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The Joint Research Centre: EU Science Hub

Technologies for seismic and energy renovation of buildings

The number and diversity of the EU buildings increases the complexity of a large-scale modernisation effort based on combined seismic and energy renovation.

A simplified analysis to identify EU building typologies that could benefit from combined seismic and energy renovation is carried out, with a focus on the Italian building stock. This analysis facilitates the selection of suitable renovation strategies and technologies, useful for practitioners and local authorities.

Technologies for seismic and energy renovation are explored to assess their applicability mainly in terms of compatibility, cost and disruption time, as well as to ease the decision-making process in the preliminary phase of renovation.

Technologies for seismic renovation are reviewed and classified both qualitatively by life cycle thinking-based criteria, and quantitatively through a cost analysis to define average cost ranges of common renovation technologies for masonry and reinforced concrete buildings.

Technologies for energy renovation are reviewed, qualitatively classified by a set of indicators, and ranked using a multi-criteria decision-making analysis.

RankEnvelope componentEnergy efficiency technologiesAttractivenes for potential investments
1WallInsulation of wall air chamberHigh
2RoofInternal insulationHigh
3WallInternal insulation by claddingHigh
4RoofExternal insulation of flat roofsHigh
5Door WindowWeather strippingMedium
6Door WindowReplacementMedium
7FloorInsulation systemMedium
8WallSystem of façade renovation with cement panels sheathingLow
9RoofExternal insulation of pitched roofsLow
10WallPrefabricated units for external wall insulationLow
11WallExternal Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS)Low

Related publications

Overview of seismic and energy retrofit technologies for existing buildings

Identification of European buildings most needing seismic and energy retrofit with a focus on the Italian context

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