Eco-friendly condo upgrades

Condo Business |  October 23, 2024
Jack Albert, MEng, P.Eng., LEED® AP, GRP, CPHD | Principal
Wendy Macdonald, P.Eng., LEED® AP BD+C, ENV SP

Understanding green living to help reach sustainability targets

Reaching net zero by 2050 means sustainability targets for all buildings, both old and new, will need to change quickly. This includes existing condo buildings.

As building performance levels increase at an accelerated rate, it’s not surprising that condos built several decades ago will start falling behind the status quo if upgrades are not made. Choosing the right building energy and sustainability revamps is critical for keeping pace with today’s green ambitions.

When it comes to energy upgrades, the best candidates are condo buildings that need some work done anyway. For example, if a building already has windows, a roof and HVAC systems all in need of replacement, then it just comes down to looking at the premium to get the best possible product while optimizing integration. That’s exactly where an energy study comes in.

Currently, a major focus is minimizing embodied carbon in buildings, and this is where existing condos have an advantage; the building with the lowest embodied carbon is the one that has already been built.

A vital strategy in this “time value of carbon” approach is to maintain existing buildings. This cuts out all the embodied carbon emissions that are associated with material extraction, manufacturing and construction of a brand-new building. Energy models and LCAs are vital decision-making tools, as they help owners analyze embodied carbon and greenhouse gas emissions on their projects, as well as energy use and cost.

Popular sustainability revamps

Window replacement

Improved insulation for windows trickles down to improved energy efficiency. When condo windows are replaced, less energy is needed to regulate temperatures, saving work for the HVAC system.

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