Retrofit strategies for alleviating fuel poverty and improving subjective well-being in the UK’s social housing

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Shwashreh, Leena and Taki, Ahmad and Kagioglou, Mike (2024) Retrofit strategies for alleviating fuel poverty and improving subjective well-being in the UK’s social housing. Buildings, 14 (2). 316. ISSN 2075-5309 (https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020316)

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Abstract

This research delves into the intricate realm of social housing flat units within tower blocks in Leicester, as a microcosm that serves as a perfect reflection of the larger problem of fuel poverty among social housing systems within the UK. The multifaceted approach intertwines energy efficiency upgrades, indoor comfort, and resident satisfaction. Rooted in a comprehensive methodology, this research seeks to address pressing societal challenges within these architectural projects, from fuel poverty and well-being to environmental sustainability and social justice. Through surveys, interviews, audits, simulations, and detailed analyses of summer and winter thermal performance, this study navigates the complex interplay of factors that influence retrofit success. The findings underscore the transformative potential of comprehensive retrofit measures and the paramount importance of resident engagement while offering a potential holistic checklist for future projects. This research paves the way for future studies encompassing contextual diversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term impact assessment. As it advances, these findings guide the commitment to fostering positive change, enhancing lives, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future in social housing retrofit endeavours.

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