Over $279 billion could be invested in retrofitting projects across various market segments in the United States.
This investment has the potential to yield more than $1 trillion in energy savings over 10 years.
Retrofitting investments across residential, commercial, and institutional segments not only offer significant energy savings but also contribute to substantial economic, climate, and employment impacts.
The projected savings amount to approximately 30% of the annual electricity spend in the U.S., showcasing the large-scale benefits of retrofitting for energy efficiency.
Retrofitting projects can create over 3.3 million cumulative job years of employment in the United States
These jobs span a range of skill qualifications and are geographically diverse.
The widespread adoption of retrofitting projects across the country not only addresses energy efficiency and climate change but also boosts the job market significantly.
By undertaking these retrofitting efforts, the employment created spans various skill levels, offering opportunities in different regions and contributing to economic growth.
Retrofitting can lead to significant utility bill savings, contributing to a positive return on investment.
Energy-efficient and sustainable features increase a property's market appeal.
By implementing energy-saving measures and upgrading to energy-efficient systems, retrofitting projects help building owners save on operational costs.
These savings, over time, enhance the financial attractiveness of investing in retrofitting. Furthermore, buildings with sustainable features tend to attract environmentally conscious tenants and buyers, improving property values.
Retrofitting plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions significantly.
It utilizes eco-friendly materials and minimizes waste generation.
Strategic upgrades through retrofitting not only lower the carbon footprint of buildings but also promote the use of sustainable materials and practices.
This approach aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, contributing to the broader goal of environmental stewardship and conservation.
Adaptive reuse of buildings through retrofitting conserves up to 80% of the embodied carbon that would be released by demolishing and constructing a new building.
This practice also preserves cultural heritage and reduces construction waste.
Adaptive reuse retrofitting prioritizes repurposing buildings over new construction, substantially cutting the carbon footprint, supporting sustainability, and preserving cultural heritage, aligning with goals for reducing waste and valuing historical architecture for future generations.
Government incentives support retrofitting projects through financial mechanisms like tax credits, grants, and rebates.
These incentives are designed to make retrofitting projects more financially viable for building owners.
Recognizing the benefits of retrofitting for energy efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth, governments worldwide offer various incentives to encourage building owners to undertake such projects.
These financial incentives help offset initial costs, making retrofitting an attractive option for enhancing building performance and compliance with evolving environmental standards.
LED lighting retrofits can achieve energy savings of up to 60% compared to traditional lighting systems.
LED lights have a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
The switch to LED lighting is a relatively simple retrofitting measure that brings considerable benefits in terms of energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental impact, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties.
Green roof installations on existing buildings can reduce stormwater runoff by up to 75%.
Green roofs also contribute to urban biodiversity and can improve building insulation.
By retrofitting buildings with green roofs, cities can address multiple environmental challenges, including stormwater management, urban heat island effect, and loss of green spaces, showcasing the multifunctional benefits of such sustainable building practices.
Solar panel installations on retrofitted buildings can cover up to 100% of a property's electricity needs, depending on location and system size.
Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions.
Integrating solar power into retrofitting projects not only promotes renewable energy use but also offers long-term financial savings, aligning with global sustainability goals and energy independence objectives.
Seismic retrofitting can increase a building's resistance to earthquake damage by up to 80%.
Techniques include base isolation, shear walls, and cross braces.
In earthquake-prone regions, seismic retrofitting is vital for ensuring the safety and longevity of buildings, significantly reducing the potential for catastrophic damage and loss of life during seismic events.
Retrofitting for water efficiency, including low-flow fixtures, can reduce water usage by up to 50% in buildings.
Water-saving retrofits also lower the energy costs associated with heating water.
The adoption of water-efficient fixtures and systems in retrofitting efforts not only conserves valuable water resources but also contributes to energy and cost savings, reflecting the interconnected benefits of sustainable retrofitting practices.
Retrofitting urban areas with permeable pavements can reduce surface runoff by up to 90%, mitigating flood risks.
Permeable pavements recharge groundwater and reduce the need for stormwater infrastructure.
The integration of permeable pavements in urban retrofitting projects addresses critical water management issues, showcasing how infrastructure adaptations can contribute to more resilient and sustainable urban environments.
Window retrofits, including the installation of double-glazing, can reduce energy loss through windows by up to 50%.
Improved window insulation also helps in noise reduction and thermal comfort.
By retrofitting buildings with green roofs, cities can address multiple environmental challenges, including stormwater management, urban heat island effect, and loss of green spaces, showcasing the multifunctional benefits of such sustainable building practices.
Retrofitting with high-efficiency HVAC systems can reduce a building's energy use for heating and cooling by up to 40%.
Modern HVAC systems are not only more energy-efficient but also provide better indoor air quality.
The replacement or upgrade of old HVAC systems with high-efficiency models is a critical step in building retrofitting, offering significant energy savings and improved occupant comfort.
This measure directly impacts a building's operational costs and environmental footprint.
The NYC Empire State Building achieved a 38% reduction in energy consumption and a $4.4 million annual savings in energy costs by investing in HVAC and cooling air adaptation measures.
As part of the energy efficiency retrofitting project, the building also updated its windows and installed external shading devices and an airside economizer system.
This real-life example of air-conditioning and cooling insulation systems is part of our case studies on climate adaptation, part of our free Whitepaper dedicated to building adaptation and retrofitting, stripped of complex industry jargon.
Download it for free at the link below.
