The Building Services Research and Intelligence Association (BSRIA) has released new research findings that most construction professionals are not performing follow-up assessments
Low levels of retrofit occupant education have been found in the new research, with more than three-quarters (76%) of surveyed construction professionals are not prioritising post-occupancy evaluations (POEs).
This is despite the fact that the vast majority (97%) agree that occupant behaviour is the key role in retrofits actually delivering value and efficiency.
POEs and retrofit occupant education are crucial to measuring outcomes, say BSRIA
The new report highlights the importance of evaluations for both new builds and retrofits, as they allow not only increased knowledge of use by occupants (therefore increasing the value gained), but also identify issues that occupants may not see, such as discrepancies.
Data shows that buildings are primarily affected by occupant behaviour, with some occupant behaviours causing a discrepancy between expected building performance and measured output of up to 300%.
This directly counteracts the purpose of retrofit, damaging both energy efficiency and occupant comfort, while increasing costs.
Furthermore, the survey found that 55% of consumers are unfamiliar with the term ‘retrofit,’ and only 31% believe it would reduce energy use. Fifty per cent also say that they are unclear about the impact of retrofit upgrades on carbon targets.
Tom Garrigan, executive director at BSRIA, said: “For housebuilders and developers, the handover of a retrofitted home can’t be the end of the story: implementing measures alone is not enough. Performance issues emerge when occupants don’t fully understand low-carbon systems and indoor environmental controls, leading to higher running costs and missed targets.
“While there has been progress in some areas of the market, it’s critical that the wider industry prioritises occupant education to ensure that homes work for people in practice, not just on paper.
“This doesn’t just apply to retrofit projects, either. With the Future Homes Standard approaching, residents in both new builds and refurbished buildings will require greater support to confidently manage longer heating cycles, responsive controls, and new approaches to comfort and efficiency.”
Retrofit will be key to net-zero targets
In August, Anissa Sekaringtias of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership wrote for PBC Today, discussing the increasing importance of retrofitting for future-proofing the UK and the needs that the sector must overcome to address its challenges.
Anissa wrote: “Retrofit is often seen as a green upgrade: better efficiency, lower energy bills. But in today’s climate, it is much more than that. As outlined in our report the Business Case for Integrated Retrofit, it is a strategic investment in public health, economic resilience, and financial stability.
“Beyond energy efficiency, integrated retrofit should address health, well-being, and resilience, by looking at issues such as overheating, floods, and indoor air quality. These improvements can reduce hospital admissions, enhance productivity, lower household costs and generate savings for public services.
“For the financial sector, they protect asset quality and insurability. It has been found that every £1 spent on flood-proofing a home can save £5 in avoided damages.”
The post Retrofit occupant education must take priority, say BSRIA appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
