energy renovation of historic buildings in New Zealand: Towards a holistic method for reducing environmental impact

“…The sustainable management of a historic building should consider avoiding adverse impacts (Araoz, 2013). Therefore, even if trade-offs are justifiable for the public benefit, a risk-mitigation plan must be put in place (Bond & Worthing, 2016Gori et al, 2021).…”

“…Finally, the last white box 'Decision' refers to the decision-making process The risk assessment was described as an aid tool for decision-making as it excluded highly risky options (ASHRAE, 2019). However, risks are also likely to occur after the implementation of measures in the post-retrofit phase (Gori et al, 2021). Hence the EN 16883:2017 indication that ideally, measures should be evaluated in a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) (CEN, 2017) and the PAS 2035 requirement for high-risk projects (e.g.…”

“…Therefore, the risk assessment on heritage significance including the HIA and other technical compatibility assessments can play a significant role in the final decision-making. Additionally, a post-retrofit risk assessment plan as proposed by Gori et al (2021) and in the PAS 2035:2019 (BSI, 2019) can also help identify and reduce issues in the case of trade-offs that favoured more risky options.…”

“…The proposed procedure is organized in Stages 1, 2 and 3; referring to pre-renovation, renovation assessment and post-renovation. This last stage, for instance, was adapted and broadened from the approach taken in EN 16883 to more closely follow PAS 2035 (BSI, 2019), including recommendations for specific assessments for risk management (Gori et al, 2021) in response to the concern from experts on unknown or unforeseen risks. The experts' view on the need for scientific proof reinforced the importance of a recommended post-renovation stage to include measurements or monitoring to provide evidence that the retrofit is successful, or if not to provide evidence to rectify any failure.…”

“…hygrothermal analysis,Gori et al (2021) developed a risk framework for managing moisture risks during the POE as recommended in the EN 16883:2017 and PAS 2035:2019. By recommending specific assessment methods for the understanding of moisture consequences (shown in Figure 2-5) Gori et al work aimed to reduce the risks of moisture damage in traditional buildings, which would also mean reducing the risks of material technical incompatibility.…”