Studying the Social Impact of Deep Retrofits

A Collaboration Between EnviroCentre, Carleton University, and McGill University’s ReCONstruct Project 

EnviroCentre, an environmental non-profit in Ottawa, is partnering with McGill University’s ReCONstruct project and Carleton University’s Centre for Advanced Building Envelope Research (CABER) to explore the social impacts of deep energy retrofits in affordable housing. This collaboration aims to enhance both energy efficiency and occupant well-being, addressing both the technical and social dimensions of retrofits. 

Buildings are responsible for about 34% of global energy consumption, much of which relies on high-emission sources like natural gas. With 70-90% of the buildings expected to exist in 2050 already constructed and over 70% of Canada’s building stock predating modern energy codes, the need for retrofitting is urgent. Community housing faces particular challenges, with many aging multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) suffering from high energy demands and poor occupant comfort. However, the potential benefits of retrofitting these buildings are significant, given their high occupant density and the opportunity to improve living conditions while addressing energy poverty. 

The Need for Retrofits in Social Housing 

Energy poverty is a critical issue in Ontario, where about 20% of low-income households spend more than 30% of their income on energy bills. This issue is particularly severe in affordable housing, where many MURBs are outdated, inefficient, and struggle with high energy consumption, poor insulation, and inadequate heating and cooling systems. These conditions place a heavy financial burden on residents and contribute to suboptimal living environments. 

EnviroCentre, committed to reducing climate emissions, is leading a mass retrofit of 110 townhouses for the Gloucester Housing Corporation (GHC), a non-profit affordable housing provider in Ottawa. This project includes air sealing, attic insulation, heat pump water heaters, heat pumps for space conditioning, and heat recovery ventilators, aiming to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy bills and emissions, and enhance residents’ health, comfort, and well-being. 

Bridging Theory and Practice: The ReCONstruct Project 

This joint project with McGill University and Carleton University bridges theoretical retrofit solutions with their practical benefits for residents. The two-year initiative focuses on the sociotechnical assessment of retrofits, ensuring they meet goals for energy efficiency, reduced costs, improved tenant experience, air quality, and climate resiliency. 

A Collaborative Approach to Research and Engagement 

The project employs an Integrated Knowledge Translation approach, where Carleton University, McGill University, EnviroCentre, and GHC collaborate throughout the research process. This includes monitoring energy consumption, indoor air quality, and environmental conditions, alongside conducting surveys and workshops to engage occupants and gather feedback. This strategy ensures retrofit solutions are technically sound and aligned with residents’ needs. 

Key Research Activities and Goals 

Key activities in the project include: 

• Occupant Education Workshops: Beginning in summer 2024, these workshops will educate residents about the retrofits, equipment, and monitoring processes, providing materials to help them understand the benefits. 
• Installation of Monitoring Equipment: Sensors will be installed to track energy consumption, indoor air quality, and environmental conditions, helping assess the retrofits’ performance. 
• Technical Data Collection and Analysis: Researchers will collect data on energy use, temperatures, humidity, and air quality to evaluate retrofit effectiveness. 
• Post-Retrofit Surveys: Residents will complete surveys every six months to provide feedback on energy use, comfort, health, and satisfaction. 
• Analysis and Modelling: Data will be used to develop models predicting interactions between technical performance and social outcomes, guiding future retrofit decisions. 

Advancing Sustainable and Socially Conscious Building Practices 

This collaboration between EnviroCentre, Carleton University, and McGill University underscores a commitment to sustainable, socially conscious building practices. The project highlights the importance of considering the full impact of retrofits, from energy savings to residents’ quality of life. The findings will help optimize future mass retrofits, ensuring they meet occupants’ needs with minimal disruption while maximizing both energy and non-energy benefits. 

Through this partnership, EnviroCentre and its collaborators aim to document outcomes using rigorous research methods and share insights widely, contributing to more effective and equitable retrofit strategies across Ontario and beyond.