Whole building assessment in multi-owner and mixed-use buildings

This report looks at different options for conducting whole building assessments of multi-owner and mixed-use buildings, through a literature review and structured conversations with stakeholders.

These assessments are needed to plan the improvement of building fabric efficiency and installation of zero direct emissions heating systems.

Summary of findings

Current assessment methods cannot be used for the purpose of retrofit design because they are designed for comparison rather than absolute calculations of building performance. The assessment of multi-owner and mixed-use buildings requires two methods, which cannot currently be combined to produce a single assessment.

The report outlines three options for how a whole building assessment methodology could be developed in Scotland:

• A low-cost option, based primarily on assumed data rather than measured data. It involves updating existing methods to complete a whole building assessment.
• A detailed assessment approach with PAS 2035 – a British framework for delivery of quality retrofits of domestic buildings
• An assessment approach that draws on best practice from the international examples the researchers found.

Further details on the findings can be found in the report attached.

If you require the report in an alternative format such as a Word document, please contact info@climatexchange.org.uk or 0131 651 4783.