Pratt Center for Community Development

Planning, Building, & Educating for Change.

Energy Retrofits Basics

Retrofit Basics: Bill Riley's "No Brainers"

What does a building energy retrofit include? It is no mystery to Bill Riley, who has been a Construction Manager at Pratt Center for Community Development since 1983. Riley began working on energy conservation strategies for NYC's buildings in 1975 as a mechanic in the Weatherization Assistance Program. He then participated on an Energy Task Force for NYC where he worked with architectural staff to develop conservation strategies and techniques for multi-family buildings and provided assistance in writing energy conservation manuals, proposals and reports. Following is Bill's "No Brainer" list of energy conservation measures for NYC buildings. These are the places to look for potential savings in energy use and expense and that you would expect to find in an energy audit or retrofit of your building.

  1. Heating system
    • Boiler
      1. Clean & tune up
      2. New controls where needed
      3. Energy management system
      4. Reduce nozzle size where appropriate (audit required)
      5. Replace if Necessary
    • Distribution System
      1. Insulate piping
      2. Balance system
      3. Install shut-off &/or thermostatic radiator valves
      4. Do not block radiators with furniture
    • Domestic Water
      1. Repair leaks
      2. Insulate storage tank & piping
      3. Turn down aqua-stat
      4. Low flow shower heads
      5. Aerators of faucets
  2. Mechanical Ventilation
    • Check exhaust fans
    • Clean registers
    • Install on timer
  3. Heath & Safety
    • Smoke detectors
    • CO detectors
  4. Electrical
    • Lighting & lighting controls
    • Motors
    • Appliances
  5. Building Envelope
    • Seal against Infiltration
      1. Doors
      2. Windows
      3. Outlets on exterior walls
      4. Chimney flues
      5. Etc.
    • Insulate at roof
    • New Windows where necessary.