Roofing Retrofits: Solving Moisture Penetration and Enhancing Energy Efficiency

qeatechmarkstg on November 25, 2024

The roof is critical in protecting buildings from weather elements, improving the energy efficiency of buildings, and maintaining occupant comfort. In a recent commercial property that QEA Tech analyzed, a comprehensive roofing retrofit was completed to address multiple leaks. The building includes office space at the front and a warehouse at the back.

Causes of the Leaking Roof

The leakage was largely caused by water accumulating on the roof of the building due to blocked drainage systems. This was a result of improper roof maintenance, causing debris to collect on the roof and trap moisture which eventually penetrated through roofing materials. Additional factors that contributed to moisture penetration of roofing materials include:

1. The old age of the building, which resulted in the deterioration of roofing materials and sealants.

2. Cold weather causing water that has seeped into the roofing membrane to freeze and expand, exerting pressure on building materials and leading to the creation of small gaps. These gaps create additional paths for moisture to enter the building.

3. Improperly sealed solar panels on the roof which allowed water to seep into the building.

Retrofitting a Leaky Roof

To address this pressing issue, a thorough roofing retrofit was completed within 4 weeks. The retrofit consisted of:

1. Removing the existing, worn-out roof membrane.

2. Installing a multi-layer system:

Insulation layer: Firstly, an insulation layer was added to retain heat within the building and improve energy efficiency.
Weather barrier: A weather barrier was added to protect the insulation, prohibiting water from penetrating through to the insulation.
Protective tar layer: A tar layer was added using heat to ensure it melted and adhered properly. This layer was added to provide an additional barrier against water.
Bitumen layer: Bitumen was added, acting as a final layer of robust protection against weather elements like rain and snow.

Benefits of the Retrofit

Since the retrofit was completed, utility bills for the building decreased by over 10% annualized. This retrofit will increase the lifespan of the building’s roof, with the layers added shielding it properly from weather elements. Increasing the lifespan of the roof also reduces costs in the long run by reducing the frequency in which roofing materials need to be replaced.

Signs Your Roof Needs a Retrofit

To mitigate moisture-related roof issues, building owners should remain vigilant for signs of:

Moisture penetration on the roofing tiles: In late stages where the issue has progressed to greater severity, this can be identified by water spots on the ceiling. This requires immediate action as the longer the water sits and pools, the more damage it will do to the building. Water spots on the ceiling were the main sign that the roof of the commercial building retrofitted was not in good shape to prevent leaks from occurring.

Mold and mildew: Mold or mildew can be a sign of water that has become trapped beneath the roofing membrane and requires immediate action in order to maintain occupant health and safety.

Using AI and thermography, moisture-related issues on the roof can be detected early on before they develop into expensive problems.

Thermal image taken of the roof prior to retrofits.

Preventive Measures

All building types can take the following measures to prevent moisture-related issues on the roof:

Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections of the roof to identify signs of moisture accumulation, damaged tiles or shingles, or vegetation growth, and to ensure drainage systems are not blocked. Using thermography and AI analytics, QEA Tech can efficiently and cost-effectively diagnose moisture-related issues on the roof, providing insight on the severity of the issue and how to repair it.

Enhance Airflow: Install ridge vents, soffit vents, or other ventilation solutions to improve air circulation and reduce moisture buildup beneath roofing materials.

Apply roof coatings: Use roof coatings, such as silicone coatings, to create a waterproof barrier on the roof that prevents moisture from seeping through roofing materials.

Insulation: Ensuring your roof is well-insulated helps reduce moisture penetration, especially in colder climates where condensation is more likely to occur.

Qualified building envelope auditors, like QEA Tech, are an important first step in understanding the state of your building’s roof and what actions to take to fix moisture and energy efficiency issues. Contact QEA Tech today for a free quote on a building envelope audit.

Toronto Announces New Energy and Water Reporting Requirements

qeatechmarkstg on April 4, 2024

The City of Toronto has recently introduced new energy and water reporting requirements for building owners in the city, with the goal of improving the sustainability of Toronto’s buildings. By July 2, 2024, buildings that are 50,000 square feet or larger, which accounts for around 7500 buildings, will have to report their energy and water use for the 2023 year. 

