Report on the "Energy Efficient Retrofit of Existing Buildings" Training Programme on 24 September 2024 at Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong

 

 Report on the "Energy Efficient Retrofit of Existing Buildings" Training Programme

 Date: 24th September 2024 

Venue: Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong

 Overview:

I attended the state-level training programme titled "Energy Efficient Retrofit of Existing Buildings" organized on 24th September 2024 at Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong. The training was hosted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the State Designated Agency (SDA), with the goal of raising awareness and providing practical knowledge about energy-efficient retrofitting in buildings. The program brought together a diverse group of participants, including architects, engineers, building owners, and government officials, to explore strategies for energy conservation in existing buildings.

 The programme ran from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and was divided into several informative sessions, each targeting a specific aspect of energy efficiency in building retrofits.

  Key Sessions and Learnings:

 1. Welcome Remarks and Inaugural Address:

   The programme began with a welcome address by a representative from BEE/SDA, who set the stage by outlining the training objectives. The importance of energy efficiency in existing buildings was emphasized, particularly in the context of India's growing energy demands. The need for retrofitting old buildings to meet modern energy standards was discussed, and participants were encouraged to actively engage in the upcoming sessions.

 2. Session 1: Overview of Retrofits

   This session provided an introduction to building retrofits, focusing on the energy challenges faced by existing buildings. It highlighted the significance of energy savings in retrofit projects, and participants were introduced to the two primary approaches to retrofitting:

   - Passive Retrofits: These involve non-mechanical changes to improve energy efficiency, such as improving the building envelope.

   - Active Retrofits: These involve upgrading systems like lighting, HVAC, and plumbing to more energy-efficient alternatives.

    The session also discussed the growing need to incorporate sustainability into retrofit projects due to global climate change and resource constraints.

 3. Session 2: Passive Retrofit Solutions

   This session delved into passive retrofit solutions, which are foundational to reducing energy consumption in buildings. Key topics included:

   - Building Envelope Improvements: Enhancing insulation in walls, roofs, and windows to minimize energy loss.

   - Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs): Checklist of ECMs for external walls, fenestration, and roofs to optimize building energy performance.

   - Air Tightness & Cool Roofs: The role of air sealing and cool roofing materials in improving thermal comfort while reducing energy loads.

 4. Session 3: Renewable Energy Integration

   A key component of energy-efficient retrofits is the integration of renewable energy solutions. This session provided insights into:

   - ECBC Requirements: The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) standards for integrating renewable energy into buildings.

   - Renewable Energy Potential: Exploring the potential for incorporating solar panels and other renewable sources in retrofits.

   - Return on Investment (RoI): Detailed analysis on the payback periods and financial benefits of renewable energy investments in retrofitted buildings.

 5. Session 4: Active Retrofit Solutions

   The final technical session focused on active retrofit solutions, offering practical insights into energy-saving strategies, such as:

   - Lighting Retrofit: Replacing traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED systems and integrating smart controls.

   - HVAC and Plumbing Upgrades: Strategies for upgrading heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, service water heating, and plumbing systems for energy efficiency.

   - Cost Categorization of ECMs: Breaking down ECMs into no-cost, low-cost, mid-cost, and capital-intensive measures, allowing building stakeholders to prioritize retrofits based on budget and energy-saving potential.

   - Automation and Smart Systems: The role of building automation systems in optimizing energy use across various building functions.

 

6. Interactive Q&A and Conclusion:

   The programme concluded with an interactive Q&A session where participants could clarify doubts and share their perspectives. The trainers provided further insights into the applicability of energy-efficient solutions in different building types and climates, based on real-world case studies.

  Key Takeaways:

 1. Importance of Energy Efficiency in Buildings:

   Existing buildings consume a significant portion of energy, and retrofitting them for efficiency is crucial to reducing the overall energy footprint. Energy-efficient retrofits not only help save costs but also align with global sustainability goals.

 2. Practical Solutions for Retrofitting:

   Participants gained a practical understanding of both passive and active retrofit strategies. From improving the building envelope to integrating smart lighting and renewable energy solutions, the programme provided a comprehensive toolkit for enhancing building performance.

 3. Collaborative Approach:

   The training underscored the need for collaboration between government bodies, building owners, engineers, and other stakeholders to successfully implement retrofitting projects. Joint efforts are key to overcoming the technical and financial barriers to large-scale adoption of energy-efficient retrofits.

 4. Return on Investment:

   One of the most compelling arguments for retrofitting is the long-term financial savings. The training demonstrated how even capital-intensive measures can provide a reasonable return on investment when carefully planned and executed.