Introduction

The “LE Regeneration Series Event: Buildings” was organized by Leaders in Energy to focus on sustainable building practices, retrofits, and decarbonization strategies. The event featured industry experts sharing their insights and experiences in the field. Linda Mansdorf, the Volunteer Director of Leaders in Energy (LE), opened the event by introducing the organization’s mission and the purpose of the Regeneration Series. The series is inspired by Paul Hawken’s book “Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation,” which emphasizes the importance of individuals, groups, and organizations and collective actions to address the climate crisis.

Event Overview

Linda provided an overview of the Regeneration Series and its alignment with Leaders in Energy’s mission to build a global action network to accelerate clean energy and sustainability solutions. The series aims to educate, raise awareness, and share best practices in sustainability, focusing on concrete actions that individuals and organizations can take to combat the climate crisis.

She highlighted that the Hawken’s Regeneration book and its corresponding website offer numerous actionable solutions for various sustainability challenges, emphasizing that the greatest threat to solving the climate crisis is the belief that someone else will do it. It is important to see the need to transition to a low or zero-carbon built environment, as buildings and buildings construction combined are responsible for 30% of global emissions. She encouraged participants to visit the Regeneration website to explore building sustainability and decarbonization topics.

Etienne Frenette, Vice President, Business Development, Ecosystem, NYC

Topic: Building Retrofits and Decarbonization

Etienne Frenette is the Vice President of Business Development at Ecosystem, currently based in New York City. Etienne delivered an insightful presentation on building retrofits and decarbonization. Ecosystem is an engineering and construction firm specializing in retrofitting existing buildings to enhance energy efficiency and achieve decarbonization goals. In his introduction, Etienne elaborated on Ecosystem’s focus on existing buildings and its commitment to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through innovative retrofit solutions. The firm operates in both the US and Canada, providing integrated services that range from early engineering concepts to project management and verification of results.

Etienne emphasized the critical importance of retrofits, highlighting that buildings account for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, with existing buildings contributing up to 30% of emissions. In cities like New York, this figure can be as high as 70%. Addressing emissions from existing buildings is crucial for achieving overall decarbonization goals.

The first step in retrofitting buildings, according to Etienne, is to reduce energy waste. This involves implementing energy efficiency measures such as lighting retrofits, proper insulation, and ensuring that equipment is appropriately sized for the building’s needs. He also highlighted the importance of transitioning from fossil fuel-based heating systems to electric systems, primarily using heat pumps. He introduced the concept of hybrid electrification, where heat pumps cover the majority of the building’s heating needs, supplemented by gas boilers during peak cold days. This approach reduces the need for large, expensive equipment and avoids costly electrical capacity upgrades.

Etienne explained that heat pumps are a key technology for building electrification, being highly efficient because they move heat rather than generate it. Various types of heat pumps, including air-to-air and geothermal, can be used depending on the building’s specific requirements.

One of the main challenges in retrofitting buildings is the need for thorough planning. Replacing equipment in an emergency can be costly and may not allow for optimal integration of new technologies. Etienne stressed the importance of proactive planning to ensure successful retrofits.

As an example, Etienne discussed a project in New York City involving the retrofit of the International Tailoring Company Building. This 100-year-old co-op building near Union Square underwent retrofits that improved energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced tenant comfort. The project was recognized as a case study of urban electrification by the New York City Accelerator.

During the Q&A session, Etienne addressed questions about retrofitting single-family homes, confirming that similar principles apply. He emphasized the importance of planning ahead to avoid emergency replacements and ensure that retrofits are cost-effective and efficient. He also discussed the role of local, state, and federal incentives in making retrofits financially viable, citing programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the US and the Canadian Infrastructure Bank that provide significant support for decarbonization projects. Finally, he emphasized the importance of working with experienced firms that have a track record in retrofitting old buildings, and the necessity of proper planning and stakeholder engagement to manage the risks associated with retrofits.

Joel Onorato, Architect, Studio MB, Washington, D.C.

