ABSTRACT

Retrofitting existing buildings for energy efficiency and improved work environments often has a greater payoff than building new. We will never be able to achieve significant improvements in the overall efficiency and productivity of the building stock unless we retrofit existing buildings. Existing buildings that work well as retrofits, allow for maximum natural light use and so some older deep set window stone or brick buildings are not as adaptable. Ideal timing is when a large tenant has moved out and the building is substantially empty. Payoffs depend on the climate of the market where the building is located, local utility rates and the local demand for better buildings. Here we review a major US-based study of office buildings in major markets.