Improving energy efficiency in lower quality commercial buildings: Simulation, retrofit optimisation and uncertainty

Substantial reductions in the greenhouse gas emissions of modern societies are required in the near future to mitigate the projected impacts of global climate change. The best methods to achieve these cuts is a dominant issue in modern public discourse. Retrofitting of existing buildings offers significant opportunities for reducing global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and it has been recognised as one of the lowest cost options (McKinsey & Company, 2008). Whilst efficiency improvements of 15% to 30 % are typical for an energy efficiency retrofit, to make a meaningful contribution to mitigation efforts deeper cuts to consumption will be required.