Anir Kumar Upadhyay

Freelance Researcher, 4/24 Park Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217, anirupadhyay@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

In the wake of global energy crisis and paramount concerns of greenhouse gas emissions, building sector is identified as one of the major energy consumers and greenhouse gas contributors. Although some considerations are given to energy efficiency in new constructions, the existing building stock remains a major problem. With existing dwellings accounting for around 98 percent of the total building stock, the problem is clearly visible. Although buildings do not last forever, regular maintenance and retrofitting can prolong the life of buildings. Retrofitting is often done to meet the variety of changing demands of the household. Retrofitting also provides an opportunity to make changes in the existing housing stocks planned and designed without due consideration to energy efficiency. Recently, Australian Government has announced direct financial incentives for the households to upgrade the energy efficiency of the existing housing stocks. This paper takes a case of a typical building from Queensland in which different retrofitting options are tried and tested with an aim to make the building more energy efficient. These retrofitting options are simulated using the BERS Pro, a house energy rating software. Climatic design guidelines help to identify the problem areas which are addressed in retrofitting by enhancing ventilation, introducing thermal mass, upgrading windows and installing shading devices. Additional energy and water efficient measures such as, introducing energy efficient lighting fixtures, high performance appliances, solar water heating options and rainwater harvesting are also incorporated.

KEYWORDS: energy efficiency, thermal mass and ventilation, retrofitting, climatic design, greenhouse gas, house energy rating.

C5-1