Investigating the Potential of Retrofitting and Onsite Renewable as a Pathway to Zero Carbon Emission in Dwellings
Abdulhameed Danjuma MAMBO, Steven FIRTH

Abstract
Buildings are responsible for half the energy consumptions and carbon emissions in the UK and since about 75% of the year 2050 building stock already exist considering the current rate of demolition and new building, reducing carbon emission from existing buildings is therefore crucial to meeting the UK target of 80% carbon emission reduction by 2050. This work described simulation results of the potentials of refurbishing existing dwellings using existing technologies to achieve a low carbon emission. A base-case scenario was modelled of a semi-detached house with un-insulated cavity wall, timber floor and loft, single glazing, low air change rates, high indoor temperatures, and low efficiency gas boiler. This baseline was incrementally up-graded to higher energy performance standards. The energy consumption and carbon emission of 24,909 KWh pa and 5161 KgCO2 pa of the baseline case fell to 5,421 KWh pa and 716 kgCO2 pa respectively representing more than 60% cut in carbon emission. The research demonstrated that a large reduction in energy use and carbon emissions is possible using existing technologies and adapting to lower indoor temperatures.

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