Title: Energy-driven refurbishment of existing buildings: review and a solution framework

Authors: Issam Srour; Maggie Khaddaj; Mario Saab

Addresses: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh 1107 2020, Lebanon ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh 1107 2020, Lebanon ' SEEDS International, Mkalles Main Street, Salibi Tower 55-375, Lebanon, Sin El Fil, Lebanon

Abstract: Population growth, rapid economic development, and urbanisation have increased the demand for energy worldwide leading to increased levels of CO₂ emissions, and, consequently, contributing to global warming. More than 40% of this energy is consumed in buildings. Assessing energy performance of existing buildings with the goal of determining an optimal rehabilitation strategy offers a chance to reduce the rising demands for energy. Several studies have advocated and demonstrated the energy savings from energy-driven renovations of existing commercial and residential buildings. This paper builds on these studies by developing a framework for completing renovation projects of existing buildings. The theoretical framework is generic in nature and can be applied to any facility that is looking for ways to enhance its energy efficiency. Implementing the framework is expected to lead to significant savings in energy consumption, resulting in both economic and environmental benefits.

Keywords: energy; refurbishment; existing buildings; BIM; building information modelling; sustainability; energy performance; energy consumption.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2017.088850

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2017 Vol.11 No.2, pp.135 - 145

Received: 02 May 2016
Accepted: 06 Mar 2017
Published online: 21 Dec 2017 *

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