Unveiling renovation patterns in the French building stock using archetype classification and energy performance certificates data

Abstract

The energy renovation of buildings plays a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting cities to climate change. However, the pace of renovation in the European building stock remains relatively slow. The objective of this study is to enhance our understanding of the renovation status of the French building stock by cross-analysing multiple databases. In order to assess the levels of renovation, a methodology is proposed which combines Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data with Danube, an archetypal architectural database. By mapping the Danube archetypes to the EPC geospatial data, an examination of the renovation status across different buildings can be conducted, taking into account factors such as construction period, building usage, urban form, and geographical location. The methodology employed entails the establishment of a correspondence between the aforementioned databases, the calculation of U-values for building envelope components of the Danube database, and the conduct of a comparative analysis of their thermal performances with the EPC referential. The findings of this study reveal a complex pattern of renovation rates across different construction periods and housing types. Notably, buildings constructed after the Second World War exhibit the highest rates of renovation. Additionally, individual dwellings undergo more extensive roof renovations than collective housing. This research makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the complexities of building renovations in urban environments, and provides insights that can inform the development of effective strategies for enhancing urban sustainability and resilience.