Inside and Out: Insulating Our Existing Masonry Buildings

In the Northeast, we have the benefit and burden of a large stock of uninsulated masonry buildings of various typologies and conditions. Leaving these buildings as they are is untenable with the global effort to reduce carbon emissions, and will not address climate shifts, the fabric of community, or the health of occupants. We will explore insulating from the interior, exterior, or both.

Further Together: Unlocking the Most Benefit by Collaborating in Decarbonization

This session will deconstruct how collaboration is a key component in helping communities decarbonize. The Crescent Farms Community Solar Project, built atop two Staten Island churches, is backed by workforce development labor and strategic financing structures. The project is exemplary in integrating financing, design, and deep stakeholder engagement to increase accessibility of clean energy, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Net Zero Carbon Roadmap for a College Campus

The path of net zero carbon must be carefully assessed, especially if we are laying out the roadmap for a college campus with historic buildings and aging infrastructure. In this session, we will explain how we developed a net zero carbon campus master plan through discussions between the owner, architect and energy consultants. We will include a case study of three building typologies from the ideal scenario through the factors driving the integrative process to achieve net zero design.

The Path to Greener HVAC Refrigerants

Transitioning to Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerants is outlined as a key strategy for New York State to achieve its long-term climate goals. During this session, you’ll gain a better understanding of existing state (focus on NY) and Federal initiatives, regulations, and history impacting the use of refrigerants in heat pumps and other HVAC equipment, the existing equipment and refrigerant options available today, and the challenges facing New York City and its workforce in adopting this technology.

Breaking Ground on Geothermal and Thermal Energy Networks: A Pathway for Urban Areas

Current pathways to carbon emission reductions are primarily driven through electrification of heating via heat pumps. Types of heat pump technology that are underutilized in the NYC area are ground source heat pumps (GSHP)/geothermal energy and other thermal networks. Heating and cooling from geothermal energy and other thermal networks are not novel technologies and have been used in urban areas in North America and Western Europe for some time. However, these systems are still facing barriers to adoption.

Thermal Bridging '22 What to Know and What to Do

Thermal Bridging can lead to problematic condensation, increased energy usage, reduced occupant comfort, and even noncompliance with energy codes. However, we have the tools to address this challenge. In this session, we will review the three types of structural thermal bridging, briefly cover foundation and slab edge insulation placement and detailing, summarize the conductive thermal requirements of the Energy Codes and, most importantly, identify strategies to calculate the impact on code compliance of structural thermal bridging conditions and mitigated details.

Collaborating for Community Decarbonization

How can the residents of “Energy Town, USA” meet their carbon emissions reduction goal in a way that lifts up their entire community? Working interactively and collaboratively in small breakout groups, participants in this workshop will develop innovative solutions to this challenge. As facilitators, NEEP staff will guide each group with best practices and deep knowledge from their own work in various communities across the Northeast. Context points from real towns will be shared regarding building stock, homebuyer markets, economic parameters, and more.

Rebuilding New York’s Schools through Partnerships

The Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2021 invests $130 billion to help reopen public schools, provide students and educators a safe place to learn and work, and identify strategies to rebuild our schools for the future. Creating the optimal conditions for learning requires product solutions designed to address the unique needs of educational spaces: optimal acoustics, air quality, natural lighting, and aesthetics work together to impact how students understand teachers, stay focused, and even perform on tests.

Embodied Justice: Healthier Materials to Foster Social Justice and Wellness

For too long, making buildings healthier has focused on occupant health, a narrow view neglecting manufacturing workers and communities around the factories. Truly healthier materials must be free from chemicals of concern throughout the supply chain. Outrage over the injustice embodied in unhealthy products is valuable only if it spurs action, and action means designing out bad product types and pushing manufacturers for safer materials. You can contribute to the movement by lending your voice and your project’s buying power.

Overcoming Barriers to Electrification: A Collaborative Approach

Electrifying existing buildings is easier said than done. There are numerous roadblocks to electrification, from first costs, to technical feasibility, to grid limitations, operating costs, and tenant education, just to name a few! Richard Gerbe will moderate this roundtable discussion with key stakeholders representing manufacturers, utilities, engineers, and building owners, to learn how cross-sector collaboration will help accelerate the decarbonization of New York’s existing building stock efficiently and equitably.
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