Towards a feasible strategy in Mediterranean building renovation through a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

The energy-efficient retrofitting process of residential neighbourhoods in southern Europe has certain socio-economic and climatic uniqueness which are not included in the European guidelines, thereby rendering the corresponding action programs unviable. This research considers that an appropriate management of the energy retrofitting of buildings should not involve expensive and complex processes that are unaffordable to most residents.The study is performed in a neighbourhood of Seville (Spain), which belongs to the Mediterranean climate, in multi-family housing, built in 1961, that presents an obsolete state of conservation and a low energy performance.The methodology, through an energy assessment survey for residents, tries to adjust to each socio-economic situation by defining 3 levels of intervention: mild, moderate and intense; and evaluating 12 action packages from the disciplines of energy, sociology and economy.The results show that the moderate level is the optimal level for the residents, resulting between 20 and 50% energy reduction and contributing a high socioeconomic benefit, assuming an initial cost 50% lower than other intense measures. In addition, results also make it possible to ascertain which packages are optimal for each level of intervention, thereby ensuring the success of the process.