ENFORM’s first Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) Seminar
2023.03.30
ENFORM Architects and the Department of Architectural Science (DAS) at Toronto Metropolitan University, with the support of Higher Business Education Roundtable, hosted a seminar focused on Deep Energy Retrofit Technology. The arc of the seminar was focused on the “force couple”, the combination of a high-performance and a low-powered mechanical system. The presentations were as follows (slides are available for download).
SESSION 1 - THE LOW TEDI APPROACH:
The impact of high performance enclosure design will be studied as it stabilizes the interior environment to deliver exceptional comfort, resiliency, and efficiency. Methods to improve thermal performance, reduce thermal discontinuities and improve airtightness will be the focus. Case studies will support the presentation, including the Humber BLDG Nx Passive House & Zero Carbon Deep Energy Retrofit.
SESSION 2- ZERO CARBON SYSTEMS:
The synergy of high-powered enclosure and low intensity HVAC will be discussed in detail. Building electrification and advanced heat pump systems will be studied in context of affordable deployment in buildings with highly controlled skin losses. This essential combination of high performance enclosure & HVAC allows for active energy on-site carbon offsets to achieve renewable energy sources. Opportunities of such retrofits will also be examined in context of substantial embodied carbon reduction using Life Cycle Assessment.
SESSION 3- HIGH IAQ WITH DEEP ENERGY RETROFITS:
The application of superior, low carbon systems, notably high performance enclosure systems enable the implementation of ultra-high efficiency HVAC systems that can deliver exceptional indoor air quality. Research will be presented to support the IAQ benefits of highlighted technologies. Case studies will be presented for the in-situ preference of such systems including M&V outputs.
We had an impressive turnout and an outstanding panel of speakers who shared their knowledge and insights on deep energy retrofit technologies. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our esteemed panelists, who generously shared their expertise and experience in the field. Their presentations were informative, thought-provoking, and inspiring. We would also like to thank all the attendees who participated in the event. Your presence and active participation made the seminar lively and engaging. As well as Toronto Metropolitan University and Business and Higher Education Roundtable for the generous support.
One of the best aspects of this event was the interdisciplinary nature of the participants. We had students and professionals from different fields, including architecture, engineering, construction, and sustainability. We believe that this diverse range of perspectives helped enrich the conversations and led to meaningful connections between the attendees. We hope that the discussions sparked during the seminar will continue and lead to impactful change in the industry. At Enform, we strongly believe in the power of collaboration, and this event was a great example of that. Once again, thank you to everyone who came out, you made the event such a success. We look forward to continuing the conversation and hope to see you all again soon!
