Why Retrofit?

Across the world, we are consuming more and more energy. Hence, there’s a need to devise saving strategies. Forty percent of energy consumption comes from buildings in the United States, while in the United Kingdom, it accounts for 18% of the carbon emissions there. Improving saving strategies is also a possible opportunity. 

Thus, one way is to retrofit buildings. This lessens carbon emissions but also helps elevate the health of occupants, lower energy costs, and transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Here comes retrofitting. In this article, we’ll explain this to you! 

Enhanced Safety 

Safety is the primary reason why retrofitting (and its subcategories like carbon fiber retrofitting) come into play. Increasing public safety is a benefit of it. Plenty of retrofitting ordinances are calculated to create safer buildings – built by humans for humans, where they can live and work. Earthquakes are dangerous, and thus, it is advisable to prepare for anything that might happen. When they occur, they produce large amounts of energy, damaging buildings and creating potential deaths. 

A building may be retrofitted to the current codes. However, its implications are impactful. A retrofitted building that adheres to those is made to be safe. It will not easily collapse in case of emergencies such as earthquakes. In times of earthquake, shaking can induce unstructured items to fall apart and get damaged, including vases, furniture, and plumbing. These items are also notably delicate and can cause injuries and may even lead to death.

For Livability 

Generally, some buildings are designated for livability. Condo units are sold, where people can live and go to work nearby, with all the convenience of a usual condominium can get. However, there are exceptional cases where it is explicitly stated that livability is your responsibility if you own a building. California has the California Civil Code § 1941.1, which states that if you own a building, you have to find and pay for your tenants’ new residence should your building experience an earthquake and its conditions will not be livable for people. 

The state determines if your building is fit for occupancy. Thus, you have to ensure that your building and unit has access to good air quality.

Better Air Quality 

Retrofitting helps in ensuring better air quality for people – especially the occupants of condo buildings. It also helps make the building more fit for living.

Community

Retrofitting is considered an investment for the community and for your residence.

Lastly, retrofitting is an investment. It is also your responsibility as a person, as it is a means of protecting your entire community. Cities are now adapting to retrofit ordinances to prevent downturns in economies. In 2011, when Christchurch had an earthquake, the financial losses were devastating; there was also a loss of lives. As such, this action is considered a preventive measure. 

Wrapping Up

Retrofitting is a morally good thing. It is an act of care, and it has become mandatory due to the impact of many emergencies. Thanks to many disasters, governments have since changed building codes to ensure the safety of their constituents, too. 

Given the changing times and climate, we must invest and protect ourselves, our buildings, and our communities.