Building Retrofitting Technologies Using an Innovative Prioritization Model for Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Creators: name: Ziem, Anthony
Publisher: name: RMIT University
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 400508
subject: Infrastructure engineering and asset management

description: Existing buildings are increasingly becoming obsolete due to technological advancements and higher expectations for the built environment. In order to attract and retain long-term tenants, building owners and facility managers must upgrade their assets and provide environmentally friendly living spaces. Retrofitting with green technology is widely recognized as a crucial method for improving existing buildings by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, many retrofitting projects fall short of meeting performance expectations due to limited knowledge and experience in designing and installing these technologies. Moreover, the absence of a systematic assessment approach and clear guidelines complicates handling uncertainties in retrofitting projects. Therefore, it is important to develop a systematic approach to enhance the performance of retrofitted technologies in existing buildings.
This research aims to develop a comprehensive and systematic framework to assist stakeholders involved in retrofitting projects. The study aims to achieve four primary objectives:
1. Identify critical parameters from social, economic, environmental, and regulatory perspectives that significantly influence clients' decision-making processes when building retrofits. 
2. Identify critical factors that impact retrofitted building projects' planning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance phases. 
3. Develop a prioritization model that enables the implementation of sequential retrofitting measures. 
4. Create a comprehensive and systematic framework that captures the outcomes of the previous objectives. This framework will serve as a practical tool for sustainable building retrofitting projects, facilitating the achievement of the desired level of performance and ensuring that the project aligns with sustainability goals and objectives.
The primary objective of this research is to provide valuable guidance and support for stakeholders involved in retrofitting projects, with the ultimate goal of achieving more successful and sustainable outcomes in the built environment.
This research adopts a combined quantitative and qualitative approach to address the research questions and provide solutions. Key parameters and critical factors in building retrofitting projects are identified through factor analysis conducted on a sample of 157 retrofit practitioners. The critical path method (CPM) is then employed to develop a prioritization model determining the retrofitting upgrade sequence. Additionally, a systematic framework based on the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) is created, integrating the aforementioned outcomes. This framework serves as a decision-making tool for stakeholders, assisting them in the selection and implementation of retrofitting projects.
This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge and a deeper understanding of retrofitting projects in four main areas. Firstly, it identifies four key performance parameters and five critical factors that significantly impact the performance of retrofitting projects. Secondly, it develops a prioritization model for the implementation of retrofitting projects. Thirdly, it formulates an inventory of green retrofitting technologies that can be applied to such projects. Lastly, it creates a systematic framework that guides stakeholders through the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance phases when integrating new retrofitting technologies into existing buildings.
The outcomes of this research are particularly relevant to the local government sector in Australia, as they provide a viable pathway towards achieving zero-carbon building refurbishment. The framework, which encompasses strategies, decision-making methods, and key retrofitting activities, outlines a systematic process for stakeholders to follow at all stages of retrofitting projects.