An optimization methodology and sensitivity analysis of existing building retrofits

Retrofitting existing buildings is rapidly becoming increasingly important to building owners, primarily due to the ever-increasing cost of energy. However, it is also in part due to the aging of building stock, resulting in a decrease of the efficiency of the heating equipment and a degradation of fabrics within the buildings. The building retrofit process begins with the requirement by building owners for a quantified return on the investment measures proposed. In relation to retrofitting, no one solution fits all situations and therefore the need for a simplified retrofit decision-making software tool exists. This research focuses on an optimization methodology and subsequent sensitivity analysis to determine the most influential input parameters for a case-study building. In essence, this research forms part of a larger study which is ongoing and ranges from the development of a simplified thermal energy modelling technique to a decision-making retrofit software tool.