This thesis will attempt to compare two distinct processes over a significant timespan, potentially a 40 to 50 year period. These processes aim to convert an existing dwelling such that it will be able to completely cover its energy needs. The first option aims to decrease an existing home’s environmental impact by upgrading the home’s equipment. This pertains to installing modern, energy efficient systems to replace existing heating and cooling systems, lighting and appliances, and potentially installing renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics or solar water heaters. The second option is a complete refurbishment of the home, as proposed by the SPITI (International Hellenic University, 2018) project undertaken by IHU students. The proposal is centered around a total overhaul, stripping all outdated, and thus inefficient, technology in a home and replacing it with newer, greener equipment. This option could possibly alter the home’s initial blueprint since it aims to impose structural changes, such as better insulation and natural lighting measures. This will result in greater efficiency, all the while entailing a much more carefully thought out process, requiring more time and resources and producing more waste. This thesis aims to not only intimately understand the processes involved but assess which of the two is better for a home both from an environmental and a financial standpoint and, if possible, converge to a middle ground between the two. The paper will need to use Energy+, System Advisory Model and an LCA software to be complete.
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