Energy efficiency of residential historic buildings

Gorham, Ciaran (2013) Energy efficiency of residential historic buildings. Bachelors thesis, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

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Abstract

This dissertation addresses the increasing need for our historic buildings to meet the energy efficiency and thermal comfort requirements of modern living, while maintaining their historical and architectural significance. The first stage was general literature review to identify the key legislation and guidelines pertaining to architectural conservation and energy efficiency. Following that, an in-depth critical examination of the thermal performance of historic building was undertaken. Once a clear understanding was achieved, a systematic investigation of potential measures, appropriate for historic buildings was carried out. On completion of the literature review section, the next stage was to put the knowledge attained into practice. A case study was carried out, where a historic building was selected and surveyed. A BER assessment was carried out ascertain the buildings energy rating, the knowledge acquired from the literature review was employed to provide appropriate measures for upgrading. A new BER assessment was carried out to indicate the effect of the proposed measures, the results highlighted a substantial improvement of the building's energy efficiency. The primary findings of the dissertation show that a historic building can significantly reduce its energy efficiency through a comprehensive understanding of the building and the selection of appropriate methods and materials. The dissertation also recognises that there is still further scope for investigation, with the use of in-situ u-value monitoring, air pressure testing and a more in-depth examination of building services, (including renewable services); likely to further increase the potential energy efficiency of historic buildings.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelors)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Historic buildings; Energy efficiency; Architectural conservation; BER assessment.
Subjects:	Engineering
Research Centres:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Sean McGreal
Date Deposited:	10 Aug 2015 13:51
Last Modified:	10 Aug 2015 13:51
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/465

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