An advanced refurbishment evaluation methodology for modernist office buildings

The energy used in non-domestic buildings accounts for 18 % of the energy use in the UK. Modernist office buildings, typically defined as those built between 1945 and 1985, represent a promising sector for refurbishment and energy demand reduction. This paper aims to present an advanced methodology for refurbishing modernist office buildings. The methodology involves creating an archetypal building model which is assessed by using sensitivity analysis to evaluate representativeness and develop insight into the most effective refurbishment design parameters. For this, a parametric study, using dynamic thermal simulation modelling, was undertaken for a representative modernist office building model, located in London, UK. Combinations of heating and passive cooling refurbishment measures were applied to the representative model. The results showed the suggested methodology provides an improved understanding of refurbishment solutions and draws out useful pathways to enhance existing approaches to refurbishment.