Retrofitting buildings to reduce energy use and carbon emissions is critical for climate change mitigation. This dataset provides the underlying data of a meta-survey of the global academic literature on retrofit and energy and carbon reduction from 2017-2024. The paper that accompanies this dataset identifies research priorities and knowledge gaps. Rigorous thematic and bibliographic network analysis of 1,050 abstracts identified a range of significant research gaps. Categorisations include countries and types of buildings and retrofits studied, methods used and subjects and lifecycle stages covered. Short summaries and clarification of papers on 96 countries published in 187 journals is included in the dataset. The data will be useful for researchers wishing to investigate different aspects of the academic literature quantifying carbon reduction from existing buildings.This fellowship will contribute to developing socio-technical approaches to reducing carbon emissions from heritage buildings, while retaining the values that make them special. The fellowship will include a range of activities which will consolidate and extend the fellow's PhD research and enhance its wider impact and usability. It will also provide the skills, experience and professional networks to help research career development. Energy use in buildings is responsible for 27% of global emissions. Retrofitting existing buildings to reduce their energy demand and associated carbon emissions is critical to mitigate devastating climate change. However, standard retrofit approaches often focus exclusively on technical and financial aspects, failing to consider residents’ preferences and behaviours. The fellow's previous research has highlighted the need to take a holistic socio-technical approach to carbon reduction. This approach should foreground building users' complex practices and needs, alongside the technical aspects of energy and buildings, to achieve real and lasting change, meet critical climate goals and create a better, healthier, sustainable and resilient built environment. Research will be undertaken on: modelling the impact of future climate scenarios on building retrofit; Considering residents' behaviours and comfort perceptions; and examining the micro-economic implications of retrofit. The global literature on retrofit and carbon reduction will also be reviewed to identify gaps and tends.

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