The ReCover Initiative has a grand vision.
Develop a deep energy retrofit solution that responds to the climate crisis at the speed and scale necessary to meet our greenhouse gas targets.
Conventional methods of performing deep energy retrofits on buildings are slow and expensive, because every project is custom, as every building is unique. The ReCover Initiative is based on a systematic, modular approach to affordable deep energy retrofits, developed in the Netherlands, called EnergieSprong.
The process involves wrapping the building in a new prefabricated skin and replacing the mechanical systems with smaller, more efficient components. This method is faster and less disruptive than a typical renovation, and it allows for occupants to remain in their home throughout the work. Additionally, following a systematic process reduces risk to the contractor and reduces costs to the owner.
Net Zero
We crunched the numbers. Upgrading an average building with the ReCover method can improve performance so much that with the addition of on-site renewables it can achieve Net Zero Energy.
From forestry, to manufacturing, to administration, to engineering, ReCover has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in Canada.
Using locally sourced, low-carbon materials, we will reduce the carbon footprint of each retrofit project and even build carbon stores.
Many of these materials will be sourced right here in Canada, so we can rebuild the local economy while creating sustainable careers.
ReCover is not a proprietary initiative
We’re building a community around our work, to share our research and lessons learned. Our goal is to enable the solutions to scale up with the speed necessary to address climate change and build a sustainable economy.