Assessing the effect of retrofit strategies on thermal comfort and energy performance in social housing

Recently, 30 percent of the final energy consumption in the UK is attributed to residential buildings. Besides, Social housing accounts for around 5 million residential properties in the UK playing a major role in implementing energy efficiency retrofit policies in the country. This sector is home to some of the most vulnerable groups in society who are more at risk of thermal discomfort, fuel poverty, and poor environmental conditions. Hence it is crucial to consider a comprehensive approach not only to address energy efficiency but also to understand the effects of retrofit on summer/winter thermal comfort conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of retrofit strategies on energy performance and thermal comfort conditions in a case study flat in the social housing sector in the UK. A building survey was conducted followed by dynamic thermal modeling in IES (VE) to evaluate the effects of upgrading the building fabric to the Part L of the UK building Regulations as well as to the passive house standards. Moreover, CIBSE TM59 and PMV guidelines have been applied to the model to assess its thermal comfort and energy consumption. The results revealed that although a high level of insulation and airtightness can reduce annual energynconsumption by up to 60 percent, they could simultaneously increase the risk of overheating.