Results

Results Overview

Where possible, further details can be found in the ‘Documents’ Section’.

Methodological framework

Development of a new Integrated Design Methodology (IDM) which guides all involved stakeholders in the value chain of neighbourhood scale retrofitting projects in finding the most effective energy retrofitting solutions with regard to energy, comfort, cost efficiency and their overall sustainability performance. The methodology addresses all the steps of the refurbishment intervention from concept creation to operation.

Stakeholders (including occupants) engagement and perspective

Development of Participatory Design mechanisms to include stakeholders (including occupants i.e. inhabitants and users) in the design process and thereby achieve an improved outcome, increased acceptance of the refurbishment solution and optimise use of novel retrofitted energy efficiency technologies. Engagement with stakeholders (including occupants) continued through the life of the project.
Development of user behavioural models and algorithms to take into account occupant perspective into the evaluation of the different retrofit options relating to the comfort conditions (thermal and acoustics).

Software and design tools for energy efficient building and district retrofit

Data Manager – to assist the actors involved in the refurbishment design process in the data collection process. A web based tool that supports the design team in the acquisition of key documents and data required for the creation of a model of the existing building and neighbourhood without unnecessary duplication.

Energy efficiency Technology Library – a comprehensive Library of technologies and business models for refurbishment at different scales (building and district). The Library contains quantitative information and data on the technologies as well as descriptive information to be used as an informative tool for occupants to showcase case studies where a technology was successfully applied.

Collaborative Design Platform – ensures the correct implementation and management of the methodology. Can be customised to the view of different stakeholders and provides access to all the NewTREND tools and visualisation of results.

Interoperable data exchange server – stores all information related to energy efficient design and integration with neighbourhood energy systems.

Simulation and Design Hub – which allows for the evaluation of retrofitting needs of the building and the surrounding neighbourhood. It also guide the decision makers in the selection of the best energy retrofitting strategy for the building in the context of the district.