Retrofit Program Research Articles

Energy retrofits: Factors affecting a just transition to better indoor air quality

In comparison with other European countries, Ireland has a disproportionately high number of poorly performing energy-inefficient buildings. Consequently, Ireland has one of the most ambitious energy retrofit programmes in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of deep energy renovation measures i.e. (replacement of heating system and upgrade to building envelope) on indoor air quality, thermal comfort and ventilation in a sample of primarily social housing in Ireland. A mixed methods approach including measurement of indoor air quality and a thermal comfort questionnaire survey was employed. Indoor concentration measurements of PM2.5, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and radon along with measurements of air temperature and relative humidity were made (N=14). Occupants (n=56) completed a thermal comfort questionnaire survey pre- and post-retrofit. Data collection ran from autumn 2020 until autumn 2023.Thermal comfort improved post-retrofit along with occupant satisfaction with the indoor thermal environment and heating-systems. Post-retrofit, higher bedroom CO2, and higher PM2.5 concentrations were recorded in both living areas and bedrooms. Occupant behaviours e.g. blocking wall vents were significant predictors of poorer ventilation while smoking indoors was related to higher concentrations of PM2.5. In general, homes that had mechanical ventilation systems installed were better ventilated. Underventilation, as indicated by visible condensation or mould was observed in half of the social homes surveyed and reported by questionnaire respondents (26 %). Tailored communications to occupants regarding the important role of ventilation and indoor air quality is required as part of retrofit to optimise impacts on IEQ.

An evaluation model for an optimal decarbonisation process in the built environment

PurposeThe goal is to deliver a decision-support framework to both public and private entities engaged in energy retrofit investments in the property market.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluation algorithm that is being offered takes an innovative approach to financial and economic analysis. Its foundation is a market-driven/cost-driven method, drawing logic from operational research and goal programming.FindingsThe algorithm is tested to a real estate portfolio yielding an optimal asset retrofitting schedule. The ranking list is determined by taking into consideration a variety of parameters, including investment costs and total CO2 emissions from energy retrofit initiatives. The Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor’s (CRREM) emission targets for 2030 are employed as a reference point in the process of creating a ranking list of the assets that compose the real estate portfolio under examination.Practical implicationsThe evaluation algorithm will allow to determine, in a real estate portfolio, a priority list of assets to be enhanced. This is accomplished by taking into account the client’s financial resources, the overall cost of the intervention programmes for each asset, and the effects that each asset would have on the environment and the energy once the suggested retrofit programme is put into place.Originality/valueThe study proposes a methodological approach that seeks to balance the optimisation of energy performance, the reduction of environmental effect, the promotion of social well-being and economic sustainability in the context of managing the current property sector.

Evaluating the performance of six 1970s off-gas deep retrofit bungalows

This paper presents the energy and environmental performance of whole house energy systems implemented in six 1970s bungalows in South Wales, owned by Swansea Council. The objective was to reduce energy demand and carbon emissions, maximise renewable supply whilst ensuring a comfortable and affordable home for the residents. The whole house energy system for each home involved the installation of a combination of passive and active low carbon solutions. Detailed monitoring was carried out for a year before and for more than 2 years after the work, annual figures have been validated and normalised for weather. Analysis of monitored data confirms that Standard Assessment Performance ratings improved from 12 to 95. The average annual energy consumption across the six bungalows was reduced from 16,117 to 4560 kWh. 2418 kWh was provided by the PV panels and battery, with 1963 kWh of excess electricity that could be sold back to the grid. Real-life average Ground Source Heat Pump CoP was monitored at 3.3. Embodied carbon for retrofitting each house is estimated at 22,980 KgCO2e +/−20%, approximately 5-years carbon payback. Indoor conditions have been improved with internal temperature and relative humidity achieving standards with residents reporting levels of improved comfort satisfaction. Practical Application A whole house energy system demonstrates the benefits of a holistic, fabric and systems retrofit approach. The work informs how gathering data using appropriate methods assists modelling predictions and decisions throughout the retrofit stages. The study demonstrates extensive monitoring as a vital tool to evaluate the performance of the individual components and the whole system within the home, as used by the residents. Performance evaluation is critical in identifying issues, allowing resolutions to be made both immediately on-site as well for longer term, follow on retrofit programmes. Real-life performance evaluation and visualisation methods are transferable across global building industry.