Starting in 2025, the reporting requirements will extend to buildings that are 10,000 square feet or larger. Building owners will have to report on data such as electricity use, natural gas use, district energy use, and water use. These reporting requirements will allow building owners to keep track of their building’s performance, benchmark their performance against similar buildings, and save money by understanding their building’s energy and water usage. Such data will also aid the City in designing programs and policies that support property owners in improving the energy and water efficiency of their buildings. Requirements such as these and the data that they provide are necessary for Toronto’s built environment as buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the city, representing more than half of GHG emissions in Toronto.

The reporting requirements build off of Toronto’s Existing Buildings: Net Zero Strategy, which aims to lower GHG emissions from buildings to net zero by 2040. Key policy actions the City will take to implement this strategy include:

1. Requiring building owners in Toronto to annually report their building’s GHG emissions performance.

2. Requiring building owners to conduct energy and emissions audits to inform retrofit roadmaps.

3. Reducing the costs and time associated with building retrofits.

The new energy and water reporting requirements are just one of many stepping stones in achieving the City’s goal of net zero emissions from buildings. There are a number of initiatives led by the City of Toronto that encourage building owners to analyze the energy performance of their buildings and take on retrofits. Through the Better Buildings Partnership, Toronto provides various programs that support building owners in improving the energy efficiency of their buildings. Some of these programs include:

Toronto’s Deep Retrofit Challenge

This is a competition-style program in which select buildings in Toronto will undergo a deep-retrofit to aid in the reduction of their GHG emissions. Projects will be completed by early 2025 and will be followed by a one-year post-retrofit performance evaluation.

Energy Retrofit Loans

The cost of retrofits can often be what holds building owners back when it comes to making energy efficient changes. However, the City’s Energy Retrofit Loan program offers the financing building owners need to invest in low-carbon, energy efficient capital improvements. All building types in Toronto are eligible for these loans and a vast number of building retrofits are eligible, such as building envelope improvements.

High-Rise Retrofit Improvement Support Program

This program provides low-cost financing for owners of residential apartment buildings who want to invest in energy and water consumption improvements. Buildings that are three storeys or more and were built before 1990 qualify. The program lets building owners pay for retrofits over time, allowing them to use associated energy, water, and operational savings to offset costs. Building improvements that qualify include window/ door caulking, exterior wall cladding, insulated roofing and more.

The City’s new reporting requirements and the various energy efficiency focused programs listed above are necessary mechanisms in the urgent task of decarbonizing Toronto’s built environment. Energy auditors such as QEA Tech make it seamless for building owners to meet these new requirements by providing in-depth data on the energy consumption of the building envelope.

QEA Tech Takes the Stage at New York Build Expo

Everett Vane on February 9, 2024

50% of total energy use and 40% of GHG emissions are attributed to buildings globally. New York City and its 3 billion square feet of existing building space are no different, with buildings accounting for approximately two-thirds of the city’s GHG emissions. This isn’t surprising considering most of New York City’s buildings were constructed prior to the first energy regulations in the 1970s. As a result, New York is taking action on decarbonizing and meeting urgent climate goals in the built environment.

For example, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) New Efficiency: New York report sets out multiple energy efficiency focused strategies, including advancing net zero energy new construction, annual energy benchmarking, and accelerating retrofits. All of this aims to have New York reduce emissions by 85% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.

NYSERDA also has several programs that provide clean energy incentives and financing for energy efficiency improvements. These include the Flexible Technical Assistance (FlexTech) Program that provides financial support for the completion of energy studies that identify opportunities to reduce energy costs and incorporate clean energy, and the On-Site Energy Manager Program, in which NYSERDA will cost-share a percentage of fees for hiring a dedicated on-site energy manager.

Moreover, NYC Local Law 97 went into effect on January 20th of this year and will penalize building owners that emit excessive greenhouse gas emissions. The law applies to 50,000 buildings in New York City that are over 25,000 square feet and will penalize building owners $268 per ton of CO2e over a building’s limit, with emissions standards getting progressively stricter each year.

The Building Envelope is Central to Achieving Energy Efficiency

The building envelope accounts for 30% of the primary energy consumed in residential and commercial buildings, making it a critical factor in the energy consumption and comfort levels of buildings. Building envelope design is critical in determining the service demand for heating and cooling as well as identifying a building’s embodied carbon impact, making high-performing envelopes one of the most effective ways to reduce the thermal needs of a building. Retrofits are essential to realizing these envelope savings, improving the overall energy efficiency of a structure and reducing air leakage.

