The Power of Deep Retrofits in Urban Renewal aand Reduce Emissions,

Brief

Explore how deep retrofits in buildings can significantly reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and support community vitality, marking a new era in sustainable urban development.

Insight

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) highlights the potential of large building retrofits to cut emissions in the building sector by up to 51%, shifting the focus from operational to embodied carbon. This includes emissions from the entire lifecycle of building materials, from production to disposal.

Deep retrofits, which renovate buildings to achieve over 30-50% savings in energy and greenhouse gas emissions, not only reduce operational costs but also improve indoor environmental quality and increase asset value.A prime example is a Canadian Federal government pilot project in Toronto, where a 1950s office building underwent a deep retrofit, resulting in a 69% reduction in energy consumption and over 80% decrease in GHG emissions.

This project demonstrated the feasibility of repurposing existing structures, such as concrete and steel, to avoid significant amounts of embodied carbon emissions. Furthermore, it advanced WELL building standards and accessibility, enhancing occupant health and wellbeing.

Universities and museums are also adopting deep retrofits as a strategy for sustainability. The University of Calgary’s MacKimmie Complex retrofit achieved an 80% reduction in energy consumption and showcased the educational and research benefits of such projects. Similarly, the Glenbow Museum’s revitalization in Calgary is set to transform a 1970s structure into a community-centric space, significantly reducing operational costs and carbon footprint compared to new constructions.

To amplify these efforts, the article recommends the development of high-performance standards, economic incentives, and knowledge-sharing among professionals to encourage more deep retrofit projects. These strategies can give buildings a new lease on life, help meet climate targets, and enhance community vitality, pointing towards a sustainable future for urban landscapes.

Highlight

Deep retrofits, which renovate buildings to achieve over 30-50% savings in energy and greenhouse gas emissions, not only reduce operational costs but also improve indoor environmental quality and increase asset value.
A prime example is a Canadian Federal government pilot project in Toronto, where a 1950s office building underwent a deep retrofit, resulting in a 69% reduction in energy consumption and over 80% decrease in GHG emissions.
These strategies can give buildings a new lease on life, help meet climate targets, and enhance community vitality, pointing towards a sustainable future for urban landscapes.