Equity-based energy retrofits to address energy poverty in Canada

Many energy efficiency and decarbonization retrofit programs aim to alleviate energy poverty by targeting low-income households, but these programs do not always address the multiple determinants of energy poverty. This study develops a vulnerability-based framework to explore the extent to which energy retrofit programs designed for low-income households comprehensively account for socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural structures that shape energy poverty experiences, employing Canada as an empirical case study using key informant interviews with program administrators. The framework conceptualizes energy poverty as the vulnerability to future housing-related harms, amplified by energy-related risk factors, and conditioned by a household's inability to adequately respond. The study finds several key issues limiting the capacity of low-income retrofit programs to address the overlapping and compounding determinants of energy poverty, including inadequate funding, exclusion of the poorest quality housing, limited retrofit options, and a narrow focus on energy efficiency gains. This study shows key opportunities to expand and deepen the current ecosystem of low-income retrofit programs by expanding existing policy innovations. The paper also offers suggestions for widening the policy arena to address energy poverty, both within retrofit programs and beyond.

Research on energy-saving renovation of old oceanarium based on energy consumption monitoring technology

This study takes an old oceanarium in Jiangsu Province, China, as a case study and monitors the energy consumption values related to electricity, water and gas consumption for the whole year before the renovation of the oceanarium. Based on the energy consumption monitoring data, an in-depth analysis of the energy consumption defects of the oceanarium before the renovation is conducted using energy audit technology. We combine the characteristics of the oceanarium itself according to: (1) the results of the building energy audit; (2) the results of the envelope calculation; and (3) the latest energy-saving retrofit technology. We developed a more scientific building energy-saving retrofit programme. Using this method, we can accurately monitor the energy consumption problems in old oceanarium buildings and find building energy consumption defects. In this study, we monitor the real-time energy consumption of nine old government office buildings in Jiangsu Province, China using energy monitoring technology. We analyse and study the monitoring results and finally target the scientific energy-saving retrofits. This method can be used to carry out targeted energy-saving building renovation in the future and put forward new methods and ideas for studying the energy consumption of existing public buildings.

Realized dynamic effect of retrofits on energy consumption in Soviet-era multi-apartment buildings

Retrofit programs for old and highly energy-inefficient housing stock from the Soviet era are widely believed to offer a rare win-win opportunity for mitigating climate change and addressing acute energy poverty issues in Eastern European urban neighborhoods. However, despite government subsidies and a push for greater energy efficiency, many people do not undertake retrofits. This raises the question: do these retrofits truly deliver the promised returns? This paper aims to examine the effects of retrofit programs on old Soviet-era multi-apartment buildings' realized dynamic energy savings in Lithuania by analyzing monthly energy bills. Our findings suggest that retrofits are associated with a 50% to 59% reduction in average space heating consumption across various post-retrofit periods. Additionally, retrofits have a short-term effect on electricity savings of 3% to 3.6%. However, our cost-benefit analysis indicates that the energy savings were not sufficiently large to cover the initial investment costs.

A GIS-Based Top-Down Approach to Support Energy Retrofitting for Smart Urban Neighborhoods

Energy and environmental challenges are a major concern across the world and the urban residential building sector, being one of the main stakeholders in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, needs to be more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. While it is easier to design net zero energy homes, existing home stocks are a major challenge for energy retrofitting. Two key challenges are determining the extent of retrofitting required, and developing knowledge-based effective policies that can be applied en-masse to housing stocks and neighborhoods. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to gather critical data about qualities of existing buildings including their age, geo-location, construction type, as well as electro-mechanical and occupancy parameters of each dwelling. The objective of this study was to develop a GIS-based model embedded with critical data of residential buildings to facilitate evidence-based retrofit programs for urban neighborhoods. A model based on a bottom-up approach was proposed in which information gathered from all stakeholders was inputted into one database that can be used for decision-making. A geo-located case study to validate a proposed GIS-based residential retrofitting model sample size of 74 residential buildings in the city of Riyadh was statistically analyzed and used. The results indicate behavior-based patterns, with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.606) between the number of occupants and number of household appliances, while regression analysis showed high occupancy rates do not necessarily result in high utility costs at the end of the month, and there is no statistical difference in the average monthly cost of gas between partial and fully occupied houses. Furthermore, neither the type of building, height, age, nor occupancy status play a significant role in the average energy consumed. Additionally, the GIS-based model was validated and found to be effective for energy-use mapping and gathering critical data for analyzing energy consumption patterns at neighborhood scale, making it useful for municipalities to develop effective policies aimed at energy efficient and smart neighborhoods, based on a recommended list of most effective energy-saving retrofit measures.

