Embodied and Operational Decarbonization Trade-Offs in the Building Envelope

Some of the most efficient building envelope design strategies for reducing operational carbon involve increasing the enclosure assemblies’ thermal performance and requiring highly airtight systems. However, we are only starting to understand the trade-offs between operational and embodied decarbonization. To evaluate the trade-offs, this session will directly compare wall assemblies in a high-performance new construction building and wall assemblies in common existing building typologies. This session will also explore the potential opportunities of cutting-edge biogenic building... Full Description

Net Zero Carbon Roadmap for a College Campus

The path of net zero carbon must be carefully assessed, especially if we are laying out the roadmap for a college campus with historic buildings and aging infrastructure. In this session, we will explain how we developed a net zero carbon campus master plan through discussions between the owner, architect and energy consultants. We will include a case study of three building typologies from the ideal scenario through the factors driving the integrative process to achieve net zero design. We will discuss the three-pronged approach to discover, analyze, and strategize at the building... Full Description

Engaging A Multi-Generational Workforce to Decarbonize the Future

This session will explore the challenges to, opportunities for, and results from accelerating cross-generational engagement in the pursuit of decarbonization.

After identifying some major generational differences, we will explore how BR+A accommodates these differences in our work.  We will look at communication styles, in-office engagement and remote working, project management, work schedules, and benefit programs. We will also look deeply at strategies related to employee retention, task assignment, and persity and inclusion.

To cap-off the discussion, we will present... Full Description

Inside and Out: Insulating Our Existing Masonry Buildings

In the Northeast, we have the benefit and burden of a large stock of uninsulated masonry buildings of various typologies and conditions. Leaving these buildings as they are is untenable with the global effort to reduce carbon emissions, and will not address climate shifts, the fabric of community, or the health of occupants. We will explore insulating from the interior, exterior, or both. In all cases the approach and design must be informed by retrofit feasibility, durability and toxicity of materials, installation cost, embodied carbon, emissions, labor capabilities, and overall envelope... Full Description

Decarbonization with Intention: Democratizing Data to Dismantle Barriers in Retrofits

To ensure equitable decarbonization, we must engage existing communities, accelerate pre-construction planning, and streamline financial pathways. By leveraging public data, we can democratize information and automate a scope relevant to the people that need it most to participate in a just clean energy transition.

This session provides case studies on how diverse community partners are using Momentum software to inform decarbonization scopes, contractor proposals, and other relevant financial products, creating an accessible pathway for cost-effective decisions to be made quickly... Full Description

Tales from the Trenches: Passive House Ventilation Commissioning Best Practices

Hear tales from the trenches regarding ventilation approaches within the context of the Passive House certification standard. This standard has set a high benchmark for low-energy buildings and is widely known as the most rigorous energy efficiency standard currently available. However, the ventilation systems and their interfacing with heat pumps are relatively new to the industry and need to be executed correctly. This discussion will draw from the experiences of commissioning ERV/HRV systems on Passive House retrofit and new construction projects and demonstrate the various execution... Full Description

Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings: How Smart Buildings are Decarbonizing NYC

While demand response has been around for decades, allowing utility companies to mitigate peak demand and generate revenue for buildings, we are seeing more opportunities for interactive demand management, resident participation, and electrification-enabling technologies. Battery storage, EV charging, and smart, connected devices are becoming more affordable thanks to growing technology options, consumer demand, incentives, and tax credits, presenting new opportunities for building owners and residents to participate in grid services and reduce loads, saving money and carbon. This session... Full Description

NYCHA RAD-PACT: Generational Opportunities for Driving Change

NYCHA's Rental Assistance Demonstration Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (RAD-PACT) program leverages public-private partnerships to transition Section 9 Public Housing to Section 8 Project-Based Voucher subsidized housing. This restructuring is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to implement deep energy and capital needs improvements, while improving the health and quality of living for residents.

This session will explore the decision-making process throughout the design, development, and scoping of one of the PACT clusters consisting of 7 buildings (410 units) in... Full Description