New York Buildings Undertaking Retrofits

More and more buildings in New York are taking on retrofits. For example, 345 Hudson Street is in the midst of upgrading to new carbon efficient and energy saving technologies, with the aim of decarbonizing the 1 million square foot property by 2032. These changes will help the property owners save on what could have been fines in the range of six figures due to Local Law 97.

Casa Pasiva is a $20 million retrofit project in the Bushwick neighborhood with the aim of sustainably transforming the city’s aging housing stock. Retrofits include barriers to prevent airflow and rigid insulation panels. With a thicker, airtight, and watertight façade, tenants will benefit from not only energy savings but also improved air quality, less noise, and fewer mold issues.

Additionally, in April 2023, QEA Tech completed in depth building envelope energy audits for 42 branches of the Brooklyn Public Library System. Over 500,000 square feet of diverse building architectures, ages of construction, and building envelope materials were evaluated. Over 17,000 thermal images were captured and analyzed through QEA Tech’s proprietary AI software. As a result, QEA Tech was able to identify the energy and cost savings potential through the building envelope, the amount of CO2e that could be avoided with retrofits, and the primary envelope issues causing energy loss.

Join us at New York Build Expo from Feb 13-14

To learn more about the progress made so far and further steps needed to drive energy efficiency in New York’s buildings, join QEA Tech at New York Build Expo’s Facilities Management Stage (stage 4) on February 14 at 2:00pm EST where we will be discussing best practices and case studies for maximizing efficiency and sustainability within facilities. We would also appreciate the opportunity to chat at our booth (#225) throughout the event.

The Importance of Energy Efficient Windows

qeatechmarkstg on November 21, 2023

Windows can be an important means to unlocking cost and energy savings for building owners. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for 8.6% of energy use in buildings. Energy efficient windows better regulate the temperature of a building, resulting in less of a reliance on heating and cooling systems and therefore decreased energy costs and carbon emissions. According to a study by the University of Florida, energy-efficient windows reduced energy use by 774 Gigawatt hours in the past 30 years, or the equivalent of 547 million metric tons of carbon emissions.

Carbon emissions and cost savings aside, energy efficient windows include additional benefits for building owners by increasing the value of a property. By helping to regulate the temperature of a property, energy efficient windows help to reduce drafts and cold spots, improving tenant comfort.

The most energy-efficient windows typically have several key features and characteristics that contribute to their performance. Some of these characteristics include:

Multiple Panes: Windows with two or three panes of glass, separated by air or gas-filled spaces, provide better insulation compared to single-pane windows. Double-pane windows, also known as dual-pane windows, and triple-pane windows enhance thermal performance by reducing heat transfer through the glass.

Gas Fills: In between the panes of insulated glass, inert gases like argon or krypton can be filled to improve insulation performance. These gases have higher insulating properties compared to regular air, reducing heat transfer through the window.

Low-E Coatings: Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are thin, virtually invisible layers applied to window glass. These coatings help to reflect infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through. Low-E coatings improve energy efficiency by minimizing heat gain in warm climates and heat loss in cold climates.

Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): IGUs consist of multiple glass panes sealed together, with insulating spacers in between. These units can incorporate low-E coatings, gas fills, and specialized frames to enhance energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer and improving thermal insulation.

Warm Edge Spacers: Warm edge spacers are used in insulated glass units to separate the glass panes and provide a thermal break. They help minimize heat loss at the edges of the window, reducing condensation and improving overall energy efficiency.

Frame Materials: Window frames made from energy-efficient materials, such as vinyl, fiberglass, or wood with thermal breaks, offer better insulation properties compared to aluminum frames. Insulated or composite frames can help reduce heat transfer and enhance overall energy efficiency.

