Negative Life-Cycle Emissions Growth Rate through Retrofit of Existing Institutional Buildings

This study uses life-cycle analysis to evaluate the efficacy of energy retrofits for an existing institutional building located on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. Using data, energy models, and life-cycle analysis tools for an actual energy retrofit on an existing residential building, this study will show how poor controls and failing to address thermal bridges can affect our model expectations. By developing a process for life-cycle based evaluating retrofit options this study will explore the implication of producing an institution-wide negative net-energy growth rate.

keywords: Net-zero, Life-cycle, Retrofit, Institutional, Emissions Growth Rate