A Macro-Micro Perspective on Sustainable: Refurbishment of the Housing Sector

Abstract

The study is focused on sustainable refurbishment operations applicable within the area of the housing sector: (1) At a macro scale, the potential benefits are concerning the energy balance at a national level, the use of limited resources and the generated air pollution. The promotion of environmental recovery is proposed as an associated objective of the refurbishment operations. (2) At a micro level, from the user's perspective, the refurbishment operations are energy-oriented and cost-determined. A detailed study within the area of comfort conditions is proposed. The paper attempts to connect both ends by valuing potential improvement areas and multivalent refurbishment tools. The aim is to identify and evaluate locally-effective bioclimatic tools with direct impact on a particularly neglected scope of comfort conditions, while also determining some considerable energy savings. Green construction systems are being considered for architectural refurbishment, with the use of urban vegetation and ecosystems as main tool at the landscape level. For assessing the effectiveness of the proposed tools, the development of a pilot project is proposed, starting with the first step of setting the preliminary objectives. Economical and social accessibility of the solutions are key aspects.The initiated research develops as a part of a permanently open, interdisciplinary and collaborative study.