Building Energy Simulation of C19th Listed Dwellings in the UK: A Strategy to Propose and Assess Suitable Retrofit Interventions

Improving energy performance of Traditional Listed Dwellings (TLDs) in the UK is much needed. However, there are issues to overcome due to their heritage value and to the complexity of their thermo-hygrometric behavior. This on-going research project aims to propose a framework for interventions in TLDs in South East England to improve their energy consumption utilising Dynamic Energy Simulation (DES) of selected case studies in the city of Brighton and Hove, UK. Providing a brief overview of the methodology adopted in this study, the paper describes the approach devised to select the applicable measures for the dwellings investigated. It aims to improve their energy performance while minimizing the risks of unintended consequences on the fabric and occupants, as well as those of loss of heritage value. Therefore, the proposed strategy balances the need for individual solutions, underpinned by consistency in the rationale behind the choice of interventions and materials.