SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Energy and Carbon

Topic

Envelope Performance

Question #

E11.1 – Envelope Improvement

Question

Have any of the low-cost envelope improvement measures identified in assessment, condition or deep retrofit studies been implemented?

Applicability

All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = Points as indicated below

Select all that apply:

    • Resealing to address air leakage= 1 point
    • Applying window film = 1 point
    • Small-scale or individual window replacement = 2 points
    • Adding shading to sunny areas = 2 points
    • Improving insulation in accessible areas = 2 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not applicable – Building was built within the past 3 years with 2 or more of the listed high-performance features from E1.2= 0/0

Max of 4 points

Requirements

    1. Identify the low-cost envelope improvement items from the assessment, condition or deep retrofit studies that have been implemented
    2. Document extent of implementation

Documentation

  • Describe measure(s) implemented, the benefit and potential savings impact
  • Evidence of implementation through photos, as-built drawings or other proof

Suggested Lead

In-house, with third-party support

Value

  • Building off E1.2 – Envelope Condition Assessment, implement low-cost envelope improvements identified in the envelope assessment
  • Low-cost envelope improvements are a capital efficient way to improve envelope performance which reduces energy losses and operational costs

Description

A building envelope includes exterior components, such as the roof, walls, foundation and windows. A high-performance envelope is the most effective opportunity for achieving decarbonization of a building through passive strategies.

Optimization of the envelope can significantly reduce heating and cooling Requirements in the building, thus reducing energy consumption and electrical demand as well as decreasing the size and costs of mechanical equipment.

Lower cost measures might include resealing, replacing broken windows, adding shading to sunny areas or similar strategies. At a minimum, air leakage should be addressed.

If budgeting and renewal cycles permit, it is ideal to undertake a deep green envelope upgrade before HVAC systems are retrofitted to optimize mechanical system design.

References

None

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0