4433 -- Energy Retrofit of a Neoclassic Office Building—Social Aspects and Lessons Learned PDF

A retrofit project to improve the overall indoor conditions of a neoclassic office building and the follow-up monitoring campaign revealed several social and behavioral aspects in relation to energy conservation. The retrofit actions were assessed to preserve the building’s historic identity and included interventions in the building’s envelope, heating and cooling systems, electrical installations, and control systems. The various actions improved the indoor environmental quality and increased employee satisfaction. The annual total energy consumption was reduced from 214 kWh/m2 to 130 kWh/m2 after retrofitting. Occupants’ responses were very positive despite the need to renovate the building without disrupting its normal operating schedule. Automatic controls that intervene with employees’ daily routines were found to be the least popular, while equipment automation proved very effective. Operating instructions to the employees on how to optimize the use of the installations were very effective. The project had an excellent dissemination and promotional campaign for the employees and generated great interest in the concepts of energy conservation. Proper maintenance has proved to be the most critical factor for continuous system operation.

Units: SI