Hajizadeh, S. and Seyis, S. (2026) Multi-climate zone approach to sustainable retrofitting for optimizing energy efficiency and CO2 reduction in Australian detached houses. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 44(4), pp. 885-909. ISSN 2398-4708
Abstract
Purpose – This research proposes an innovative approach to enhancing the energy efficiency of detached houses in Australia by providing retrofit solutions based on the specific energy demands of several cities across various climatic zones. This study investigates the effectiveness of building envelope retrofits for detached houses in achieving energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction across different climatic zones within Australia. Design/methodology/approach – DesignBuilder and PVSOL® were used to simulate a typical detached house for Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide. 12 retrofit scenarios, including thermal wall insulation for the walls and roof and the implementation of photovoltaic panels on the roof, were implemented to analyze their impact on the case study building's energy consumption and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Findings – The results show that the provided retrofitting solutions considerably reduced the energy consumption of the case study by 58% (Canberra), 54% (Brisbane) and 63% (Adelaide), highlighting the substantial benefits of this combined approach. Annual CO2 emissions are reduced by 28%, 26%, and 30% in Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide. Originality/value – This research presents the importance of retrofitting detached home envelopes in Australia by considering different climatic zones to achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction. This approach contributes by providing a robust and replicable methodology for future energy performance assessments, providing a valuable framework for policymakers, building professionals and researchers seeking to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings under various climate conditions. The scenarios and results provide the foundation to establish evidence-based policies to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions in similar climates.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building envelope; building simulation; designbuilder; low carbon buildings; pvsol; sustainable retrofits |
| Index terms: | methodology, greenhouse gas emission, retrofitting, evidence-based policy, Brisbane, building professional, energy consumption, effectiveness, photovoltaic, implementation, energy performance, building simulation, roof, insulation, building envelope, residential building, energy efficiency, CO2 emissions, energy demand, case study, low-carbon building, Australia |
| Subjects: | environmental health, performance management, renovation and retrofit, design practice, energy systems, building materials, sustainability and energy, modelling and simulation, air quality, data collection methods, profession, Geography, research methods, architectural elements, contractual arrangements, public policy, climate science, construction type |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Sustainability, Procurement, Quality Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Governance, Construction Technology, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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