Apples & Oysters: A framework for value-based decision-making in sustainable housing retrofits

Project Description

“I want to make my house more sustainable. Mainly because my energy bill is so high. But I am not sure if it is worth the investment. Of course, it is also good for the climate, but is that my responsibility? Living in a protected townscape makes it even more difficult. Solar panels are not allowed on the street-side, but the backside is less profitable. What to do? What do the neighbours do?”

Dilemmas in Retrofitting

There are two important dilemmas. Firstly, measures to reach a specific goal can have a negative impact on another target. For example, insulating the facade of a house helps to become energy-neutral, but could erode the cultural value. Secondly, best solutions in retrofitting also depend on the different actors relation with the property.

In the end, however, decisions must be made. To do so, insight into the values underlying retrofitting measures can help. If we clearly acknowledge the different, and sometimes conflicting aspects of retrofitting, we can start a conversation between different actors and find design solutions that serve as a catalyst for positive change.

The Apples and Oysters framework

The goal of this research is to develop a framework for decision-making in sustainable housing retrofitting. This framework will make values underlying retrofitting measures explicit and help VvEs (homeowner associations) navigate difficult value trade-offs.

Project Members

• Lidwine Spoormans
• Maeva Dang
• Martijn de Vries