Other, more easily applicable methods that contribute to the energy efficiency of windows include:

1. Proper window placement or orientation

2. Incorporating overhangs, awnings, or shading devices

3. Window treatments such as blinds, curtains, or shades

4. Options for natural ventilation, such as operable or tilt-and-turn windows, allow for increased airflow and can facilitate cross ventilation that reduces the need for mechanical cooling systems

To ensure the efficacy of energy efficient windows, there are several energy performance ratings to look out for. The U-value measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping, with lower U-values reflecting a more energy efficient window. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) determines how well a window blocks heat from the sun. A good SHGC is dependent on the climate, with a lower SHGC suiting hot climates better. The Air Leakage Rating detects how well a window prevents air infiltration. Energy efficient windows should have an air leakage rating of 0.3 or below.

QEA Tech’s building envelope audits provide accurate and reliable data on the energy performance of windows, enabling targeted window replacements and retrofits that maximize energy savings and return on investment. Further, there are new innovations on the market such as window inserts that can avoid the costs of replacing windows. For example, our partnership with INOVUES allows for non-invasive glass inserts that cut installation costs and time as a result of INOVUES’ patented insulating glass retrofit technology.

With both economic and environmental benefits to reap, updating to energy efficient windows is a win-win scenario. Consulting with professionals like QEA Tech to quantify the energy loss and pinpoint issues within windows will help in making informed decisions about the possibilities of energy efficient windows for a particular building.

Energy Savings from Buildings are Critical In Meeting Climate Goals

qeatechmarkstg on August 30, 2023

The sheer scale of energy consumption by buildings is pervasive throughout the world. Buildings account for approximately 50% of total energy use and 40% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. In some cities, buildings account for up to 70% of total GHG emissions. In the US, buildings accounts for approximately 76% of electricity use and 40% of all primary energy use and associated GHG emissions.

Generally, most commercial building stock is relatively old, with approximately 50% of buildings today having been constructed before 1980. As a result, these old buildings are expected to have low performing building envelopes with little or no insulation.

High energy consumption of buildings is harmful in more ways than one. It contributes to environmental degradation, economic burdens, and social inequities such as:

Environmental Consequences

Climate Change: The resulting increase in greenhouse gases from the excessive energy consumption of buildings contributes to global warming, climate instability, and extreme weather events.
Depletion of Natural Resources: Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas continue to be exhausted in order to power, heat, and cool energy inefficient buildings.
Air and Water Pollution: The combustion of fossil fuels used to heat and cool buildings releases pollutants which contribute to smog, respiratory ailments, and poor air quality. Additionally, inefficient energy systems can lead to improper waste disposal and water contamination.

Economic Consequences

High Energy Costs: Excessive energy consumption of buildings translates into higher energy bills for homeowners, businesses, and governments.
Resource Inefficiency: Inefficient buildings require larger investments in heating, cooling, and lighting, diverting resources that could otherwise be better allocated or conserved.
Reduced Competitiveness: Tenants are increasingly seeking buildings that are energy efficient, have sustainable practices, and can maintain comfortable and healthy indoor conditions.

Social Consequences

Health and Comfort: Energy inefficient buildings may lack proper insulation, ventilation, and temperature control, leading to discomfort for tenants, and compromised indoor conditions and air quality.
Energy Poverty: There are individuals and households that struggle to meet their energy needs due to limited resources. This disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating social inequalities and limiting access to essential services and opportunities.

Building retrofits are crucial to realizing the energy savings potential of the opaque envelope as nearly 70% of buildings standing today will still be in use as of 2050. In Canada, with approximately 15 million residential and commercial buildings, one building needs to be retrofitted every single minute if the country has any hope of achieving its 2050 net zero target.

The Importance of Energy Efficient Walls

qeatechmarkstg on August 15, 2023

Undoubtedly, walls are an essential part of a building’s infrastructure. They act as a barrier between the indoor and outdoor environments, providing insulation to minimize heat transfer. Insulating walls effectively reduces the heat flow into or out of the building, helping to maintain desired indoor temperatures and reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems. Well-insulated walls can significantly reduce energy consumption and associated costs.

There are a variety of ways to achieve greater energy efficiency within the walls of a building. Some of these strategies include:

Insulation

Adding insulation to walls is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency. Different insulation materials, such as fiberglass, cellulose, foam boards, or spray foam, can be installed within the wall cavities. Determining the most energy-efficient insulation type depends on the specific project requirements. Insulation’s thermal resistance, commonly referred to as the R-value, is an important factor to consider. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s ability to resist heat transfer.

