Energy Savings

A 2005 study by the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Airtightness on HVAC Energy Use, proved the link between HVAC energy consumption and building airtightness.  In three sample buildings, a continuous air barrier reduced air leakage by up to 83 percent, gas use by 40 percent and electrical use by 25 percent (Read NIST Report Summary PDF).  

Achieving impressive air leakage reductions and energy savings is possible in most of North America’s existing buildings.  In many instances breaks in the continuity of a building’s envelope are glaring.  The aggregate size of the “hole” in many buildings is larger than a standard garage door.  

HVAC equipment will compensate for a garage door-sized hole in the building envelope by running longer and using more energy.  By appropriately connecting building assemblies to create an airtight building envelope we will reduce the unwanted air leakage, control air as intended and the save 14 % - 18 % of heating and cooling expenses.  

Our Process

B|E Retrofit is a full-service firm with more than 30 years of construction experience.  You can count on us to manage, in detail, every phase of your building envelope retrofit:  

1. Assess: We begin by conducting an in depth building assessment.  We identify building envelope weaknesses visually and with diagnostic tools.
   
   
2. Calculate & Design: We'll calculate reliable energy savings data using the EC 128 calculation method and provide a comprehensive retrofit plan.  
   
   
3. Install: We will methodically apply today’s building science to create a continuous air barrier system. We will communicate on an ongoing basis with your operations manager and leave the work site clean and safe at the end of each day.  
   
   
4. Follow Up: After the retrofit is complete, we continue to track your building's performance to make sure it delivers the expected energy saving results    

Is your building energy efficient, comfortable and durable?  Contact us to learn more about how we can help with your retrofit project.  Email: hello@BERETROFIT.com or Tel: 617-964-4400.   

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