Deep Energy Retrofit (DER)

Major building renovations provide an excellent opportunity to implement DER projects, since much of the work necessary to prepare the DER is to be done anyway: the building is typically vacated and is gutted; scaffolding is installed; single-pane and damaged windows are often scheduled for replacement; building envelope insulation is considered; and most of mechanical, electrical lighting, and energy conversion systems (e.g., boiler and chillers), and connecting ducts, pipes, and wires will be replaced anyway. Therefore, a significant sum of money covering the cost of energy-related scope of the renovation designed to meet minimum energy code. In this chapter an overview is provided on the major components to be considered in a Deep Energy Retrofit (DER), their cost effectiveness and findings from accomplished DER projects.