Air Sealing

Proper air sealing of walls helps prevent air leakage, which can lead to energy loss and discomfort. Seal gaps, cracks, and penetrations in the walls with caulking or weather-stripping to minimize air infiltration and improve energy efficiency.

Exterior Insulation

Adding insulation to the exterior of walls, commonly known as exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), can greatly enhance energy efficiency. Exterior insulation minimizes thermal bridging and provides a continuous thermal barrier, improving insulation performance and reducing heat loss/gain through the walls.

Thermal Mass

Incorporating materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete or masonry, into the walls can help regulate temperature fluctuations. Thermal mass absorbs and stores heat, releasing it slowly to help maintain more stable indoor temperatures, reducing the need for additional heating or cooling.

Reflective Coatings

Applying reflective coatings or light-colored paint on exterior walls can help reflect solar radiation, reducing heat absorption and keeping the building cooler during hot seasons. This can help reduce cooling loads and energy consumption.

Advanced Framing Techniques

Optimize wall framing to reduce thermal bridging and increase the space available for insulation. Techniques such as insulated headers, advanced stud spacing, and ladder blocking minimize heat transfer through the framing components.

Building Envelope Integrity

Ensure that the wall system is well-maintained and free from damage or deterioration. Regular inspections and repairs of the building envelope, which include walls, help prevent air leakage, moisture infiltration, and energy loss.

It is important to consider building codes, climate conditions, and the specific requirements of each project when implementing these strategies. Working with energy professionals such as QEA Tech can help identify where the most significant energy loss from a building’s walls is occurring and determine the retrofit methods that maximize energy savings and ROI.

QEA Tech and INOVUES Join Forces to Address Building Envelope Energy Loss

Everett Vane on July 25, 2023

Clean Tech Partners Say Non-Invasive Energy Retrofits Could Save Hundreds of Millions of Tonnes of CO2 Annually

QEA Tech, a clean-tech innovator harnessing drone and AI technologies for building energy audits, announces its strategic partnership with INOVUES, the multi-award-winning developer of non-invasive energy retrofits for facades and windows. This collaboration provides U.S. and Canadian building owners a new suite of cutting-edge, turnkey energy efficiency services with the highest ROI.

The partnership combines the advanced capabilities of both climate-techs, incorporating cutting-edge building envelope imaging analysis, energy modeling, expert evaluation of existing facade conditions, actionable retrofit recommendations, and invaluable assistance in navigating public and private rebate and incentive programs. What’s more, based on the latest estimates from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, QEA Tech and INOVUES say New York City alone could save nearly 20 million tonnes of emissions a year if it begins upfitting building facades.

“We are excited for this opportunity to help more building owners diagnose and minimize energy loss through the facade, which is responsible for a staggering amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” said Anas Al Kassas, INOVUES Founder and CEO.

INOVUES’ groundbreaking technology significantly enhances the thermal and acoustic performance of existing windows and glass facades without the need for costly and disruptive demolition and replacement. This provides up to 10X faster payback and higher ROI. The non-invasive retrofits offered by INOVUES can save building owners up to 40% in energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. Additionally, they provide up to 70% exterior noise abatement. The extent of these improvements depends on the specific INOVUES retrofit system and glass options chosen, ensuring a tailored approach to address each building’s unique challenges and requirements.

QEA Tech — a premier drone energy audit technology based in Canada with projects globally — shares a mission to assist building owners in recovering up to 51% of energy loss through the building envelope. Leveraging drones equipped with infrared cameras and proprietary AI-powered software, QEA Tech performs comprehensive building envelope analysis, accurately identifying issues, quantifying energy losses, and calculating associated greenhouse gas emissions. The company then provides actionable retrofit recommendations to optimize energy efficiency.

According to Peyvand Melati, CEO of QEA Tech, “Our data-driven approach empowers building owners to quantify energy losses through their building envelope with utmost precision. This enables them to make informed and targeted retrofit decisions that maximize return on investment.”

INOVUES and QEA Tech initially crossed paths through Upward Labs, a startup growth accelerator and venture fund. The two companies were selected for Upward’s inaugural Net Zero Lab cohort in 2022 and count E8 Ventures among their early investors. Both are also proud members of the NYC Accelerator, a program of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.

