EnviroCentre’s Retrofit Accelerator Completes Test Units in Carver Neighbourhood

A Glimpse into the Retrofit Interventions

The test units underwent a series of upgrades designed to enhance energy performance and environmental sustainability.

These included:?

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): Traditional furnaces were replaced with ASHPs, supplemented by high-efficiency natural gas furnaces for backup. This combination delivers effective heating and cooling while significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.?
• Water Heater Upgrade: Outdated natural gas water heaters were replaced with electric Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of water heating.?
• Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV): New HRV systems were installed to improve indoor air quality through optimal ventilation while minimizing heat loss.?
• Insulation and Air Sealing: Upgrades to attic insulation and air sealing improved the thermal performance of the units, reducing energy loss and boosting occupant comfort.??

Projected Impact for Carver Place?

Early Results: Energy and Emissions Savings?

The results from these test cases are promising. The units demonstrated an average annual reduction of 42% – approximately 35.5 GigaJoules(GJ) of energy and 2.4 tonnes of Greenhouse Gas (GhG) emissions. This is an impressive 82% improvement for GhGs, comparable to the CO2 absorbed by ~2.8 acres of forest annually.?

The completion of these test cases represents a pivotal step forward for EnviroCentre’s Retrofit Accelerator. The results underscore the potential of deep retrofits; by scaling the retrofit to all 63 units, the project is projected to deliver impressive results:?

• Energy Savings: If applied to the entire neighbourhood, these retrofits could save approximately 2,097 gigajoules (GJ) of energy annually.?
• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reductions: The retrofit is expected to cut CO2 emissions by an estimated 153 tonnes per year.?
• Cost Efficiency: With an average cost of about $25,500 per unit, this retrofit is more affordable than most deep retrofits. Given the significant energy savings and the additional environmental and social benefits, it represents a cost-effective solution for enhancing social housing.?

Beyond the Numbers: Social and Environmental Benefits?

In addition to the quantifiable energy and environmental gains, the retrofit project offers substantial social benefits:?

• Climate Resilience: The upgraded cooling systems will help residents cope with severe heatwaves, providing crucial protection as climate change intensifies.?
• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: Improved HRV systems ensure better indoor air quality, critical for maintaining healthy living conditions in older, densely populated buildings.?
• Comfort and Efficiency: Enhanced insulation and air sealing will lead to improved year-round comfort and reduced energy costs for residents, particularly benefiting low-income and single-parent households.?

These benefits are particularly vital for low-income households, who are often disproportionately affected by climate change and energy poverty.?

Looking Ahead

The completion of these test cases marks a key step in Gloucester Housing Corp’s deep retrofit, demonstrating the potential of the standardized retrofit model to drive significant energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resident comfort. The insights gained from the Carver Project will inform future initiatives and could set the bar for sustainable retrofitting across the housing sector. This project underscores the vital role of targeted energy efficiency interventions in shaping the future of affordable housing.?

Learn more about the Retrofit Accelerator Program