Towards an evidence base model for environmental retrofit- mapping solution sets for near carbon neutral buildings in warm climates

Abstract

The paper presents an evidence base model for environmental retrofitting of an existing nondomestic buildings in warming climates. The model is grounded in bioclimatic design, and uses a four-phase methodology; mapping thermal load profiles, monitoring interventions for performance improvement with current and future climates and presenting evidence for future use. Thermal load characteristics, both externalities (climate and building design) and internalities (occupancy and equipment), which affect the heat load profiles and therefore energy performance of a building, are classified as areas for retrofitting. The model is used to demonstrates the solution sets needed to renovate a 23 storey high office building in Brisbane, to a nearly zerocarbon consumer, with 5 star NABERS greenhouse gas emission rating off set with renewable energy.