Developing evaluation criteria for assessing the performance of smart retrofitting of existing buildings

Abstract

The existing building sector is contributing to high energy consumption and CO2 emissions worldwide. Therefore, building practitioners should commit to adopting energy-conserving practices and minimizing CO2 emissions. Consequently, the adoption of smart retrofitting (SR) in existing buildings is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to achieve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. In Sri Lanka, SR adaptation was at a low level. However, there is a shortage of research and studies concerning assessing the performance of the SR of existing buildings in Sri Lanka after its implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to develop an assessment model to assess the performance of the SR of existing buildings for the post-installation phase in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research method was used in this research to identify factors to develop an SR performance assessment model for existing buildings. Semi-structured expert interviews were conducted to validate the identified factors and obtain additional information related to the SR assessment, and the data collected was analysed through manual content analysis. As a result, a total of 39 factors were identified, which fell into seven categories: technical adaptability, human comfort, economic adaptability, energy management, environmental sustainability, safety and security, and compliance. Finally, the SR performance assessment model is developed.