Deep Savings in Existing Buildings

Typical commercial buildings use, on average, twice the energy of efficient buildings and three to four times that of the nation's highest performing buildings. Updating existing buildings is a critical pathway to meeting climate and energy policy goals, utility efficiency targets and real estate objectives--especially in a competitive rental market.

Deep Savings in Existing Buildings Summit

A two-day summit was convened to discuss how we can achieve deeper savings in existing buildings. Attendees shared their experiences, case studies and best ideas for achieving deep energy. The group also explored opportunities to move beyond a building-by-building approach in a way that integrates deep energy savings into the urban fabric. A brief “Summit Snapshot” of the event is available along with other resources such as presentations and recommended readings. Read more

Webinar: Using Case Studies in Our Search for Success

NBI program director Cathy Higgins and representatives from Rocky Mountain Institute and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory discussed why existing buildings represent one of the biggest opportunities for energy savings and presented findings and insights. Presentations are now available.  Read more 

Case Studies and Meta Report from: A Search for Deep Savings

Eleven Case Studies of energy retrofits in existing commercial buildings that, on average, use 50% less energy than the national average and a Meta Report with the aggregated results of the case studies plus findings from an initial group of 50 buildings with 30% or more energy savings are now available.  Read the Case Studies and Meta Report