(CS3.2) Electrification/Decarbonization of Historic Properties – Developing Carbon Master Plan, Effective Implementation Strategies, and Management of Operational Carbon

Various local, state, and federal regulations have taken action to address climate change that would slash greenhouse gas emissions by relying on electrified energy sources, optimizing energy use, and managing load in a building. Historic structures are the ultimate form of a sustainable built environment. Historic properties offer great opportunities for electrification / decarbonization when planned properly, executed effectively, and managed overtime.
This presentation will discuss building electrification as a key component of a wholistic decarbonization strategy that should rely on a carbon master plan. The initial step in this masterplan is a carbon audit of building energy sources and energy end-uses to establish a carbon benchmark. The masterplan should examine various system options that rely on heat pump technology with emphasis on appropriate and historically sensitive solutions. The presentation will discuss examples of electrification strategies such as traditional heat pumps solutions, modular chiller/heaters, heat rejection chillers, geothermal exchange systems or wastewater exchange systems. System selection may also consider coupling the electrified system selection with thermal or electric storage. The presentation will highlight the Michigan State Capitol Infrastructure Upgrades project as an example of an electrification solution for a National Historic Landmark that relies on a geothermal exchange system.
Examining distribution systems is another key component of a carbon masterplan. Historic structures typically rely on terminal units for perimeter heating such as radiators and fan coil units. Providing an electrification solution lower temperature for heating hot water that require larger coils and new piping, thereby having greater impact on historic fabric. Space conditions will also have to be examined closely to ensure “fit” and maintainability.
A masterplan should also address an implementation pathway with particular emphasis on system selection of modular equipment that allows for growth while coexisting with a system that it will ultimately replace.
Finally, a carbon masterplan should include tools for management of operational carbon, such as metering devices, or processes that optimize energy use and uncover deficiencies, such on-going commissioning.