Building Retrofit Achieves 45% Reduction in Energy Use

Landform recently completed the renovation of a farmhouse in Naramata, and were able to reduce energy use by 45%. The energy performance compliance report has confirmed that the house will  consume 55 GJ per year, and has achieved Step 4 out of 5 in the BC Step Code. Efficiency measures included adding exterior insulation to the original walls, and recladding the building with a mix of vertical cedar and cement board siding. The roof was replaced completely, with higher insulation values and better overhangs for sun protection. However, the original Insulated Concrete Form foundation was retained, along with the bulk of floor and wall framing, drastically reducing the embodied energy required for the building structure. All heating and cooling are electric, contributing no carbon emissions.  A solar array on the roof of the garage offsets the energy used by the home,  bringing net energy use to zero.