Balance retrofit analysis for a Renfrewshire High School
A comprehensive retrofit versus new build carbon analysis to inform Renfrewshire Council's future schools strategy
We conducted a detailed feasibility study for Renfrewshire Council to support future estate planning and decisions where the team is evaluating retrofit versus new build opportunities.
We compared four scenarios – business as usual, operational net zero upgrade with enhanced learning environment, and new build comparator. To forecast emissions, the assessment covered everything from building-fabric improvements to energy upgrades, layout interventions to sequestration modelling.
Compared with the business-as-usual scenario, the retrofit delivers a 46% overall carbon reduction and a 57.6% reduction in operational emissions, avoiding emissions equivalent to the carbon sequestration capacity of 19 hectares of woodland over the project lifetime.
In numbers
46%
Overall carbon reduction from business as usual to retrofit
57.6%
Operational carbon reduction with the operational net zero upgrade
-19ha
Woodland area saving through lifetime carbon reduction (45.2%)
Testimonial
"Renfrewshire Council have been working with ABC on a model to show the different approaches that can be taken to achieve net zero for our public building estates not just restricted to building form and function. The work undertaken by ABC has clearly demonstrated the need for a place based approach to carbon considering all appropriate interventions from travel and transport, renewable solutions and also urban greening approaches. The data provided by the balance model will be used by the Council to inform and shape the Council's ambitious learning estate strategy for generations to come."
Gerrard Hannah
Renfrewshire Council
- Angus Council’s net zero local development plan
- Whole house retrofit
- Paisley Grammar School’s strategic net zero assessment
- Estate management for Renfrewshire Council
- Comprehensive carbon assessment for Dalquharran Estate Holiday Lodges
- Whole life carbon assessment for the Hampden regeneration project
- Whole life carbon assessment for the Cook Street development
