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Enhancing the Energy Performance of Historic Buildings Using Heritage Building Information Modelling: A Case Study

Author

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  • Mina Kakouei

    (School of Built Environment, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand)

  • Monty Sutrisna

    (School of Built Environment, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand)

  • Eziaku Rasheed

    (School of Built Environment, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand)

  • Zhenan Feng

    (School of Built Environment, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand)

Abstract

Heritage building conservation plays a special role in addressing modern sustainability challenges by preserving the cultural identity, retrofitting, restoring, and renovating these structures to improve energy performance, which is crucial for revitalisation. This research aims to use Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) to increase energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in historic buildings. Retrofitting heritage buildings presents unique challenges and opportunities to simultaneously reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while maintaining historical integrity. Traditional approaches are often insufficient to meet heritage structures’ energy needs. Modern technologies such as information building modelling and energy simulations can offer solutions. HBIM is a vigorous digital framework that facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and offers detailed insights into building restoration and energy modelling. HBIM supports the integration of thermal and energy efficiency measures while maintaining the authenticity of heritage architecture by creating a comprehensive database. Using a case study heritage building, this research demonstrates how retrofitting the different aspects of heritage buildings can improve energy performance. Evaluating the preservation of heritage buildings’ cultural and architectural values and the effectiveness of using HBIM to model energy performance offers a viable framework for sustainable retrofitting of heritage buildings.

Suggested Citation

  • Mina Kakouei & Monty Sutrisna & Eziaku Rasheed & Zhenan Feng, 2025. "Enhancing the Energy Performance of Historic Buildings Using Heritage Building Information Modelling: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-26, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6655-:d:1706635
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ascione, Fabrizio & Ceroni, Francesca & De Masi, Rosa Francesca & de’ Rossi, Filippo & Pecce, Maria Rosaria, 2017. "Historical buildings: Multidisciplinary approach to structural/energy diagnosis and performance assessment," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(P2), pages 1517-1528.
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