Three organizations have teamed up on an initiative to “catalyze the development of a speedy and scalable process for zero-carbon retrofits in the multifamily home sector.” Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), the U.S. Dept. of Energy, and the California Energy Commission will work together on RMI’s REALIZE initiative.
The three-year collaboration consists of pilot projects totaling about 500,000 sf in California, Minnesota, and Massachusetts. The goal is to demonstrate an industrialized approach to conducting zero-emissions retrofits.
In addition, the three organizations and others, such as New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s RetrofitNY program, are working on scaling mechanisms designed to mobilize and organize the supply chain and kick start a market for integrated retrofit systems. Six pilots are slated for development in RetrofitNY’s program.
REALIZE is combining demand aggregation and supply chain coordination to deploy high-quality, prefabricated mass-scale retrofit packages that are easy to install and are financed through utility cost savings.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2019
Shortage of skilled construction workers resulting in missed deadlines
Some 40% of contractors have turned down project offers.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2019
ICC release 2019 guidelines for safe use of repurposed shipping containers
Provides in-depth, technical overview on how to design, review, and approve shipping containers as building elements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2019
Tool helps cities develop framework for life-cycle energy policies and track progress
Identifies policies, funding sources to address building energy use.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2019
New York City contractors adding 5% to 10% to construction costs due to trade war
Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other materials swell budgets.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2019
Codes organizations to develop new guidelines on shipping containers as building components
Intl. Code Council and Modular Building Institute combine forces.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2019
Plan for transformation of Lower Manhattan streetscapes unveiled
Pedestrian-friendly “Slow Streets” pilot starts on Earth Day 2019.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2019
Newly developed building materials could have big impact on sustainability
Transparent wood, self-cooling walls, bricks that filter air pollutants among the technological breakthroughs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2019
U.S. and Canada differ on how to evaluate field performance of windows, curtain walls
Variations include laboratory test method for determining rate of air leakage.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2019
Climate change can’t be stabilized without addressing urban sprawl
Even if power goes green, transportation will still be a major emissions source.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
