Evaluating non-intrusive energy retrofits for the built heritage of the historic centre of oporto

Enhancing ventilation proved to be the most effective non-intrusive energy retrofit strategy for historic buildings in Oporto's center, significantly reducing heating loads while preserving architectural integrity. The study evaluated two strategies—improving window performance and combining it with enhanced ventilation—using both static calculations based on 2013 energy regulations and dynamic simulations. Results demonstrated that these interventions could achieve comfortable heating conditions without violating cultural heritage preservation policies. This approach offers a sustainable solution for balancing energy efficiency with the conservation of historic structures, avoiding risks to patrimonial values posed by internal insulation methods.

Alves, S., & Sendra, J. J. (2017). Evaluating non-intrusive energy retrofits for the built heritage of the historic centre of oporto. International Journal of Heritage Architecture: Studies, Repairs and Maintence, 1(4), 654–670. https://doi.org/10.2495/ha-v1-n4-654-670