Abstract

To address growing demand, refurbishing existing student accommodation has become a preferred approach, driven by the need to modernise aging properties and improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Despite this trend, there is a notable lack of academic research specifically focused on its environmental impact. This study addresses that gap by employing a comparative case study approach to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) performance across four student accommodation refurbishment projects in the Northwest region of the UK. The research explores the use of multiple metrics for quantifying GHG emissions during refurbishment and offers evidence-based recommendations on their effective application. Findings indicate that conventional indicators such as project cost and duration are insufficient to reliably predict GHG performance. Instead, factors such as gross internal floor area and the number of rooms provide a more consistent basis for estimating emissions. This paper contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how GHG performance can be assessed in refurbishment contexts, offering practical guidance for developers aiming to improve sustainability reporting. The insights gained may also be transferrable to refurbishment projects in the broader domestic housing sector.