For more information on INOVUES’ non-invasive window and facade retrofit technologies, please visit www.inovues.com. To learn more about drone and AI-enabled building energy audits and recommendations by QEA Tech contact us.

ABOUT INOVUES

INOVUES makes existing buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable through a range of non-invasive insulating glass retrofit solutions. The company’s patented technologies are engineered to integrate the latest glass innovations; are quick and easy to install; and do not require any removal, replacement, or disruption to normal building operations. INOVUES offers building owners and managers a high-ROI, low-carbon path to save up to 40% on energy consumption, improve indoor thermal and acoustic comfort, and increase the value and sustainability of their buildings. More information on the five-year-old, venture-backed company can be found at www.inovues.com.

ABOUT QEA Tech

QEA Tech conducts detailed building envelope energy audits using drones and thermography. The company’s proprietary AI-backed software analyzes thousands of thermal and high-resolution images for each building to pinpoint issues down to inches, quantify energy loss and GHG emissions from each envelope element, and provide payback and ROIs associated with retrofits. With QEA Tech, building owners can zero in on specific faults in the building envelope and make data driven decisions on targeted retrofits that save up to 51% of energy loss and maximize ROI. QEA Tech has completed over 500 building audits across North America and Europe including commercial, residential, industrial, and healthcare facilities in the last four years.

QEA Tech is selected as the vendor of choice to complete Infrared Thermography Imaging audits of 15 buildings for the City of Ottawa

Everett Vane on May 4, 2022

The City of Ottawa released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a complete Infrared Thermography Imaging audit of 15 buildings on February 16, 2022. After a competitive process, QEA Tech was selected as the vendor for the project.

The project will help advance the City of Ottawa’s goal of reducing the energy intensity and GHG emissions of its building portfolio. The City identified 15 buildings with high energy consumption as a function of operation and surface area.

The project objectives are to help identify the problem areas in the building through infrared thermography, determine thermal resistivity values for the envelope elements, calculate annualized energy loss and GHG emissions, and estimate the cost of repair.

QEA Tech is a leading specialist in the analysis of building envelopes and energy consumption. The company is equipped with a fleet of industrial drones that conduct thermal scans of buildings within 1-2 hours. QEA Tech’s patented software analyzes thousands of data points to pinpoint and quantify energy loss. The City of Ottawa will receive a full analysis of its building envelopes and their elements (wall, window, door, and roof) including emissivity, thermal resistance (R-Value), and thermal transmittance (U-Value).

“Our proprietary technology will enable the city to make data-driven decisions and promote the retrofit economy that cuts pollution and creates green jobs. Our competitive advantage is that we are much faster and economical than the next best available option and this advantage scales with the complexity of the project.”- Peyvand Melati, CEO, QEA Tech

About QEA Tech

QEA Tech conducts precise, data-driven building envelope audits using patented AI software, drones, and thermography. A pioneer and market leader in AI-driven envelope analytics, QEA Tech delivers audits that are fast, cost-effective, and non-intrusive. QEA Tech’s audits quantify energy loss and forecasted savings for each square inch of the building envelope, pinpoint envelope issues down to inches, and deliver targeted retrofit plans that maximize energy savings and ROI.

QEA Tech Accepted into the NYC Accelerator Service Provider Program

Everett Vane on May 3, 2022

QEA Tech is thrilled to announce that we have been accepted into the NYC Accelerator Service Provider Program. As part of NYC Accelerator, QEA Tech will be plugged into the New York market and have the opportunity to contribute to the decarbonization of the city.

QEA Tech aligns strongly with NYC Accelerator’s mission and vision. With the proliferation of local sustainability laws, especially Local Laws 11 and 97, and other drivers of GHG reduction in New York, QEA Tech is excited to empower local building managers and owners with in-depth, AI-enabled analysis and data-driven insights to make significant reductions in GHG emissions.

To accelerate New York’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2050, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice is educating the building industry about the resources available to facilitate a smooth transition. From real estate to service providers, to building decision-makers and occupants, they are connecting multiple stakeholders to achieve this goal.

New York City represents a significant opportunity for QEA Tech to work with local thought leaders and industry experts toward setting new standards and industry benchmarks globally. New York City’s nearly 1 million buildings generate about 73 percent of its GHG emissions. QEA Tech’s audits provide an unprecedented level of data and actionable insights into building envelopes, further enabling deep energy reductions and integrated improvements to heating and cooling systems and building exteriors.

