Perceptions of thermal comfort following deep energy retrofit in social homes in Ireland (HAVEN)

Research suggests that energy retrofit measures can have a positive impact on temperature, relative humidity, and can reduce the occurrence of damp and mould (Wang et al., 2022, Fisk et al., 2020). Furthermore, energy renovation offers an opportunity to improve living conditions and the health of occupants of social housing by reducing exposure to indoor air pollution and by improving thermal comfort (Wang et al., 2022, Patino and Siegel, 2018). However, within the extant literature, studies examining occupant-reported thermal comfort post-retrofit are limited and findings vary. The Health Impact Assessment of Energy Renovations on Irish Domestic Dwellings (HAVEN), research project aimed to examine both objectively measured indoor thermal conditions (n=14) and the perceived thermal comfort pre and post retrofit in a sample (n=56) of Irish dwellings. In this paper, we outline the changes in energy usage, carbon emissions and perceived thermal comfort, temperature satisfaction and sources of thermal discomfort. This study demonstrates some of the potential co-benefits and challenges associated with energy efficient retrofit to indoor environmental quality.