Protocol for maximizing energy savings and indoor environmental quality improvements when retrofitting apartments

The current focus on building energy retrofit provides an opportunity to simultaneously improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Toward this end, we developed a protocol for selecting packages of retrofits that both save energy and improve IEQ in apartments. The protocol specifies the methodology for selecting retrofits from a candidate list while addressing expected energy savings, IEQ impacts, and costs in an integrated manner. Interviews, inspections and measurements are specified to collect the needed input information. The protocol was applied to 17 apartments in three buildings in two different climates within California. Diagnostic measurements and surveys conducted before and after retrofit implementation indicate enhanced apartment performance.

► Many building energy retrofits will impact indoor environmental quality.
► New retrofit selection method addresses energy, indoor environmental quality, costs.
► In 17 apartments, bathroom and kitchen fans had low flows or no exhaust to outdoors.
► Via $7700–12,700/apartment retrofits, we project 17–27% energy savings and better indoor environments.