The first steps in planning for an energy retrofit are to perform thorough inspection and run diagnostic tests to determine the current or "baseline" energy performance of the building.

BUILDING INSPECTIONS

A thorough visual inspection of the building must be the first step for any renovation or energy retrofit. By examining the current condition of a building, you may find structural issues, hazardous materials or assemblies that are in critical shape. In all cases, record what you find with photos and written notes and then speak honestly with the client - discuss the cost of rebuilding versus stabilizing and / or restoring the building.

A visual inspection may reveal some of the following issues:

• Structural problems - Older buildings may have saggy floors and punky sills, but if there's something wrong with the structure, you can't ignore a problem that could result in injuries or structural failure. PUT IT IN WRITING and reassess the plan to consider a complete rebuild;

• Hazardous Materials - If there are hazardous materials like lead, asbestos or vermiculite - Make the client aware and call in remediation. Do NOT start the work until the material in question is taken care of;
• Water Damage - The building inspection may reveal water damage in the basement, on ceilings or in the attic space. These signs may mean a major intervention to remedy the problem. Watch for:
  • Water pooling in basement or cellar spaces OR on the building exterior close to the foundation
  • Spalling or discoloured, deteriorating brick, concrete or stone;
  • Water stains and signs of damage from ice dams at ceiling and wall intersections;
  • Spongy floors, drywall or tiles in bathrooms and kitchens;
  • Musty door of mold or mildew.
    

Seeing these kind of problems in an existing may point to larger problems hidden behind walls, in attics or at the foundation. Be careful to thoroughly document the entire inspection process, take lots of pictures and discuss the written report with the building owner before doing any work.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE TESTING

Canada is making moves to improve our built environment, to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage. Part of this effort includes training thousands of new ENERGY ADVISORS. These professionals will conduct energy audits and blower door testing of new and existing buildings to determine their baseline energy performance or to confirm that they are performing to modelled targets.

Involving an energy advisor is the FIRST step for any renovation or energy retrofit.

Energy Audits:

• Along with a visual inspection of the building, an Energy Advisor will gather data on electrical and fuel use, type and age of systems, insulation and air tightness strategies and occupant behaviour.
• The energy audit creates a comprehensive report of a buildings current condition and level of energy efficiency.
• The audit may include recommendations on how to remedy problems that were found.

Blower Door Air Tightness Testing:

• The Energy Advisor will use a sealed fan system with sensors that compare air pressure inside a building to the air pressure outside.
• The blower door can pressurize or depressurize a building to determine air leakage rates (ACH, or Air Change per Hour).
• There are two types of blower door fan - calibrated and uncalibrated. A calibrated fan can be used with sensors and outboard computer software to perform a variety of tests. An uncalibrated fan will be used only to determine air leakage.

DATA COLLECTION AT MUNICIPALITIES

When the retrofit process begins, municipal building offices will have an opportunity to collect valuable data on the type, cost and energy profile of buildings in their area. This data may be used to demonstrate compliance with regional, provincial or federal energy efficiency targets, along with promotional efforts within the community itself.