A cost-effective building retrofit decision-making model – Example of China’s temperate and mixed climate zones

Sustainable building retrofitting has attracted serious research attention in recent years as it can significantly reduce energy consumption and thus help achieve reduction targets set by governments around the world. In this paper, a sustainable retrofit decision-making model is developed to uncover optimal of solutions according local climatic conditions, features, costs. Net present value (NPV), common method for analyzing feasibility solution, used determine solution existing high-rise residential buildings temperate zone hot summer-cold winter zone, involving prototypical 1990s apartments 116 53 m2 floor areas respectively. This reveals that lighting system, wall insulation, upgraded window glazing are essential measures whereas heating system shading devices also zone. The results indicate NPV be obtained pursuing 40% saving, result saving up 50 kWh/m2/year 95 at an average cost approximately USD 1.30 3.20 m2/year zones sensitivities associated with most influential savings input parameters critically analyzed; these decision-makers risks uncertainties related various cost-effective measures. devising suitable commensurate policy two climate zones. It amenable being adapted other identify appropriate particular conditions characteristics.