Almost every retrofit will have unique challenges but the main goals will be the same - improve the energy performance and comfort of a building through increased air tightness, increased insulation and improved indoor air quality.

The energy retrofits we perform over the coming decades must help us to meet our goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while using less energy to have the same level of comfort we are used to.

MATERIALS:

• Insulation and air sealing materials are integral to reducing GHGs and conserving energy. The proper application of these materials will be critical for trades people and homeowners.
• Zero and low carbon materials - products that require minimal energy to extract, process, manufacture and use - are important to consider. Manufacturers will provide this kind of information through something called an 'Environmental Product Declaration' (EPD), which reports on everything from ingredients and embodied energy to health and safety concerns.
• Renovators must use durable and resilient materials that last for many years without maintenance. Amortizing the embodied energy of a product over decades or even centuries is better for the environment.
• "Smart" materials that are selective for moisture vapour, or that absorb carbon dioxide are coming into common use in the construction industry.
  
• Elements added to the exterior of a building will require fasteners, framing or brackets to attach to the existing structure and to carry finishes.

RESOURCE: RDH Building Science "Cladding Attachment Solutions for Exterior-Insulated Commercial Walls"

SYSTEMS:

With optimized building envelopes, the mechanical and electrical systems may be able to downsize without compromising comfort. The idea is that a super insulated, super air tight building will conserve energy so well that it will require significantly less energy to stay warm, cool and/or well ventilated.

• Heat and Enthalpy Recovery Ventilators (HRV / ERV) will be installed to provide constant fresh air and exhausting of stale air.
• The electrification of heating and cooling may allow for cold climate air-source heat pumps instead of combustion appliances.
• Renewable energy systems such as solar, wind or geothermal may be incorporated more easily into super-efficient buildings.
• Appliances, electronics and lighting systems could be optimized to suit an energy conservation lifestyle.
• High efficiency hot water heaters and drain pipe heat recovery may minimize energy requirements for bathing and clothes washing.