Global Research Trends on Energy Efficient Retrofitting in Existing Buildings

Built environments have destructive effects on the natural environment as one of the responsible actors in increasing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, all types of energy-efficient and sustainable improvement studies for the existing building stock are pivotal in reducing the adverse effects on the environment. Although the measures taken and targets determined in line with the policy regulations implemented on a global scale are promising, the proliferation rate of these practices is relatively low. The retrofit process's complex nature, which requires multi-dimensional solutions involving several aspects, increases the significance of relevant studies. In this context, it is thought that it will be beneficial to monitor, analyse and assess contemporary studies in determining the areas that require further research. This study presents a comprehensive literature analysis using the science mapping method using bibliometric data of qualified academic studies published since 2000 when research on the energy-efficient retrofit of existing buildings gained momentum. It aims to contribute to the literature by determining the research areas in which the contemporary research concentrates and evaluating future studies on "energy efficient retrofit of existing buildings".