Retrofitting a building with energy efficiency systems will reduce energy bills, improve occupant comfort and sustainability, and increase building value. It will also protect against future climate change.
The key to planning a successful building retrofit is to define your goals clearly. This can help you prioritize your work and make the project affordable.
Cost-Effectiveness
Building retrofitting is a cost-effective solution to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. It reduces the use of fossil fuels, which reduces harmful emissions and waste and helps fight climate change. Additionally, it helps maintain comfortable indoor conditions and promotes occupant productivity and health.
Retrofitting an existing building with new insulation, air sealing, and lighting systems can significantly decrease the building’s heating and cooling costs. It can also increase a building’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.
Another benefit of retrofitting an existing building is the reduction in operating and maintenance costs. These savings can offset the initial investment of the project. In addition, installing renewable energy systems can help to lower a building’s carbon footprint.
Lastly, building retrofitting can contribute to local economies and stimulate job creation by creating demand for specialized energy-efficient equipment and services. These upgrades create jobs in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and professional services. In addition, they can increase property values, which can attract businesses and increase the demand for housing in the area.
High-Performance Building Envelope
A well-designed building envelope system can protect against moisture, extreme heat and cold, air movement, noise pollution and more. It should also offer energy efficiency and comfort for the occupants. The ideal choice is a system that is simple to install, durable and low maintenance. It should also allow access to natural light and ventilation while controlling for glare.
Upgrading the envelope of a building can transform it into an energy-efficient structure, leading to reduced utility costs and carbon emissions. It can also help to extend the lifespan of a building and increase its value. In addition, energy-efficient upgrades can qualify for various financial incentives and rebates.
One of the most important components of a building envelope is its insulation. Adding or upgrading the insulation material can reduce energy consumption by blocking out unwanted heat transfer and reducing condensation. The type of insulation used is an important factor as well. Some types are more effective than others, and some are better suited for different climates.
In order to achieve energy-efficient retrofitting, the insulation should have a low thermal conductivity and high thermal inertia. In addition, it should be able to resist mold, corrosion, freeze damage and decay. The ideal solution for retrofitting is an engineered insulation system, such as StoPanel MVES ci, which offers a continuous air/moisture barrier and an insulating panel that is both strong and thermally efficient.
Easy to Install
Unlike building a new energy-efficient home from scratch, retrofitting can make buildings more comfortable and easier to heat, protect them against rising fossil fuel prices by replacing them with renewables, improve ventilation and air quality and increase their resilience. In addition, it’s a sustainable alternative to demolition and rebuilding.
The key is to focus on the fabric of the building, so CSE’s experts recommend starting with a “fabric-first” approach – prioritizing insulation, repairs, draught proofing and ventilation over more exciting measures like solar panels or heat pumps. A poorly insulated and ventilated home leaks heat and wastes energy, whether it’s from renewable sources or not!
New technologies are also reducing the cost and installation time of some of these systems. These include sensors that monitor air ducts and boilers to detect faulty equipment, and software that predicts energy use in real-time. These systems can help reduce maintenance costs, and ensure that the system is operating as efficiently as possible.
To avoid relying on external contractors, you should consider the maintenance requirements of each of the energy upgrades during the design phase. Then, when it comes to contracting, you can make sure that the contracts support effective maintenance by including clear responsibilities for maintaining each of the systems and technologies. You can also develop internal capacity by training staff in the operation and maintenance of these systems.
Low Maintenance
If you’re planning a retrofit, consider maintenance requirements from the start. Make sure that someone who is responsible for maintaining the energy systems in your building is part of the team. This will help to ensure that maintenance work is carried out in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, and that service records are updated when there are issues with performance or safety.
Another key consideration is whether you want to implement a deep or shallow retrofit. A deep retrofit involves a more comprehensive upgrade of the building envelope, including insulation and sealing air leaks, as well as installation of new heating and cooling equipment that is energy efficient or renewable in nature. This approach is particularly appropriate for buildings built before 2000, which often fail to meet today’s more stringent energy codes.
Shallow retrofits, on the other hand, are designed to keep existing structures operational and improve their appearance without compromising structural integrity or requiring a significant increase in energy consumption. They may also include the installation of climate-smart materials to reduce or limit damage from floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, wildfires, and snow.
If you’re considering a retrofit, work with a professional to develop a plan that includes your goals for the project, including reducing energy use, lowering operating costs, or achieving specific environmental certifications. Also, be sure to check your local regulations and funding availability before launching the project. If you’re applying for a grant, gather the required documentation, such as proof of ownership and detailed plans for the retrofit.