Green Technology & Innovation 2979-1456 Caravel Press 10.36922/gti.7658 2025.003 Multi-objective optimization on sustainable retrofit of historical buildings using NSGA-II Algorithm: A case study of Suzhou https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3336-6214 ZhangShihao shihaozhang@usts.edu.cn https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9545-0265 XuQi xuqi@njtech.edu.cn https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3911-0851 RiffatSaffa saffa.riffat@nottingham.ac.uk Department of Architecture, School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China Department of Architecture, College of Architecture, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom 25042025 1 1 12 25 April 2025 © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Caravel Press. 2025 This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 licence.

The aim of the study is to advance the revitalization of historical buildings, it is crucial to preserve their historical character while addressing challenges such as poor thermal performance and low environmental comfort, making them better suited to modern needs. Focusing on historical buildings in Suzhou, this study examines integrated renovation strategies that balance objectives such as historical preservation, energy efficiency, cost reduction, and improved environmental comfort. The theoretical component of the research seeks to evaluate the potential for sustainable retrofitting of historical buildings in Suzhou. It aims to reveal the underlying relationships between historical preservation, sustainability goals, and retrofit strategies, ultimately proposing a set of approaches that address multiple objectives. This framework is intended to support more holistic decision-making for green renovations of historical buildings. By offering comprehensive solutions, the research aspires to advance environmental sustainability while maximizing the value of urban historical and cultural heritage preservation.

 Heritage building Sustainable retrofit Multi-objective optimization Silvero F, Montelpare S, Rodrigues F, Spacone E, Varum H. Energy retrofit solutions for heritage buildings located in hot-humid climates. Procedia Struct Integr. 2018;11:52-59. doi: 10.1016/j.prostr.2018.11.008 10.1016/j.prostr.2018.11.008 Chae Y, Kim SH. Selection of retrofit measures for reasonable energy and hygrothermal performances of modern heritage building under dry cold and hot humid climate: A case of modern heritage school in Korea. Case Stud Therm Eng. 2022;36:102243. doi: 10.1016/j.csite.2022.102243 10.1016/j.csite.2022.102243 Jiang W, Hu H, Tang X, et al. Protective energy-saving retrofits of rammed earth heritage buildings using multi-objective optimization. Case Stud Therm Eng. 2022;38:102343. doi: 10.1016/j.csite.2022.102343 10.1016/j.csite.2022.102343 Wang Y. Suzhou Creative Cities Network - UNESCO. Suzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management Office; 2014. Available from: https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/suzhou [Last accessed on 2024 Jun 30]. Ge J, Lu J, Wu J, Luo X, Shen F. Suitable and energy-saving retrofit technology research in traditional wooden houses in Jiangnan, South China. J Build Eng. 2022;45:103550. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103550 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103550 Clemente P. Extending the life-span of cultural heritage structures. J Civ Struct Health Monit. 2018;8:171-179. doi: 10.1007/s13349-018-0278-3 10.1007/s13349-018-0278-3 Besen P, Boarin P. Integrating energy retrofit with seismic upgrades to future-proof built heritage: Case studies of unreinforced masonry buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand. Build Environ. 2023;241:110512. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110512 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110512 Lidelöw S, Örn T, Luciani A, Rizzo A. Energy-efficiency measures for heritage buildings: A literature review. Sustain Cities Soc. 2019;45:231-242. doi: 10.1016/j.scs.2018.09.029 10.1016/j.scs.2018.09.029 Ma M, Ma X, Cai W, Cai W. Low carbon roadmap of residential building sector in China: Historical mitigation and prospective peak. Appl Energy. 2020;273:115247. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115247 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115247 Almeida M, Ascione F, Iaccheo A, Iovane T, Mastellone M. Towards the necessary decarbonization of historic buildings: A review. Energies (Basel). 2025;18(3):502. doi: 10.3390/en18030502 10.3390/en18030502 Perret NL, Héberlé E, Perret LE. Multi-Benefit decision- making process for historic buildings: Validation of the caleche hub conceptual model through a literature review. Heritage. 2025;8(2):45. doi: 10.3390/heritage8020045 10.3390/heritage8020045 Ruggeri AG, Calzolari M, Scarpa M, Gabrielli L, Davoli P. Planning energy retrofit on historic building stocks: A score-driven decision support system. Energy Build. 2020;224:110066. doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110066 10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110066 Choi JY, Nam J, Yuk H, et al. Proposal of retrofit of historic buildings as cafes in Korea: Recycling biomaterials to improve building energy and acoustic performance. Energy Build. 2023;287:112988. doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.112988 10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.112988 Paul WL, Taylor PA. A comparison of occupant comfort and satisfaction between a green building and a conventional building. Build Environ. 2008;43(11):1858-1870. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2007.11.006 10.1016/j.buildenv.2007.11.006 Kadrić D, Aganović A, Kadrić E. Multi-objective optimization of energy-efficient retrofitting strategies for single-family residential homes: Minimizing energy consumption, CO2 emissions and retrofit costs. Energy Rep. 2023;10:1968-1981. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2023.08.086 10.1016/j.egyr.2023.08.086 Lou Y, Yang Y, Ye Y, He C, Zuo W. The economic impacts of carbon emission trading scheme on building retrofits: A case study with U.S. medium office buildings. Build Environ. 2022;221:109311. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109311 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109311 Şahin CD, Arsan ZD, Tunçoku SS, Broström T, Akkurt GG. A transdisciplinary approach on the energy efficient retrofitting of a historic building in the Aegean Region of Turkey. Energy Build. 2015;96:128-139. doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.03.018 10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.03.018 Roberti F, Oberegger UF, Lucchi E, Troi A. Energy retrofit and conservation of a historic building using multi-objective optimization and an analytic hierarchy process. Energy Build. 2017;138:1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.12.028 10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.12.028 Lu Y, Li P, Lee YP, Song X. An integrated decision- making framework for existing building retrofits based on energy simulation and cost-benefit analysis. J Build Eng. 2021;43:103200. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103200 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103200 Gupta V, Deb C. Energy retrofit analysis for an educational building in Mumbai. Sustain Futur. 2022;4:100096. doi: 10.1016/j.sftr.2022.100096 10.1016/j.sftr.2022.100096 Marzouk M, El-Maraghy M, Metawie M. Assessing retrofit strategies for mosque buildings using TOPSIS. Energy Rep. 2023;9:1397-1414. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2022.12.073 10.1016/j.egyr.2022.12.073 Yuk H, Choi JY, Kim YU, Chang SJ, Kim S. Historic building energy conservation with wooden attic using vacuum insulation panel retrofit technology. Build Environ. 2023;230:110004. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110004 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110004 Yuk H, Jo HH, Choi JY, Nam J, Chang SJ, Kim S. Evaluation of suitability for passive retrofit of wooden roof considering the specificity of historic buildings. Build Environ. 2023;242:110608. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110608 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110608 Li Y, Zhou T, Wang Z, et al. Environment improvement and energy saving in Chinese rural housing based on the field study of thermal adaptability. Energy Sustain Dev. 2022;71:315-329. doi: 10.1016/j.esd.2022.10.006 10.1016/j.esd.2022.10.006 Walker L, Hischier I, Schlueter A. Does context matter? Robust building retrofit decision-making for decarbonization across Europe. Build Environ. 2022;226:109666. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109666 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109666