Resources
Energy retrofit
A building retrofit is work on an existing property to improve energy use, comfort, emissions, or operating cost - through better equipment, the envelope, controls, or operations - without replacing the building wholesale. In practice most projects are conventional retrofits: one or a few measures at a time (for example, a plant upgrade, LED lighting, or controls tuning), which typically delivers on the order of 15–30% site-energy savings versus baseline.
A deep energy retrofit (DER) is a comprehensive renovation of an existing building designed to dramatically reduce its energy consumption, typically by 50% or more, compared to pre-retrofit performance. Unlike standard upgrades that address one system at a time, a DER takes a whole-building approach, simultaneously improving the building envelope (insulation, windows, and air sealing), mechanical systems (heating, cooling, and ventilation), lighting, and appliances. The goal is to transform an inefficient structure into a high-performance building that operates with minimal energy waste.
What sets deep energy retrofits apart is their long-term, integrated thinking. Projects often begin with a detailed energy audit and modeling process to identify which combination of improvements will deliver the greatest impact. Common measures include adding continuous exterior insulation, installing triple-pane windows, deploying heat pump systems, and incorporating energy recovery ventilation to maintain air quality in tightly sealed spaces. While the upfront costs can be significant, DERs offer lasting benefits: lower utility bills, improved occupant comfort, better indoor air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and increased property value, making them a cornerstone strategy in efforts to decarbonize the built environment.
Deep Energy Retrofit
A deep energy retrofit (DER) is a comprehensive renovation of an existing building designed to dramatically reduce its energy consumption, typically by 50% or more, compared to pre-retrofit performance. Unlike standard upgrades that address one system at a time, a DER takes a whole-building approach, simultaneously improving the building envelope (insulation, windows, and air sealing), mechanical systems (heating, cooling, and ventilation), lighting, and appliances. The goal is to transform an inefficient structure into a high-performance building that operates with minimal energy waste.
What sets deep energy retrofits apart is their long-term, integrated thinking. Projects often begin with a detailed energy audit and modeling process to identify which combination of improvements will deliver the greatest impact. Common measures include adding continuous exterior insulation, installing triple-pane windows, deploying heat pump systems, and incorporating energy recovery ventilation to maintain air quality in tightly sealed spaces. While the upfront costs can be significant, DERs offer lasting benefits: lower utility bills, improved occupant comfort, better indoor air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and increased property value, making them a cornerstone strategy in efforts to decarbonize the built environment.
Typical scope
Deep retrofits commonly combine several of the following:
- Envelope: roof and wall insulation, air sealing, high-performance windows and doors.
- HVAC & hot water: heat pumps, heat recovery, distribution upgrades, domestic hot water electrification.
- Controls & operations: monitoring, setbacks, demand management, commissioning.
- On-site generation: rooftop or canopy solar, storage where appropriate.
- Measurement: metering and verification so savings persist after contractors leave.