This project adapts the Energiesprong panelized retrofit technique brought to Canada by Peter Amerongen (ReNu Engineering and Retrofit Canada). The prefabricated panelized retrofits use natural, low embodied carbon wood fiber insulation in order to increase efficiency of production. Demonstrating these innovative panels on different types of buildings (1 fourplex and 1 single family dwelling) will not only impact these buildings but also contribute to the larger aggregation of panelized retrofit projects, further de-risking and facilitating its uptake.

Wood fiber, a high performing insulator and carbon sequestering material, is often deemed too costly for residential retrofits, as is exterior insulation more broadly. The project targets barriers such as high costs, low awareness of bio-based materials, and limited industry training, which hinder the adoption of exterior insulation/retrofits and deter building owners. The project will employ prefabrication to enhance the use of wood fiber insulation, promoting a shift away from synthetic materials. Prefabrication reduces waste and site variables, maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.

By integrating innovative prefabrication methods with wood fiber insulation for panelized retrofits, the project aims to lower embodied and operational GHG emissions beyond what is achievable with current practices. By retrofitting existing structures with exterior insulation, energy consumption for heating and cooling decrease and operational emissions decrease significantly. The use of wood-fiber insulation minimizes the embodied carbon associated with insulation, especially compared to typical exterior insulation materials like EPS.

These two demonstration projects (1 fourplex and 1 single family dwelling) will be monitored and their performance catalogued along with the production and installation process in a case study, leveraging the expertise and networks of our project team to ensure objectives are met and resulting knowledge is shared widely.