In the quest to decarbonize the built environment, a radical shift in approach is being proposed by Bill Bordass of Usable Buildings, challenging the conventional ‘fabric-first’ retrofit strategies that have long dominated the industry. Published in the journal Buildings & Cities (translated from English as ‘Buildings & Cities’), Bordass’s research introduces a ‘people-first’ approach that could unlock significant energy and carbon reductions, with the potential to reshape the future of building retrofits.
The traditional ‘fabric-first’ approach, which focuses on upgrading a building’s physical structure to improve energy efficiency, often proves to be disruptive, costly, and time-consuming. Moreover, feedback from these retrofits has revealed disappointing energy savings and potential risks to both the building fabric and occupant health. Bordass argues that this approach frequently overlooks in-use performance and relies on models that have proven problematic.
In contrast, Bordass’s ‘people-first’ approach empowers occupants to take control of their thermal comfort and energy use. By encouraging occupants to learn to ‘sail’ their buildings—effectively managing them passively—the approach draws on historical methods and simple interventions to improve health and thermal comfort rapidly and at low risk.
“Historical sources reveal the forgotten ways people were made more comfortable in the days before space-conditioning,” Bordass explains. “Together with insights from physics and thermal physiology, these encourage a deeper examination of how buildings were constructed, maintained, and operated prior to the Industrial Revolution.”
Preliminary results from two ongoing UK field studies are already showing promise. Co-creation workshops and simple environmental monitoring are being used to help occupants understand and manage their buildings more effectively. While it is still too early to quantify the energy and carbon savings, these initial experiments are sparking interest among professionals and policymakers.
The potential commercial impacts for the energy sector are substantial. By focusing on the people within buildings, this approach could lead to more precise targeting of capital measures and more effective use of resources. It also offers a low-risk, low-cost alternative to traditional retrofits, which could be particularly appealing in a sector increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency.
Bordass’s research is not just about improving thermal comfort; it’s about giving occupants agency and empowering them to make a difference. As the built environment continues to evolve, this ‘people-first’ approach could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of building retrofits and energy management.
In a field often dominated by technical solutions, Bordass’s work serves as a reminder of the human element in our buildings. By re-examining our assumptions and looking to the past for inspiration, we may find the key to a more sustainable and comfortable future. As the research continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see how this approach influences the industry and the buildings we inhabit.