A building refurbishment is the process of repairing and improving an existing structure. It can include anything from replacing windows to removing walls.
There are several benefits of refurbishing buildings that make it a great choice over new construction. These include: 1. reducing environmental emissions. 2. increasing resale value.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Refurbishment of a building is a form of cultural heritage preservation, as it is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to new construction. Additionally, it reduces construction waste and prevents the abandonment of old buildings that could lead to further urban decay. It also preserves historic landmarks and provides a sense of continuity with the past.
The process of restoring or refurbishing a historical structure requires expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. A team of specialized engineers and builders can work to preserve the integrity of a building while adding modern conveniences. This can include plumbing, electricity, and updated flooring without damaging the original architectural features.
There are several different types of refurbishment projects, including cosmetic upgrades such as painting and decorating, major repair work, alterations, conversions, extensions, and retrofitting. Each type of project has its own benefits, but the most important aspect is preserving the history of the building. This is achieved by using materials that will not damage or discolor the existing structure.
In addition to preserving cultural heritage, a successful renovation can help increase the resale value of the property. This is because older buildings often have more architectural structures and high-quality materials than newer buildings. In addition, they have a great deal of character and charm that many people are willing to pay more for.
Achieving Sustainability
Building refurbishment is an essential part of achieving sustainability, and it can be done in many ways. It can include replacing old materials with new ones that are more environmentally friendly, installing energy-efficient appliances, and making other improvements to the building that will reduce its overall energy use. This can help reduce both the environmental and economic costs of running a building, and it can also increase its resale value.
Refurbishment work can also help reduce the amount of resources that are needed to build a new structure from scratch. This is because it is often cheaper to refurbish a existing building than to demolish it and start from the ground up. This is especially true when the original building has a high level of insulation and other energy-efficient features.
During the refurbishment process, the old materials can be reused or recycled for other projects, either in the same building or in a different one. In some cases, the material can even be sold for use outside the construction industry. However, this is not always possible because some products are fashion affected or suffer from manufacturers’ prohibitive practices such as intellectual property rights and patents that prevent their remanufacturing.
In addition to reducing resource and energy use, refurbishment can also help a building achieve a higher sustainability rating than it would if it were completely new. This is because it can save a significant amount of energy by reducing the need for heating and cooling, improving ventilation and increasing the efficiency of equipment and appliances.
Increasing Resale Value
While renovating a property, it’s important to keep in mind that the work you do will affect resale value. Homeowners often make the mistake of improving their homes well above what’s normal for their neighborhood, which can lead to an expensive price tag and decreased resale value at the time of sale. To avoid this, be sure to consult with a structural engineer who understands how these additional steps can affect the structure.
In addition to increasing resale value, building refurbishment also helps to increase energy efficiency. This is because new constructions require a substantial amount of raw materials and energy to build. However, refurbishing existing buildings can reduce the environmental impact of a building by recycling a significant portion of this energy. In fact, some refurbishment projects can generate up to 90% of their energy savings through minor works alone.
Another way that refurbishment can increase resale value is by making the property more appealing to potential buyers. For example, a commercial building’s refurbishment project can attract more customers and improve employee satisfaction. It can also boost productivity by allowing employees to work more efficiently. In the end, a refurbishment project is an excellent investment for any property owner. Moreover, it’s far more economical than constructing a new building from scratch. This is especially true in the current real estate market, where housing prices are rising.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
Refurbishing old buildings could significantly increase energy efficiency. This is because, during the renovation process, experts can install passive measures such as insulation, thermal curtains, or solar panels to reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling the building. Additionally, high-efficiency HVAC and DHW equipment can further reduce energy service demand. This would allow for greater use of renewable or low-emissions energy sources, thereby reducing the need for additional fossil fuels.
Another way to increase energy efficiency is by introducing flexibility strategies, such as time-varying pricing and load-management systems. These strategies can help to reduce energy consumption and increase energy resilience, while also lowering operating costs for owners.
Finally, it is important to provide clear and easy-to-use tools for energy refurbishment. These can be used to cultivate interest in the market and stimulate more energy efficiency renovations. For example, a CO2 payback period can be calculated, which determines the duration of operational energy reduction after building renovation that compensates for the embodied carbon invested in the project.
Increasing energy efficiency through refurbishment offers several benefits, such as improved comfort and productivity, lower utility bills, and increased resale value. However, overcoming barriers to energy efficiency is essential in order to achieve these goals. The three main barriers are behavioural, regulatory, and economic. Behavioural initiatives should be integrated with other policy instruments, such as financial incentives and pricing.