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Bartiaux, F, Gram-Hanssen, K, Fonseca, P, Ozoli?a, L and Christensen, T H (2014) A practice–theory approach to homeowners' energy retrofits in four European areas. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 525-38.

Berry, S, Sharp, A, Hamilton, J and Killip, G (2014) Inspiring low-energy retrofits: the influence of ‘open home’ events. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 422-33.

Christensen, T H, Gram-Hanssen, K, de Best-Waldhober, M and Adjei, A (2014) Energy retrofits of Danish homes: is the Energy Performance Certificate useful?. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 489-500.

Fawcett, T and Killip, G (2014) Anatomy of low carbon retrofits: evidence from owner-occupied Superhomes. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 434-45.

Frimpong, S, Sunindijo, R Y, Wang, C C, Boadu, E F, Dansoh, A, Hon, C K H and Yiu, T W (2024) Promoting positive mental health among young construction workers: the role of theory. Construction Management and Economics, 42(04), 366–85.

Galvin, R (2014) Why German homeowners are reluctant to retrofit. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 398-408.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords:
  • ISBN/ISSN: 0961-3218
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2014.882738
  • Abstract:
    Germany is frequently seen as a leader in thermal retrofit policy, with stringent mandatory standards for insulation, windows and boilers. However, the annual rate and average depth of thermal retrofits are considerably lower than expected. One of the main policy planks for promoting thermal upgrades is the claim that thermal retrofitting, to federal standards, is always "economically viable", i.e. it always pays back, through fuel savings, over the technical lifetime of the upgrade measures. Policy discourse therefore tends to blame homeowners for complacency or ignorance in failing to see the financial opportunity offered by retrofitting. However, a five-year in-depth study of the policy, buildings and occupants finds this policy is out of step with both the buildings and the majority of their owners. The policy's claimed "economic viability" of retrofits fails to account for the real nature of the buildings and overstates the savings. The negative effect of misplaced claims of economic viability is considerable. Many thoughtful homeowners are deterred. It is argued that policy needs to change: more nuanced upgrade measures are needed that suit specific buildings and occupants; top-end retrofits can be promoted where appropriate and affordable, but for reasons other than economic gain.

Gupta, R, Barnfield, L and Hipwood, T (2014) Impacts of community-led energy retrofitting of owner-occupied dwellings. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 446-61.

Haines, V and Mitchell, V (2014) A persona-based approach to domestic energy retrofit. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 462-76.

Hamerski, D C, Saurin, T A, Formoso, C T and Isatto, E L (2024) The contributions of the Last Planner System to resilient performance in construction projects. Construction Management and Economics, 42(04), 328–45.

Hickey, P J and Cui, Q (2024) Tracing the career trajectories of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) women leaders. Construction Management and Economics, 42(04), 289–306.

Horne, R, Maller, C and Dalton, T (2014) Low carbon, water-efficient house retrofits: an emergent niche?. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 539-48.

Ingle, A, Moezzi, M, Lutzenhiser, L and Diamond, R (2014) Better home energy audit modelling: incorporating inhabitant behaviours. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 409-21.

Judson, E P and Maller, C (2014) Housing renovations and energy efficiency: insights from homeowners’ practices. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 501-11.

Morland, K V and Breslin, D (2024) Resolving learning paradoxes within a UK new-build housebuilder. Construction Management and Economics, 42(04), 307–27.

Nyqvist, R, Peltokorpi, A and Seppänen, O (2024) Uncertainty network modeling method for construction risk management. Construction Management and Economics, 42(04), 346–65.

Vlasova, L and Gram-Hanssen, K (2014) Incorporating inhabitants’ everyday practices into domestic retrofits. Building Research & Information, 42(04), 512-24.