Energy retrofits on existing buildings need to have a starting point for improvements and targets for performance. An Energy Advisor performs blower door testing, inspections and computer modelling to chart the best course of action for the retrofit work.

ESTABLISHING A BASELINE

The first steps in determining the current condition and performance of a building will include the following:

• Visual inspections and exploration of the building's exterior and interior, from foundation to roof. This inspection will look specifically for:
  • Signs of moisture accumulation
  • Rot and material degradation
  • Levels of insulation and integrity of control layer material (barriers)
  • Structural issues and problems with surrounding landscape and grade (i.e. tree roots, grade sloping toward the building)
• Blower door testing to determine air leakage rates and pressure differential of interior and exterior.
• Thermographic pictures to look for heat loss areas
• Smoke pencil or similar air leakage investigation
• Interviews with occupants to learn about comfort levels, cold and hot spots in the building and any anecdotal evidence of poor performance.
• Commissioning or testing of HVAC, ventilation, electrical and plumbing systems to see how they are working currently.

All of this work is done to establish a "baseline" - in other words, "how well or poorly the building is performing currently". From here, professionals involved in the planning process can design retrofit assemblies and systems updates to bring the building up to better energy efficiency and, most importantly, higher levels of comfort.

ENERGY MODELLING

Creating a virtual energy picture of the retrofit building is the job of an Energy Advisor who specializes in using energy modelling software. Using all of the data from the inspections and testing, a plan for improved comfort and energy efficiency may include the following strategies:

• Reduce heat loss through the building envelope.
• Increase air tightness and decrease air leakage.
• Improve indoor air quality with constant heat recovery ventilation.
• Create consistent temperatures throughout the building.
  
• Plan for measurable improvement in systems function and energy efficiency.
• Set targets for performance that could be met by renewable energy sources.

The energy model will compare against the baseline measurements to demonstrate the potential improvements to a client. Once a budget and available rebate programs are set up, the modelled proposals can then be used to draw up construction plans to bring to a retrofit contractor.