Sundling, R; Blomsterberg, Å and Landin, A (2019) Enabling energy-efficient renovation: the case of vertical extension to buildings. Construction Innovation, 19(1), pp. 2-14. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: This paper is based on a study of six similar buildings built in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1971, which were in urgent need of renovation. A life cycle profit analysis shows how four competing concepts were evaluated to find a financially viable renovation concept; additionally, the environmental impacts of these renovation concepts using a life cycle assessment are presented. Design/methodology/approach: Four renovation concepts are compared to find the most appropriate concept, namely, minimalist, code-compliant, low-energy and low-energy plus vertical extension concepts. The methods used for comparison are life cycle profit analysis and life cycle impact assessment; the methods used for data gathering included site visits, interviews, document study, co-benefits study and energy simulation. Findings: The findings show that vertical extension supported the energy-efficient renovation of the buildings and that the combination of low-energy and the vertical extension had the highest return on investment and the lowest environmental impact. The selected concept for renovating the remaining five buildings combined was the low-energy plus vertical extension. Additional benefits from vertical extension include more apartments in central locations for the housing company, a wider variety of apartment layouts and a wider range of tenants. Drawbacks include increased use of infrastructure, green space and common appliances, as well as gentrification. Originality/value: This study shows how a vertical extension can financially enable an energy-efficient renovation and further lower its environmental impact. Benefits and drawbacks of densification are also highlighted to better understand the implementation of vertically extending a building.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | densification; energy; energy-efficient renovation; lifecycle impact assessment; lifecycle profit analysis; vertical extension of buildings |
| Index terms: | densification, Sweden, life cycle impact assessment, life cycle profit, implementation, gentrification, renovation, lifecycle, return on investment, life cycle assessment, tenant, profit, interview, energy simulation, housing, methodology, environmental impact, impact assessment |
| Subjects: | urban design, Geography, research methods, renovation and retrofit, economic analysis, project delivery, contractual arrangements, modelling and simulation, practitioner, value management, environmental impact, construction type, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Urban Studies, Digital Applications, Construction Technology, Procurement, Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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