Schünemann, C; Olfert, A; Schiela, D; Gruhler, K and Ortlepp, R (2020) Mitigation and adaptation in multifamily housing: Overheating and climate justice. Buildings & Cities, 1(1), pp. 36-55. ISSN 2632-6655
Abstract
Can thermal retrofit measures also enhance summer heat resilience and climate justice? Two common building types of multifamily dwellings in Central Europe are investigated: the 'Gründerzeithaus' and post-war large-panel construction along with their different inhabitant demographics. Thermal simulations and demographic surveys were undertaken for dwellings in both building types to evaluate the effectiveness of retrofit measures in reducing winter heat demand and to understand the impacts on summer overheating. Results indicate that standard retrofitting measures can reduce the overheating risks. The high summer temperatures on the top floor can be significantly lowered to values comparable with the ground floor. The remaining overheating in highly exposed rooms is reduced by additional selective adaptation measures. Adaptation requires more than technical interventions. Demographic surveys conducted for both building types show that different social groups are affected. The economics of retrofit requires policy clarity to avoid placing additional burdens on economically disadvantaged people. Inhabitants' active involvement in night-time ventilation are vital for avoiding overheating. Appropriate affordances and a clear guidance for manual window opening/closing can reduce overheating. However, inhabitants who are unable to act (e.g. the elderly, immobile or those with chronic diseases) will be increasingly vulnerable and disadvantaged by increased exposure to overheating.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adaptation; building stock; climate justice; housing; inhabitants; mitigation; overheating; resilience; retrofit |
| Index terms: | window, war, placing, thermal retrofit, summer, mitigation, effectiveness, demographics, exposure, affordance, retrofitting, housing, winter, elderly, Europe, climate justice, overheating, building stock, ventilation, survey, adaptation |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, construction type, air quality, user focus, climate science, demography, asset management, behavioral psychology, thermal systems, renovation and retrofit, energy efficiency, concrete and cementitious materials, architectural elements, physical geography and landforms, public and environmental health, performance management, conflict and crisis studies, social equity, financial risk |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Urban Studies, Design Practice, Legal Issues, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here