Green Retrofitting of Existing Buildings in South Africa

Existing buildings account for a large consumption of energy and greenhouse gas emissions. However, studies have noted that the conversion of existing buildings into green buildings has great potential to conserve energy and reduce these greenhouse gas emissions. Based on this knowledge, this study assessed the green retrofitting features employed in existing buildings and the drivers of the use of these features in South Africa. The study was conducted among participants with expertise in green construction through a questionnaire survey. The data gathered were analysed using a mean score, Kendall's coefficient of concordance, chi-square, and exploratory factor analysis. The study found that the use of movement sensors to control electricity usage is a common feature in the country. Furthermore, the use of green retrofitting is driven by five major group of factors, vis; (1) economic growth, (2) occupants' expectations and satisfaction, (3) environmental sustainability, (4) return on investment, and (5) government support. The findings also offer a theoretical contribution to the existing green construction discourse from the perspective of existing buildings in South Africa.