“QEA Tech is proud to be part of NYC Accelerator and excited to support NYC on its decarbonization journey. Our solution is now more relevant than ever before, as we not only identify the problematic areas in the envelope but also give our clients the precise calculations of energy and money lost by not addressing the issues. Our technology will help prioritize building upgrades and accelerate NYC’s mission.”- Peyvand Melati, CEO of QEA Tech.

About NYC Accelerator

NYC Accelerator is decarbonizing NYC’s building stock to help our city achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. NYC Accelerator provides resources, training, and one-on-one expert guidance to help building owners and industry professionals improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from buildings in NYC. Since 2015, our team of experts has provided free assistance to over 9,000 buildings — boosting energy performance and savings, improving air quality and comfort for occupants, and helping building owners comply with local laws and avoid fines. NYC Accelerator is sponsored by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.

About QEA Tech

QEA Tech is driving the future of building envelope energy audits by providing fast and non-disruptive audits. We use industrial drones equipped with HD thermal and visual cameras to capture thousands of images of your building. These images are analyzed and processed through our proprietary software to quantify the energy loss through the building envelope. Our patented technology and analytics deliver data-driven insights along with remediation cost estimates. These can further be used to create an investment-grade roadmap to prioritize retrofits.

Building Envelope Retrofits: Revitalizing Existing Buildings

qeatechmarkstg on January 26, 2022

The building envelope is the part of a building that separates the outside climate from the interior, providing shelter and performing as a protective membrane over the main structure. The building envelope has an important obligation; it helps keep occupants dry, warm, or cool, can help in controlling noise and odors from the exterior, provides safety and security, and it is essential for maintaining suitable indoor air quality. It needs to perform all the aforementioned roles while also creating curb appeal and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

What does the Building Envelope Include?

The building envelope components include the materials that comprise the foundation, wall assembly, roofing systems, glazing, doors, and any other penetration separating the interior and exterior. The connections and compatibility between these elements are also a critical part of ensuring that the building envelope functions as intended. An envelope must properly maintain control of the heat flow, moisture flow, and airflow while providing structural integrity and shelter from the rain, snow, hail, wind, dust, pollutants, allergens, and pests. A system’s ability to achieve these tasks is what classifies a high-performance and low-performance building envelope.

Impacts of Building Envelope Deficiencies

Any deficiencies in the envelope system’s performance may impact the overall building performance and subsequently the energy usage/carbon footprint of the building. Unsatisfactory insulation levels will compromise the ability to regulate heat flow, which will reduce occupant comfort and will cause the HVAC system to work harder. Gaps, cracks, and holes in the envelope will result in uncontrolled air leakage which will cause the conditioned air to escape through the roof and walls, creating an unwanted extra load on the HVAC system. Undesirable temperatures and humidity levels may occur and moisture vapor transfer through the envelope will result in moisture-related damage and premature deterioration of building materials. A leaky roof, defective rain screen, or failed window frame can let water enter the building, sometimes in substantial quantities which may cause structural damage, mold, mildew, or other threats to indoor air quality and occupant health.

Retrofitting the Building Envelope

Retrofitting or restoring building performance for an existing commercial building envelope might entail adding insulation, sealing air leakage paths, replacing windows, installing a new roofing system, or any combination of these tactics which will be discussed further. There are many high-performance products available to choose from, all enhanced by chemistry and new technological advancements.

Prior to commencing any sort of retrofit strategies, it is first important to identify the existing problems in a building envelope, either commercial or residential. A popular and non-invasive method that has recently commercialized the market is Infrared Building Envelope Inspections. These are fast, accessible, and efficient means of examining building envelope efficiency using an infrared camera that detects anomalies through temperature fluctuations. These assessments are typically performed on the exterior of the building at sufficient interior and exterior conditions. With an adequate temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the building at the time of assessment, undesirable energy losses through the envelope can be identified. This strategy can help determine whether targeted retrofits or full deep energy retrofits will be required to upgrade the building under investigation. Once these inspections have been performed and breakdowns of retrofit strategies have been reviewed by the building-owner, the rehabilitation project can begin.

