Energy retrofit of tower blocks in UK: making the case for an integrated approach

Abstract

Tower blocks in UK are at a critical stage. They were built at a time when no energy efficiency requirements were considered. They are now approaching the end of their design service life and they are damp, and cold place to live. Starting from the analysis about the diffusion of multi-storey buildings in EU, and the findings of other research projects such as INSPIRE and Faro, this work debates the strategies applied for energy efficiency improvement of large panel concrete buildings. This work debates the structural retrofit that in many cases are required prior to any energy retrofit intervention and draw the attention on the necessity to develop more holistic retrofit approaches, aiming to the development of best practice for energy, safety and social benefits.