Retrofitting strata property - a tool supporting long-term retrofit strategy

Abstract

Strata property - ownership of apartments or townhouses consisting of private and commonly owned building components and areas - was established in Switzerland in 1965 and since has become very popular. But, well-needed retrofit work of these buildings is often postponed and long-term retrofit strategies are rarely considered. However, the low retrofit rate must increase to meet the global energy goals. Interviews and workshops with relevant actors showed that missing financial means are not the key issues for the low retrofit rate. Major challenges arise from a broad set of issues, such as difficult processes, unclear responsibility, insufficient communication, missing building information or underestimation of the commonly owned building components. “Luzerner Toolbox” provides eight folders that address the key clusters of challenges. Central to this toolbox are Excel-based tools, which transform accurate technical and financial information into a visual format. An ample diagram illustrates the remaining lifetime of the building parts and a graph relates upcoming retrofit costs and the annual payments into the contingency reserve fund with a forecast of the contingency reserve fund. As such, these tools assists in scheduling appropriate retrofit measures and establishing a balanced financial planning. But, various actors have reported that the retrofit timetable is too complex to be used in management firms. Feasibility studies and further research of their specific needs and work processes are needed to refine the tool accordingly. In a further study, interviews with management firms and architects are conducted to determine the key factors of a useful tool.