The aim of the ARCAS project is to develop a methodology to evaluate and design retrofitting projects for social housing buildings. The retrofitting project is considered under the criteria of facing energy poverty, integrating solutions to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability of the building, and ensuring healthy indoor environments. Therefore, the project is based on three main axes:
• Energy autonomy/Energy efficiency
• Social quality/Energy poverty
• Health/Air quality
ARCAS is developed with the aim of integrating these three areas by defining the optimal relationship between them, in such a way that the maximum possible energy efficiency can be achieved while guaranteeing the social quality and well-being of the occupants of the dwelling.
The ARCAS project team is composed of universities (University of the Basque Country – ENEDI Group, Université de La Rochelle and Univerdade do Minho), public institutions (FECEA and Government of Cantabria) and a private research centre (TIPEE). Associated partners include, among others, the Ministries of Public Works and Ecological Transition, the Governments of the Basque Country, Galicia and the Principality of Asturias, the IDAE, the Higher Council of Architects’ Associations of Spain…