International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

Explanation of the Impact Assessment Process for Energy Consumption Optimization Interventions in Historic Buildings

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mozhdeh Soroush
Vahid Ghobadian
Shervin Mirshahzadeh
Department of Architecture, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ijumes.2026.2085983.1357
Abstract
Improving energy performance in historic buildings has become a critical challenge due to the need to balance environmental sustainability with the conservation of heritage values. Although numerous guidelines and decision-support tools have been developed, many existing approaches rely on qualitative judgments and lack transparent, quantitative procedures for evaluating the impacts of energy optimization interventions. This gap often leads to uncertainty in prioritizing measures and achieving consensus among multidisciplinary stakeholders. The present study aims to develop a structured Impact Assessment Process that enables integrated evaluation of energy consumption optimization interventions in historic buildings while safeguarding heritage significance. The research adopts a qualitative methodology based on comprehensive literature review, content analysis, and logical–analytical reasoning. Drawing upon Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) principles and Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) frameworks, a three-stage process is proposed, including baseline condition assessment, identification of intervention strategies, and impact evaluation relative to baseline conditions. The framework integrates five assessment criteria: heritage value conservation, energy performance, CO₂ emission reduction, indoor thermal comfort, and economic efficiency. Findings indicate that applying a structured scoring system and a multi-criteria evaluation approach improves transparency in decision-making and allows systematic comparison of alternative interventions. Furthermore, prioritizing heritage impact assessment at early stages helps eliminate incompatible measures before detailed energy analysis, reducing potential risks to historic fabric. The study concludes that the proposed framework provides a comprehensive and adaptable methodological structure for researchers and practitioners, facilitating more balanced, evidence-based, and sustainable energy retrofit decisions in historic buildings, particularly in contexts where standardized assessment protocols are limited.

Graphical Abstract

Explanation of the Impact Assessment Process for Energy Consumption Optimization Interventions in Historic Buildings

Highlights

  • Development of a structured Impact Assessment framework for energy optimization in historic buildings.

  • Integration of heritage conservation with energy performance, CO₂ reduction, thermal comfort, and economic criteria.

  • Application of EIA and HIA principles to create a transparent multi-criteria evaluation process.

  • Introduction of a scoring-based approach to improve decision-making and intervention prioritization.

  • Proposal of an adaptable methodological model supporting sustainable retrofit strategies in heritage contexts.

Keywords
Energy Consumption Optimization
Environmental Impact Assessment
Heritage Impact Assessment
historic buildings
Multi-Criteria Assessment
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International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 June 2025

  • Receive Date 04 February 2025
  • Revise Date 10 April 2025
  • Accept Date 25 May 2025