The retrofit puzzle: Connecting practices, retrofit measures, and performance outcomes through socio-technical evaluations

Abstract

Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POEs) have historically adopted a technocentric approach often lacking theoretical frameworks to support deeper analyses. Socio-technical POEs involve theories and methods that support the understanding of both technical and social aspects of building performance and the interaction between occupants and buildings. Researchers have recognised residential building retrofitting as a complex socio-technical issue that requires consideration of how physical arrangements support sustainable practices, rather than a technical issue that is easily addressed by installing technology and relying on rational choices. However, no review studies have explicitly investigated socio-technical POEs in retrofitted residential buildings. This study addressed the gap in current research by conducting a systematic review to identify investigative aspects such as suitable methodological and theoretical frameworks, social and technical parameters, benefits, barriers, gaps in knowledge, and future research that can guide researchers in conducting socio-technical POEs. The results showed that although the field of socio-technical POE of retrofitted dwellings is under-researched, it has allowed to identify issues during the retrofit process while uncovering occupant practices, needs, and preferences that impact the performance of buildings. The challenges and limitations of this approach are concerned with access to data, reliability and accuracy of self-reported data, and transferability of findings. The barriers preventing the adoption of this approach are related to the complexity of the evaluation, resources, interdisciplinarity, and regulatory issues. A gap persists on the impact of practices and behaviours on the performance of retrofitted homes, and more research is needed to grow the body of evidence of socio-technical POE.