This review of studies into Energy Efficiency Retrofitting (EER) has shown the practice of EER to be a key factor in sustainability regeneration. Thus, the retrofitting practice itself (the way it is organised) has received increasing attention from both practitioners and researchers, and studies are now addressing some issues that are affecting the retrofit level of achievement. Most of the risks which lead to low retrofit development are related to owners. This paper aims highlight the role of the occupants in achieving the goals of EER. It is found that: (a) the early involvement of occupants in the design and construction stage, (b) mutual engagement, and (c) an integral approach that involves the occupants are the key to motivate EER decisions from these same occupants. It follows that this involvement, including the demographic characteristics of the occupants, such as their culture, habits, preferences, awareness towards energy saving and socio-economic factors, are indeed effective in influencing the energy-related behaviours of these occupants. Moreover, other factors, such as space-heating behaviour, presence/absence of the occupants, control level of the equipment and window, and lighting control behaviour, are all effective factors in the energy performance of the buildings. Hence, socio-technical advancements, co-design processes and effective energy efficiency policies are recommended strategies to: (a) improve occupants’ behaviours; and (b) increase their participation in EER projects.

The energy crisis, that began in 2021 has exacerbated energy poverty throughout Europe. Households with lower incomes, higher energy requirements, and less efficient homes and appliances are disproportionately affected by this crisis. These households often lack the financial capacity to upgrade outdated and inefficient appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. This then leads to increased energy costs or necessitates cutbacks in other energy uses such as heating, which in turn diminishes their residential comfort. In response to this issue, the Dutch government has implemented various strategies to mitigate energy poverty, including the 'White Goods Scheme'. The term ‘White Goods Schemes’ usually refers to a governmental initiative that offers financial incentives or assistance to consumers to encourage the purchase of new, energy-efficient household appliances. Despite such initiatives, there is hardly any research evaluating their effectiveness. This study examined the impact of the 'White Goods Scheme' in two regions of the Netherlands, by means of a questionnaire among residents (N = 541), comparing households that have made use of a white goods scheme (intervention group; N = 310) with households that have not yet made use of a white goods scheme (control group; N = 231). The findings show that the white goods schemes have the potential to improve residential comfort conditions, enhance physical health and reduce energy costs and financial concerns, yield better mental health. Yet, the causal mechanisms behind these connections need to be further scrutinised. While the scheme has demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of comfort, financial well-being and health, it is suggested that combining improvements like shallow retrofits and appliance schemes with other local support initiatives like energy advice is essential to address energy poverty, effectively.

The vernacular roofs in Iran served more than protective functions and were in response to the people’s behaviors. The case study has explored the different functions of the vernacular roofs regarding the people’s behaviors. It has focused on Kashan, as an ancient and historical city with hot and dry climate. The semi-structured interview has been conducted among the local master builders and experts, which respondents have answered to the open-ended questions. As the results show climate, religion, culture and economy affected people’s behaviors on the roofs and caused creating spatial, socio-cultural, spiritual, economic, recreational and passage functions of the roofs. In response to these functions, particular roofing strategies emerged, including aligned and connected roof, flat and double surface roof, staircase, partition walls around the roof, and some spaces on the roofs. Consequently, the vernacular roofs were in response to the people’s behaviors, improved physical and mental health, offered spiritual and intangible benefits. The study recommends professionals consider the people’s demands and behaviors during roofing in order to use all the potential of the roofs in residential buildings.