Retrofit Canada

05/26/2026

The Fully Monty Case Study is a fantastic example of a passive house–informed, net-zero-ready retrofit. There are several useful takeaways from the project, particularly regarding materials, system choices, and embodied-carbon planning.

One key lesson is the value of completing a carbon emissions analysis before the project starts. Doing this early helps estimate embodied carbon and supports more informed decisions around materials and design approaches that may reduce overall impact.

A few material-related observations from the project:
- XPS foam is relatively carbon-intensive, and GPS foam was used as a lower-carbon alternative for sub-grade applications
- Low-carbon concrete can help reduce foundation-related emissions
- 3/8” plywood was preferred over 7/16” OSB for vapour diffusion and workability in high-performance assemblies

On systems and detailing:
- Subsoil preheat systems for HRVs are now available off-the-shelf and can support cold-climate performance
- Wall and roof cellulose insulation is best installed through the WRB and/or wood fibre board sheathing, rather than from the attic space, where possible
- High-performance door installation strategies remain an area for further refinement and research

Homeowner feedback, to the surprise of no retrofitter anywhere, was that the house no longer had any hot or cold spots and was more comfortable.

The project highlights how early carbon planning, material selection, and envelope detailing all contribute to both operational performance and embodied carbon outcomes.

Case study: https://buff.ly/NGCjGuG
Webinar: https://buff.ly/O3Gh19r

05/19/2026

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at the 6th Annual Retrofit Canada Conference! Want to join me and hundreds of other leaders in Halifax? You can use my personal discount code SPKR20 to save 20% on your pass. Register here: https://retrofitcanadaconference.energyconferencenetwork.com/2026/register?code=SPKR20 See you there!

05/15/2026

The Charon Retrofit case study was one of the first we added to version 2.0 of our library that really showcased its updated features, including:
> unlimited assets (we got 70 in this one!)
> cleaner data
> calculated fields
> an API-ready format

The project itself is remarkable, demonstrating how the builder, retrofit construction, achieved a 65% energy reduction with a retrofit involving three different wall assemblies, two party walls and two separate units.

And they tackled these challenges all while preserving the building's heritage aesthetic.

Check out the wall assemblies and then head on over to our library to read the whole case study here: https://buff.ly/ssoY5RT

05/13/2026

In case you missed our last webinar...it's posted on our YouTube channel. Check it out!
https://youtu.be/jC7kWkin3dc?si=En0fFQWfoA2kZfbX&t=152

04/29/2026

It's not too often you find a retrofit that preserves the original brick of a 130-year-old home while cutting its annual energy needs by over 60%, but here you go! Read more about this awesome case study. You'll even learn the definition of "wythe"!



https://retrofitcanada.com/case-studies/1890sbrickhouse

04/16/2026

Register for our FREE webinar on May 7! Steve Norris of SNAP Building, who has analyzed over 2 years of utility data following his home's deep energy retrofit, will present key insights and take your questions. Don't miss this unique opportunity for a retrofit data deep dive!

Register now: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w7lh_S3eSgSJSmGNC4qyag

04/14/2026

Retrofit Canada's on the roster for the Canadian Wood Construction Research Network's 3rd Annual Next Gen Wood Conference in Edmonton (May 3 to 6).

On May 6, two of our board members, retrofit pioneer Peter Amerongen and the Pembina Institute's head of buildings, Kevin Lockhart, will present at a workshop on retrofit and prefabrication innovations.

This CWCRN event brings together leaders in wood construction, engineering, and sustainable building to explore the future of low-carbon energy-efficient design.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/vhLgKHi

04/09/2026

It was great to be a part of the inaugural Sustainable Workforce Summit in beautiful Vancouver last week! Peter Amerongen's talk garnered a lot of interest, and led to interesting discussions around how training opportunities for retrofits could be scaled. Great to see old friends and make wonderful new connections!

04/02/2026

No conversation about reducing building emissions should ignore the very real problem of embodied carbon - the carbon emitted in the production and transportation of building materials, and the emissions from construction itself. Whether this topic's new to you or you're already tackling the challenge in your own projects, consider signing up for this event.

Thanks to Sustainable Building Manitoba for sharing!

https://buff.ly/tnO4QFO

Two afternoons of practical education. One evening of connection and discussion. Build your embodied carbon knowledge specific to Manitoba

03/23/2026

It's official, our case study library has gone international! This Portland case study combined architectural preservation with high-performance upgrades. The building now operates on 100% site-generated energy and serves as a model for low-carbon, resilient architecture. Read more: https://buff.ly/Dyxz8PD