The serial refurbishment of residential buildings offers a promising approach to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A current pilot study addressing this topic highlights the potential that this method can unfold over a building's entire lifecycle.
Residential buildings are a relevant factor when considering climate protection measures. Energy consumption and the associated emissions from operation and construction account for a significant proportion of total emissions. Efficient refurbishment strategies are therefore essential to achieve climate targets.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
The results of the pilot study indicate that serial refurbishment is capable of significantly minimising greenhouse gas emissions from residential buildings. This effect extends over the entire lifecycle of a property, from material extraction and construction to operation and eventual deconstruction. Considering all phases is crucial for comprehensive climate accounting.
Through the standardisation of processes and the prefabrication of components, as applied in serial refurbishment, not only can construction times be shortened, but the quality of energy modernisation can also be enhanced. This leads to a more sustainable building envelope and more efficient systems, which directly translates into lower emissions.
Further potentials and implications
Beyond direct emissions reduction, serial refurbishment holds further potential. These include improved project predictability, greater cost efficiency through economies of scale, and an increase in living comfort for residents. These aspects contribute to the method's attractiveness and could promote its broader application in the existing building stock. More detailed investigation of these aspects is expected as part of further research to quantify the full impacts and derive practical recommendations.
