Testing the Limits of Energy-Efficiency Retrofits

Something exciting is happening at Manor House in Vancouver, and Centra Windows is playing a major role – one that underscores our commitment to sustainable building solutions. This building is being thoroughly transformed as part of a $50 million project to reduce energy usage in older homes. Our team visited the site to learn more about the Manor House project, what processes are being used to push the boundaries of energy-efficiency retrofits, and the significant contribution Centra is making.

What is an Energy Retrofit?

An energy-efficiency retrofit is where you upgrade a building’s energy-consuming systems, which can involve improving or replacing lighting, ventilation systems, or windows and doors, or adding insulation. Energy efficiency measures should also be included in all renovation and repair activities. A building’s energy performance can be audited both before to pinpoint areas where improvement is most needed, and after to show how successful the project has been.

Retrofitting existing buildings to boost energy efficiency is proving to be an effective solution to the issues we’re currently facing. The process presents a significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs for residents.

Why is Manor House Special?

Manor House is a 1972-built, three-level apartment building in North Vancouver that has 50 affordable housing units. It is being thoroughly transformed through what’s referred to as a deep energy retrofit as a test case to see just how efficient you can make an older building. This isn’t your typical retrofit – the teams working on it have gone above and beyond, looking at every single aspect of the structure and figuring out the best way to put it all together to lower energy usage and costs. The development is part of a wider-scale project in British Columbia which covers 20 single-family homes and four apartment buildings in total.

On a typical project you would ‘remove and replace,’ so take everything off the building, rainscreen it, and then put on typical insulation and reclad. For Manor House, they’re essentially starting from the bones of the building and working outwards. It now has the thickest wall we’ve seen on a project. This project will fully optimize the building’s envelope – its outer shell – as much as possible. Energy data was collected prior to the project commencing and it will continue to be collected after completion to find out the full effect of all the upgrades the team has accomplished on this site.

Innovations in Window Technology

There are a lot of important elements and decisions to be made when it comes to a deep retrofit – insulation, cladding, HVAC, and of course the type of windows. Should they be triple glazed? Vinyl? Fibreglass? Window technology has come a very long way since Manor House was first built. Here are a few of the reasons why…

Extra Panes

In the past, it was common for windows to only have a single pane. Though double-paned windows eventually became the norm, many modern windows are triple pane. This helps them meet new energy requirements, qualify for rebates, and lower energy costs for occupants overall.

LoE Coatings

Extra panes of glass are a great addition to windows, but the innovation doesn’t stop there. Most panes now have microscopic coatings in order to reflect heat back to its source. This works both ways and leads to year-round energy savings, keeping a room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Better Materials

At one time, wood and aluminum were commonly used as frame materials for windows, but they proved to be inefficient. That’s now changed, and although these materials are still used in some cases, you’re more likely to see more thermally efficient materials such as vinyl nowadays.

Frame Design

More has gone into frame design than simply using better materials. Window frames now feature many air gaps (something we refer to as multi-chamber frames) which improves strength and durability as well as thermal performance. Some windows only use a couple of chambers – look for ones with at least seven to achieve the best performance.

Better Sealing

Proper sealing is crucial for preventing air and water leaks, which can lead to energy loss, water damage, and mould growth. Modern windows are equipped with advanced weather-stripping and sealing systems that provide a tight seal against the elements, improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort while reducing maintenance requirements.

Increased Security

Energy efficiency and thermal performance aren’t the only ways in which windows have improved. Security concerns have prompted the development of windows with enhanced locking mechanisms, impact-resistant glass, and reinforced frames. These features help deter intruders and protect homes from forced entry.

The Centra Windows Difference

Centra is no stranger to enhancing building envelopes and improving energy efficiency. We have 40 years of experience and a strong focus on investing in industry experts, which made us the perfect partner for this initiative. For Manor House, our in-house R&D department did a tremendous job testing different types of windows and what would work best for the project overall. They looked at everything from awning windows to sliders, and the decision was made to fit the building with casement windows. These are triple glazed and have many benefits, including nifty features such as sensors which can stop the HVAC system when the windows are opened.

The casements we provided also have another major benefit – there is a qualification in the NAFS covering forced entry, and our products far exceed this standard, keeping residents safe in their homes and giving them added peace of mind. We always take pride in going above and beyond.

Promising Results

Manor House is part of BC's efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions and meet important climate action targets. By upgrading building envelopes and heating systems to such rigorous extents, the project sets a precedent for future deep energy retrofits. All participating buildings have undergone detailed energy assessments and modelling, and early indicators show highly promising results. The Manor House project itself is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 66 percent and energy usage by 56 percent. Buildings account for over 10% of BC’s emissions, meaning projects such as these can have a significant impact on sustainability overall.

As governments and companies around the world make plans to heavily invest in green programs, the insights gained from Manor House will help inform other retrofitting projects. It isn’t realistic to expect all older buildings to be torn down for 100% energy-efficient replacements with the cutting edge in materials, heating and cooling systems, and other technologies – even if it were, the demolition and construction process themselves can also be environmentally damaging. Re-making our current buildings to boost their efficiency and limit their energy usage as much as possible will play an integral role in creating a more sustainable future.

We Are Your Certified Window Geeks!

We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what's happening with Centra Windows. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our newsletter, which provides news, advice, and tips about the window industry and upcoming events, and test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn.