In eco architecture and the term 'retrofitting' refers to adding
materials and technology to enhance the house or building's energy
efficiency, comfort and passive solar attributes.
Retrofitting has become popular in Australia, particularly in
the commercial and industrial marketplace, and business owners
endeavour to reduce electricity, gas and water consumption in order
to attract better tenants and to comply with changing demands in
which consumers expect businesses to reduce their carbon
footprint.
Retrofitting a house entails installing movable shutters,
shades, shade screens, or window quilts to accommodate day-to-day
and hour-to-hour solar gain and insulation requirements. The adding
of insulation, solar verandahs, greenhouses, night ventilation
fans, exhaust fans and cutting in new northern windows can
transform a home. The best time to retrofit a home is when major
addition or renovation is being considered as this will increase
the value of the home and accommodate a changing lifestyle. The
economics of retrofitting will then be far more attractive than on
energy savings / environmental grounds alone.
Retrofitting industrial properties, such as warehouses, includes
materials and applications used in the residential marketplace but
on a much larger scale.
Author: James Shaw