Retrofits in occupied multi-unit buildings

This Solutions Lab brings together residents and builders of multi-unit buildings with industry and tenant advocacy partners. Together, they will identify ways to make green building retrofits easier, faster, cheaper and safer – while minimizing disruption to tenants.

This is important because most affordable housing in Canada is in apartment or multi-family buildings. They may need complex retrofits while residents continue to live in their units.

This project will determine methods to ensure skilled work, engagement and communication to effectively carry out retrofits in occupied buildings. The results of this lab will be guidelines, resources and training for builders and other stakeholders.

Project scope and expected outcomes

How will the Lab be conducted? 

The Centre for Urban Growth + Renewal leads a group that works with tenants and builders from Ontario and BC. These partners also workwith an advisory committee of experts. The advisory committee helps determine the training and resources needed to efficiently perform retrofits with minimal resident disruption.

This lab has 3 phases:

• Definition 
• Discovery 
• Development

During the definition and discovery phases, consultants will conduct and review surveys and interviews with tenants and building owners. The group will analyze gaps in knowledge and create case studies. The surveys and interviews will lead to potential solutions that will be tested in workshops.

The development phase will outline best practices for retrofits and climate change-related improvements in a field guide. The project team will share this guide through webinars and training modules. Training focuses on project planning, workforce readiness, and methods for high-performance construction and retrofits in occupied buildings.