Targeted vs Deep Energy Retrofits

There are several types of deep energy retrofit options available for a building, however, focusing on the building envelope, there is typically an option to choose between a deep energy building envelope retrofit, a targeted retrofit or a hybrid option. After identifying the components and points of weakness in the envelope, a cost analysis is performed to access the lifespan, rehabilitation project cost and potential future energy savings against different repair options. A targeted rehabilitation approach is the cheaper option that focuses on repairing specific areas of weakness that were determined during the assessment stage. This approach typically requires continuous upgrades and component reviews throughout the lifespans of the building. Replacing or repairing individual windows, fixing sealant joints and replacing specific damaged roofing areas are some examples of targeted rehabilitation strategies.

A deep energy retrofit on the other hand, consists of an extensive whole-building analysis and construction process aimed at reducing a building’s energy use by at least 50% compared to a historical baseline and usually includes envelope upgrades as part of the retrofit. Focusing on the envelope, a deep energy retrofit usually consists of a full replacement of the building envelop components minus the structure of the building. A deep energy retrofit of the building envelope focuses on redesigning the system to increase its performance which will in turn reduce energy usage bills in the building and increase the lifespan of the construction. The main approaches when dealing with a full-scale envelope replacement is to address the following items: Insulation and thermal bridging, Air tightness and infiltration, glazing and solar shading. These are the main aspects of an envelope that will determine how energy within in a building is being stored and controlled.

The design stage for the retrofit is a complex and important part of the process. While maintaining the existing structure of the building the envelope members must be redesigned accordingly taking into consideration the thermal and hygrothermal performance, air and water control, sound control and aesthetic appeal. The connection and detailing of the new joints must be carefully designed in order to have effective and long-lasting control of external factors. This building envelope redesign process is similar to a new build design, however there are existing factors that must be taken into consideration. The building tenants and their comfort during construction must also be considered. While this process is expensive and timely, there have been many case studies in Canada and other cold climates that show successful deep energy building envelope retrofits.

It is important to remember that while the envelope plays a crucial role in the energy efficiency of the building, it is the entire building function that needs to be considered together as a living unit. Other aspects including HVAC function in accordance with the envelope and should also be evaluated during a deep energy retrofit project. The envelope, however, has been shown over the years to be one of the leading areas of concern and is crucial to investigate when looking at improving energy efficiency of a building and pushing for a more sustainable future.

The Case for Building Reuse and Retrofitting

Affordable housing is another challenge that has affected major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and New York. The time it takes for a new house development to get from approval to market is too long which is a challenge for the increasing demand of affordable housing. One method of helping speed up the procedure is to direct focus towards restoring, retrofitting and or reusing existing buildings as discussed in this reading. Upgrading, maintaining, or reusing an existing building structure for a rehabilitated use is normally less expensive than demolishing and constructing a new building. These approaches are far better for the environment and leave a smaller carbon footprint if executed properly. Many in the industry are also calling for governments to invest in green retrofits as part of post-COVID stimulus funding. There has also been a call on governments to provide financial assistance to not-for-profit, multi-residential buildings, and calls for retrofits for affordable housing strategies.

Accelerating deep energy retrofits will depend on financial incentives at both the national and local level. Establishing renovation programs for owners, property investors, and occupants to recover some or all of the costs of the project will speed up the adoption and maximise the savings available over the medium- and long-term. Multiple countries and cities are already following this approach. In Canada, The Trudeau government has committed $2B to large-scale building retrofits that drive energy efficiency and sustainable communities. In order to meet Canada’s 2030 GHG emissions reduction it is crucial that the energy usage of building stock be addressed. It is the existing buildings that are in need of attention.

Looking for a quick envelope assessment? Perform a quick and easy non-intrusive Infrared envelope assessment to get an idea of how well energy is being stored and controlled in your building. This is the first and easy step towards a greener and brighter future.

About the author

David Gertsvolf

David has dedicated his career to the Building Science Industry. He holds two Architectural Diploma’s, a Bachelor’s degree in Building science, and is currently studying in the Master’s of Applied Science in Building Science Program at Ryerson University. Through his research, studies, and industry experience David seeks to drive the field of construction to a greener and brighter future. David is a passionate and hard working individual who is excited to thrive as an industry professional and contribute to a growth in sustainable construction.