URBAN RETROFIT DESIGN Codes and Labels for Building Energy Efficiency

Buildings are a major contributor to energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, and their energy-efficient renovation has been widely accepted as a cornerstone in the low-carbon transition of Europe’s cities. Through an investigation into the policies and practices for the retrofitting of residential buildings, the research draws on the experience gained by leading member states and exemplary retrofit projects to highlight their most innovative aspects and practical implications from a design perspective. To this aim, the research starts by presenting facts and figures about the current state of the building stock across Europe, and discussing the most relevant European directives and policy instruments for national implementation (i.e. Building Energy Codes, Building Energy Labels and related incentives). Then, it proceeds by describing the regulatory framework for building retrofitting in three reference countries (i.e. Denmark, France and Germany) and analysing a number of retrofit projects involving post-war multi-family buildings and estates. Finally, it summarizes and systemizes findings from the case studies, identifying a set of retrofit measures that have proven to be effective in meeting energy efficiency requirements while improving urban quality of life.