The Role of Trans-Disciplinary Research in Sustainable Renovation

Abstract

The paper discusses the role of trans-disciplinary research networks tackling the challenges of sustainable renovation such as; environmental impact of substitute building materials and waste, relocation of tenants, lack of skilled labor, rent increase due to high renovation costs, and provides a detailed perspective on the effects in terms of both new forms of collaboration and research results obtained by the researchers and practitioners within the network. The research network Sustainable Integrated Renovation SIRen has become a platform for researchers and actors such as building owners, housing companies, facility managers, contractors, consultants, architects, building conservationists, authorities and tenants' organisations to meet and work together on technical, environmental, economic, social and cultural historical aspects on renovation of buildings, as well as to identify and discuss new challenges. A multi-aspect process covering all aspects that must be considered by the various actors during different stages of the renovation process has been developed and implemented in four 'Living Labs' in real renovation projects. This involved using new modes of work in early stages to place the focus on sustainability aspects and work on new dialogue methods and using methods to evaluate the various renovation options based on technical, environmental, economic, social and cultural historical perspectives.