Building In & Building Out: Lessons Learned from Deep Energy Retrofits

Maine Passive House (MPH) has used two different strategies in retrofitting existing homes. One strategy involves adding insulation to the outside of the building; the other strategy is to add insulation to the inside of the building. Most projects involve a mix of the two strategies. Along with added insulation and eliminating thermal bridging, MPH increases air tightness, installs high performing windows and doors, and adds mechanical ventilation systems in their projects. They use Therm and PHPP to help build cost-effective resilient buildings, most of which are insulated with cellulose and local materials. MHP has done two residential retrofits (close to PH standard) and one commercial retrofit. They will use case studies to discuss lessons learned from the field.

Session Speaker(s): 

Session Chair(s): 

Event Time: 

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - 8:30am to 9:30am

Room / Location:
Harbor I

Experience Level: 

2 (some prior experience/knowledge helpful)

CEU Information: 

AIA 1.0 LU/HSW
BPI 1.0 hour
GBCI BD+C, ID+C, WELL 1.0 hour
MA CSL 1.0 hour, Energy
PHI 1.0 credit

Learning Objectives:

  • Summarize the general principles behind two different walls systems and two different roof systems that can be used in retrofit projects
  • Compare and contrast two different strategies for constructing airtight assemblies in a retrofit project
  • Apply two different strategies to add mechanical ventilation to retrofit projects
  • Describe the benefits of using cellulose insulation for insulation, and membranes for airtightness, in retrofit projects

Session ID: 

BOS20-204