Retrofit Canada to Build National Library of Deep Retrofits with $775K Contribution

Retrofit Canada, a leader in deep retrofits, has secured a significant $775,897 contribution from Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)’s Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program (GNPP). Retrofit Canada will use this contribution to create the Retrofit Repository, a comprehensive national library of deep retrofit case studies. This investment will be instrumental in accelerating the building sector’s capacity to conduct deep retrofits across Canada by providing a centralized knowledge hub.

"We are incredibly grateful for NRCAN's support in our mission to transform Canada's building stock. This funding will enable us to create a powerful, practical resource to drive the deep retrofit movement forward."
Tim Wilson
Executive Director of Retrofit Canada

“Retrofitting buildings in Canada provides us with the opportunity to make communities more resilient to climate-related impacts while reducing emissions and energy costs, increasing energy efficiency and creating good-paying jobs in construction and maintenance.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Retrofit Canada is proud to announce its partnership with the Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC) at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) on the Retrofit Repository. This collaboration will significantly strengthen the project by leveraging SAIT's expertise in building science, research, and industry engagement.

“The work Retrofit Canada has undertaken is a crucial step in building knowledge, networks and experience to achieve the widespread deep energy retrofits Canada needs to meet national emissions goals. SAIT is proud to collaborate with our industry partners to contribute to this initiative.”
Melanie Ross
Research Chair, GBTAC

Beyond building the repository, Retrofit Canada and SAIT will engage with key stakeholders to raise awareness of the benefits of deep retrofits and share trends and proven solutions for making existing buildings net-zero-ready.

About the Retrofit Repository

Retrofit Canada's current version of the Retrofit Repository features 23 case studies showcasing successful approaches to making existing buildings net-zero ready, including the first panelised, Energiesprong-inspired deep retrofits in Canada, a retrofit of a 1900s heritage cottage, phased retrofits, and more. With this funding, Retrofit Canada plans to expand and enhance the repository by:

  • Collecting more case studies from across Canada and beyond.
  • Improving data collection for each case study, with a broader focus on pre- and post-retrofit data collection and analysis.
  • Building an open-source database accessible to anyone interested in deep retrofit research.
  • Sharing best practices, construction details, and lessons learned to drive the deep retrofit movement.
  • Convening industry experts to share deep retrofit knowledge, trends and best practices.
  • Creating a selection guide to assist homeowners and professionals in planning the most effective path to net zero for different building types.

Version 2 of the Retrofit Repository will be an even more powerful tool for promoting deep retrofits and achieving Canada’s emissions targets.