Low-carbon retrofit of UK social housing and overheating risks: Causes and mitigation strategies

Panel: 8. Buildings: technologies and systems beyond energy efficiency

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Daniel Kerr, De Montfort University, United Kingdom
Andrew Reeves, De Montfort University, United Kingdom

Abstract

Social and affordable rented housing is a significant housing sector across Europe. In the UK, the sector accounts for one in six homes, and houses some of the most vulnerable members of society in terms of health, income, and disability. Social housing is relatively advanced compared to other UK tenures in implementing low-carbon retrofit measures, such as solid wall insulation and draught proofing. However, such measures can increase the likelihood of summer overheating, which can lead to a range of negative health impacts, including increased mortality. Due to their vulnerability, many social housing tenants are less able to adapt to and manage overheating at home.

This paper uses the case study of social housing managed by a UK local authority in a city in the English Midlands to identify factors linked to low-carbon retrofit which may increase overheating risks, and mitigation strategies that could be adopted by social landlords to manage them.

Based on engagement with the local authority, the paper highlights a range of dwelling-specific overheating risk factors including aspect, built form, glazed area and available control measures within a home such as shutters and operable windows. Low-carbon retrofit is identified as frequently increasing overheating risks through reducing heat loss and increasing air tightness. The mitigation measures identified are predominantly behavioural, such as appropriate use of windows for ventilation and time-shifting heat-emitting appliance use. Low-cost technical measures, such as window tinting and solar shading, are also put forward. Through engagement with the case study local authority, potential practical steps for implementing these approaches are put forward which build upon existing processes for retrofit, housing management and tenant support. These include new communication resources using methods currently employed for addressing energy poverty, and overheating risk assessment procedures.

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