Quality parameters in evaluation of renovation projects

Abstract

In renovation processes there is always a risk of underestimating environmental, cultural, and social values in favor of energy efficiency and economy. As well as while upgrading the building’s exterior and interior it is very essential to study the physical sustainability of building element in the field climate condition. Therefore it is very important to follow scientific and systematic process for making decision about renovation measures. The main aim of this research is to find out the major and minor differences in evaluation of the quality parameters from the study of BREEAM and other Nordic inventory methods. This paper will help to clarify the difficulties in finding the best practice renovation methods and tools which will ensure the quality renovation of buildings with focus on multi-family apartment. The research methodology is based on comparative study to find out the major and minor differences in evaluation of the quality parameters from these different inventory methods and procedures. There are many methods and tools which can be used to evaluate the renovation process, for example BREEAM in UK, LEED in US, SINTEF in Norway, ENERSIS in Finland etc. which consists of several measures in order to provide optimal renovation. This paper will help in certain extent to clarify the difficulties in finding the best renovation methods and tools which will ensure the quality renovation of buildings. This research investigate principles of the sustainable development emphasizing the renovation of apartment buildings and relevant sustainable building assessment systems via comparison. Although numerous rating systems have been developed around the world, the UK-developed Building Research Establishment – Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is the most commonly used performance rating system in European countries. Renovations activities also required to reach certain economic, social, and environmental goals. It is therefore, important to pursue the most optimal strategy available to achieve cost-effective energy usage while maintaining excellent indoor environments, without sacrificing architectural quality or minimizing the negative impact on the environment.