Effects of Fabric Retrofit Insulation on Temperature Take-Back

This paper presents a two-year-long empirical study on the effects of fabric retrofit insulation on temperature take-back in a high-rise social-housing building (23-storey block) in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK). The study has followed a quasi-experimental approach coupled with qualitative methods and examines whether temperature take-back has taking place; the saturation effect and the relationship between temperature take-back, physical factors and occupant’s behavioural change. First, the evidence suggests that temperature take-back is not occurring and instead the saturation effect has taken place. Second, a maximum take-back temperature was achieved ranging from 20.85°C24.81°C. The study also suggests that to evaluate appropriateness of retrofitted insulation measures, pre-intervention variables such as internal temperatures, heating system and building fabric performance should be taken into account.