To accelerate deep energy efficiency retrofits, cities need better collaboration and international knowledge exchange. Strict building codes, energy labeling, and an innovative retrofit industry have made Denmark a world leader in energy efficiency. The historic CLCPA and LL97 climate laws put NYS and NYC at the forefront of the building retrofit industry. During this session, Danish and American specialists will exchange ideas on how to leverage building retrofits and public-private partnerships to support economic development and innovation. Through a series of fireside chats and case study presentations, the speakers will discuss topics such as the differences between doing business in Denmark versus New York, how to overcome the barriers of retrofitting buildings, and strategies to maximize the performance and benefits while minimizing costs.
Watch the webinar: https://vimeo.com/461177435/e9f0ab21a3#t=29m59s
Learning Objectives
- Apply lessons from Denmark to retrofit projects in New York State
- Evaluate the full spectrum of energy efficiency retrofit project costs and benefits via case studies that showcase the ‘Danish model’ of project development
- Carry out cross-sector, multi-stakeholder collaboration for driving innovation and sustainable buildings
- Identify opportunities to lower project costs and employ innovative financing mechanisms and business models
Key takeaways
- NY State and NYSERDA is highly committed to investing sustainable building solutions and has many different programs and funding options available for both American and international actors.
- Denmark is setting the direction towards energy efficiency in buildings with extensive measures for energy efficiency in buildings.
- The two biggest challenges to adoption, retrofit and integration of existing structures into the new are 1) Lack of appropriate engineering competence and 2) New building codes ‘making’ previous codes ‘unsafe’.
- Cities are on the front lines – both as a source and as a key solution to a substantial part of the climate challenge, and that buildings are key in tackling climate change.
- The most cost-effective, long-term methods for alleviating energy poverty are energy efficiency and renovation, which also benefit residents by improved quality of life.
Practical information
- Session: Retrofit for Tomorrow – Meet the Danish Frontrunners
- Conference: Building Energy NYC
- Organizers: Danish Cleantech Hub, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)
- Date: September 24, 2020
- Speakers: Anne Svendsen (Danish Energy Agency), Katie MacDonald (NYSERDA), Mirella Vitale (ROCKWOOL Group), Hossein Rezai (Rambøll)
- Moderated by: Mille Munksgaard (Danish Cleantech Hub)
- Curated by: Ann Goodman (City University of New York), and Monica Ridgway (NYSERDA)
- Watch the webinar: https://vimeo.com/461177435/e9f0ab21a3#t=29m59s