Topic: Circular Economy and Sustainable Building Materials

Joel Onorato, an architect at Studio MB based in DC, provided an in-depth presentation on the circular economy and sustainable building materials. Joel’s expertise lies in structural engineering and sustainable architecture, and he shared insights on reducing the embodied carbon of building materials and implementing circular economy principles.

Joel explained that building materials contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on the concept of embodied carbon. Embodied carbon refers to the emissions associated with the extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of materials, as well as their disposal at the end of their lifecycle. This aspect of carbon emissions is crucial in the construction industry and requires careful consideration to mitigate its impact on the environment.

In discussing circular economy principles, Joel highlighted the importance of keeping materials in use for as long as possible to minimize waste and reduce the need for new raw materials. This approach involves strategies such as reusing, repairing, remanufacturing, and recycling materials. By adopting these principles, the construction industry can significantly lower its environmental footprint and promote sustainability.

Concrete, one of the most commonly used building materials, has a high carbon footprint due to the cement used in its production. Joel discussed several strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete. These include replacing cement with alternative materials like fly ash and slag and using prefabricated components that can be cured in an environment with carbon dioxide. These methods not only reduce emissions but also enhance the durability and efficiency of concrete structures.

Wood, on the other hand, is a renewable material with a lower carbon footprint than concrete. Joel highlighted the benefits of using sustainable forestry practices and reusing old wood. He emphasized the potential of mass timber, which involves creating large structural elements from smaller pieces of wood, as a promising technology for sustainable construction. This method allows for the efficient use of wood and can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of building projects.

Joel also addressed the impact of frequent renovations on a building’s carbon footprint. He emphasized the importance of using durable, recyclable materials for interiors to reduce the environmental impact of renovations. By selecting materials that can withstand wear and tear and be reused or recycled, the overall sustainability of buildings can be improved.

As examples of sustainable practices, Joel showcased several projects. One example involved mass timber projects, including an extension project in Washington, D.C., which demonstrated the potential of using mass timber to reduce carbon footprints. Another example highlighted reuse initiatives, such as the American Geophysical Union building in Washington, D.C., which reused old toilets as terrazzo flooring, illustrating innovative ways to incorporate salvaged materials into construction projects.

During the Q&A session, Joel provided practical advice on sourcing salvaged materials, and recommending reuse centers in metropolitan areas as valuable resources. These centers offer access to materials like wood flooring and bricks that can be reused in construction projects. He also emphasized the importance of using certified wood to ensure it comes from sustainable forestry practices, mentioning certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) as reliable indicators of sustainable wood sources.

Joel discussed the additional benefits of material reuse, including supporting local economies and reducing environmental impacts. He encouraged participants to consider the broader community benefits of sustainable building practices, highlighting how these practices can contribute to economic development and environmental preservation simultaneously.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

Dina Mansour, LE Project Manager, concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of taking concrete actions towards sustainability. She encouraged participants to visit the Regeneration website and commit to actions that contribute to building sustainability. Dina highlighted that the next topic in the series would cover “Electrify Everything,” and she invited participants to stay engaged with Leaders in Energy for future events and updates.

Dina also urged participants to think about specific actions they could take in their personal or professional lives to promote sustainability. Whether it involves making more sustainable choices in their own homes, advocating for sustainable practices in their communities, or supporting policies that encourage decarbonization, every action counts towards addressing the climate crisis.

Audience Interaction:

During the open discussion, participants shared their plans and initiatives related to sustainable building practices:

• Community Initiatives: One participant from the City of Greenbelt mentioned plans to incorporate sustainable practices in the renovation of their local animal shelter.
• Expert Contributions: Audience members contributed insights and examples of successful sustainability initiatives in their communities and projects.

Participants were also encouraged to reach out to the speakers and organizers for further discussions and collaborations.

Han Vo is based in Saigon and brings international experience across various industries, including logistics, supply chain, cloud computing, and technology. She is passionate about creating educational content that makes a significant impact in the fields of technology, sustainability, and education and serves as a volunteer for Leaders in Energy.