Retrofitting existing housing: what is beyond energy reduction goals?

Retrofitting existing housing needs to consider issues beyond energy efficiency and include other occupant concerns including aging in place (for an aging population), health and wellbeing, and increasingly, also, working productively in their homes. A research project by University of Tasmania is examining retrofitting for health, wellbeing, and liveability. As part of this several national and international sustainability housing and retrofit tools have been reviewed to understand their applicability for potential adaptation in Australia. The paper finds that a more holistic approach that includes strategies other than just energy related ones to inform retrofit decisions is imperative to address our multi-faceted environmentally sustainable housing challenges