How to Retrofit Americas

AVOID COMMON RETROFIT MISTAKES

Retrofitting a property can be challenging, but planning well with the best energy efficiency standards can bring about a return on investment. • Know the correct sequence of implementation. Many building owners will focus on flashy measures, like renewable technologies, instead of prioritizing energy-saving measures that may not be visible. Taking a holistic approach may not only yield higher savings, but may also be less capital-intensive than looking at systems individually. For example, addressing the building envelope and reducing loads first will later allow for smaller and less costly mechanical systems. • Think long-term solutions. Replacing a gas boiler with a new, more efficient gas boiler may save energy now, but future regulations are likely to require them to be replaced in the next 5-7 years with an electric heat pump. • Consider lease events and equipment lifecycle. When planning a retrofit, it is important to understand when current leases expire and the life cycle of major HVAC equipment. This will help extend the operation, maximize revenue from the building and reduce its embodied carbon. • Don’t ignore your users’ needs. Simply because a retrofit strategy worked in a previous project doesn’t mean it should automatically be adopted on every building. Give building users the option to participate in the design process.

CONTACT US