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Retrofits for large buildings
Accelerating retrofits in Alberta
80% of large buildings in Alberta were built before 1990 and will need to be retrofitted as different building components reach end-of-life.
The AEEA is a supporting partner of the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program, designed to help building owners and managers make sustainable upgrades known as “deep retrofits.” Funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative (DRAI), this initiative strengthens Alberta’s deep retrofit market by scaling low-emission buildings.
Deep retrofits go beyond standard upgrades and take a whole-building approach to optimize emissions reductions, energy savings and operating costs. Our focus is on engaging the construction industry to clarify opportunities, address risks, and make retrofits successful across the province.
On this page, you’ll learn about the AEEA Retrofit Vendor Network and information to help building owners on their retrofit journey.
Introducing the AEEA Retrofit Vendor Network
The newly formed AEEA Retrofit Vendor Network for Large Buildings connects Alberta’s construction industry with building owners and other partners. By showcasing successful retrofits and industry leadership, we inspire confidence, foster innovation, and strengthen the construction sector’s role in building a more sustainable future for Alberta.
Find a retrofit vendor
A one-stop-shop for your energy efficient construction needs.
Why retrofit?
Thousands of buildings need to be retrofitted in Alberta.
Buildings account for 40–60% of carbon emissions in communities across Alberta. 80% of large buildings (including offices, retail spaces, and multi-unit residential buildings) were built before 1990—when there was less emphasis on energy efficiency. These buildings have decades of useful life remaining.
These buildings represent a tremendous opportunity. By retrofitting them, we can unlock their potential to save energy and expenses, reduce emissions, and serve our communities better for decades to come.
Retrofits are the way forward, across Canada.
Building retrofits offer exciting possibilities to reshape and revitalize spaces. There are multiple goals to be achieved through a retrofit project:
- Repurposing the building use
- Enhancing occupant or tenant experience
- Facility renewal at end of life for building components
- Improving building resilience to withstand the effects of extreme weather effects
- Increasingly, decarbonization in response to societal expectations, treaty obligations and government mandates.
By embracing retrofits, we’re not just improving out-dated buildings—we’re investing in a more sustainable, comfortable, and adaptable future for all.
The industry is evolving and retrofits are a priority.
The shift to decarbonization across the province is clear. Numerous owners and managers of commercial buildings in Alberta have publicly committed to decarbonization goals and are reporting these for benchmarking and investor scrutiny via GRESB. We have gathered a growing list of >40 Alberta building owners and managers who are committed to decarbonization here.
There are also a number of national real estate advisory firms that assist their clients with sustainability and decarbonization goals. The commercial real estate industry remains committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and decarbonization (PWC report and REALPAC National Real estate report).
Many Alberta buildings have achieved a recognized sustainable building standard, including Energy Star, CaGBC and BOMA and/or are participating in the City of Calgary or City of Edmonton public energy consumption benchmarking database.
Retrofit process: how it works
As defined by Alberta Ecotrust, a deep retrofit is a whole-building approach that considers all building systems and components, involving upgrades to optimize energy performance and reduce carbon emissions.
With careful analysis and thoughtful planning, deep retrofits can deliver meaningful results while avoiding unnecessary costs or rework. Whether for a single building or an entire portfolio, retrofits can be tailored to the building’s asset renewal plan through a bundled or phased approach.
Who should you hire for a retrofit? Successfully retrofitting a building and achieving performance goals requires an integrated and collaborative approach among experienced consultants, contractors, and suppliers—which is exactly why the AEEA Retrofit Vendor Network for Large Buildings exists.
Phase 1
Feasibility assessments and planning
Audits, analysis, energy modeling, capital planning, and business case development lay the foundation for success.
This phase includes:
Phase 2
Implementation
From procurement to project management, design, and construction, this phase brings the plan to life.
This phase includes:
Phase 3
Commissioning
A seamless turnover to building operations, with measurement and verification to ensure lasting performance and results.
This phase includes:
Free coaching services
Sign-up for the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program
A free coaching service tailored to your unique needs, barriers, budgets and timelines. The Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program helps you through the planning, design, and implementation of a deep retrofit.
How to secure financing for your retrofit project
One of the biggest challenges large building owners face when considering retrofits is finding the right financing. With the scale of large buildings or multi-building portfolios, it’s natural for financing to be a key concern. But don’t worry—there are options available to help you move forward confidently.
Alberta retrofit financers: here are your options.
A variety of programs and lenders are available in Alberta to help finance your retrofit project. These organizations are committed to supporting energy efficiency and decarbonization.
The following list is not exhaustive and will be added to as new information is available. Explore your options and find the right fit for your needs.
*Funds for their own building portfolios.
Resources
Current financing sources to assist energy-efficient building projects at each project stage.
Numerous owners and managers of commercial buildings in Alberta have committed to decarbonization goals and are reporting these for benchmarking and investor scrutiny via GRESB.
Find a retrofit vendor for large buildings
Browse our directory of experienced consultants, contractors, and suppliers who are Alberta’s leaders in sustainable building.
Questions?
We are committed to supporting the energy efficiency industry, consumers and partners to accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency in Alberta. All questions and feedback are welcome.