A review of sustainable technologies for energy efficient upgrade of existing buildings and systems

Abstract

Sustainable upgrades include actual case studies with before and after retrofit results, case studies with simulated results and use of computer systems to predict energy savings based on exiting building parameters. In the latter no actual renovations are done thus technologies and systems are assumed. The review used real cases including simulations and adopts a mix of systematic and content analysis approaches. Thus, over 288 articles were gathered from all the major scientific journals using Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science etc. The sample was reduced to 230 articles based on the search themes; thereafter, a detailed focus on the methods used provided basis to trim the articles to 47. Sustainable technologies identified cover those installed to the external facade, indoor areas, air filtration, insulation systems, building elements, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems, sensors, lighting, hot and cold water systems such as boilers, chillers, pumps, motors and renewable energy technologies. The results show sustainable technologies have been used to improve various existing buildings. Also, the results indicate high rate of adoption of insulation systems for external and internal walls, roofing and ceiling elements. This paper provides evidence to support the drive towards environmental sustainability through the adoption and installation of sustainable technologies. Policies to trigger demand and installation could further improve actions towards greenhouse gas reduction.