Scalable Solutions to Triple Decker Retrofits

Triple-decker homes, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to house immigrant workers, are an important New England housing resource. However, their energy performance is typically poor: they are often leaky, under-insulated, and heated with outdated fossil fuel systems. In this session, three organizations will describe scalable, replicable models to upgrade these iconic buildings. ABCD, which retrofits triple-deckers that house low-income individuals, will present on cost and energy savings achieved and challenges encountered. Placetailor, Boston's leader in passive house and energy positive development, design, and construction, will present their visionary approaches to market-rate triple-decker retrofits. And Fraunhofer CMI will describe an innovative panelized construction method that could revolutionize low-rise multi-family retrofits. MassCEC’s Galen Nelson, who led Boston’s Triple Decker initiative, will moderate.

 

Session Chair(s): 

Event Time: 

Thursday, August 13, 2020 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Room / Location:
Harbor II

Experience Level: 

2 (some prior experience/knowledge helpful)

CEU Information: 

AIA 1.5 LU/HSW
BPI 1.5 hours
GBCI BD+C, ID+C 1.5 hours
MA CSL 1.5 hour, Energy

Learning Objectives:

  • Assess the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of new energy efficient materials and retrofit techniques for triple-deckers
  • Identify scalable, replicable approaches for weatherizing and electrifying market-rate and affordable triple-deckers
  • Investigate barriers and challenges regularly encountered in pursuing electrification and weatherization strategies for triple deckers
  • Devise policy initiatives that to bring triple decker energy retrofits to scale

Session ID: 

BOS20-118