Ultra-low carbon technologies for building retrofits

Abstract

Reaching the goal of net-zero carbon consumption is particularly challenging for existing buildings. Calibrated energy simulations, using IES VE and EnergyPlus, of a portfolio of ten existing commercial buildings in Canada were used to develop paths to net zero carbon. Emerging technologies including carbon sequestration, algae farming, electrochromic glass, predictive controls, building integrated photovoltaic, and fuel cell technologies were evaluated for their applicability in today's built environment. This paper provides recommendations and commentary on the available information, relative impact and economic feasibility of innovative and new but proven technologies for evaluation in existing building retrofit simulations. This research paper is highly relevant to building owners, and simulation specialists given that in 2030, 75% of our building stock will consist of buildings in existence today (ECCC, 2016), while net zero carbon strategies typically focus on new construction methodologies. Expertise in recommending and analysing improvement measures for existing buildings represents an exciting and growing opportunity for building simulation specialists. This paper provides detailed and tested recommendations on the relative utility of emerging technologies for achieving net-zero carbon and provides comment on the relative percentage of retrofit budget that was diverted to innovative and emerging technologies to simulate maximum potential site carbon reduction.