Examining the impact of energy efficiency retrofits and vegetation on energy performance of institutional buildings: An equity-driven analysis

Inequities in the built environment have long persisted in communities around the world. Prior studies have exposed that energy retrofit programs invest inequitably in residential buildings, leaving racial minorities with disproportionately less energy inefficient homes, regardless of income level. This inequity in energy performance and retrofit investments has yet to be studied for commercial and institutional buildings. Further research has shown that tree canopy coverage and vegetation is less dense in historically disadvantaged communities, contributing to a greater urban heat island effect and corresponding higher energy consumption for cooling compared to historically advantaged communities. Moreover, there is limited albeit emerging research that utilizes granular socioeconomic data with fine temporal scale energy consumption data to help identify energy inequalities among race and income groups. This paper examines the differential impact of energy efficiency retrofit installation on energy performance between advantaged vs. disadvantaged groups using data from U.S. public school buildings. Additionally, it studies how the effect of retrofits is compounded by the presence of vegetation surrounding the building. Utilizing hourly interval smart meter data from primary and secondary school buildings in California, the impact of retrofits are quantified using three energy metrics. Then the disparities in retrofit impact for advantaged vs. disadvantaged groups (as defined by three equity metrics) are evaluated using school-level demographic data. Lastly, regression on the percent change in monthly energy consumption from the pre-retrofit to post-retrofit period is used to quantify the incremental benefits of retrofits compounded by vegetation. Findings show that energy efficiency retrofits can improve energy performance and reduce energy inequities. Specifically, retrofits significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce the energy efficiency equity gap by up to 198%. Evidence shows that vegetation surrounding a building has a synergistic effect with mechanical retrofits for reducing energy consumption in respect to reduced cooling loads, even in cases where mechanical retrofits alone resulted in significant increases in energy consumption. Dense vegetation provides around 6% energy savings, similar in magnitude to savings from mechanical retrofit installation. This validates the effectiveness of retrofits for reducing energy consumption and improving energy equity, and demonstrates the ability of vegetation to provide additional energy savings beyond mechanical interventions.

Feasibility analysis of retrofitting existing residential towards the EnerPHit standard in HSCW zone: A case study in Guilin, China

In response to the increasing demand for thermal comfort and the rising trend of building energy consumption in the hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) zone of China, there is an urgent need to implement higher standards of energy retrofit programs for existing residentials. Practical strategies and technical solutions still need to be improved in China. The Passive House standard (and its EnerPHit standard) aims to achieve ultra-low operational energy consumption through passive strategies. However, studies and examples of passive houses and low-energy buildings are rare in hot climates, especially in the HSCW zone of China. This paper presents the representative of the existing residential in Guilin, China. Simulation modeling through DesignBuilder and a sensitivity analysis were performed to conclude that airtightness, envelope, glazing type, and roof are the most critical factors affecting the energy consumption of the building. Furthermore, the combined solution was validated by optimizing the different retrofit parameters, resulting in a model that meets the energy objectives. The feasibility of the combined solution was also analyzed from the energy, economic, and thermal comfort points of view. Ultimately, the optimal solution that meets the objectives is obtained through a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach for a more sustainable building. The methodology and results of this study provide an effective decision-making process for designing and evaluating energy retrofits for typical residential buildings in the HSCW zone, as well as a rigorous basis for policymakers to update the design codes for retrofitting buildings in HSCW zone.

Citizen building scientist? The opportunity and challenge of citizen involvement in building retrofits

The aim of this research is to examine the impact of citizen involvement in residential building retrofits within the United States, with a focus on single-family houses. The importance of this study stems from the residential sector’s significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for energy retrofits to mitigate this impact. Our research approach involved a comprehensive review of 66 retrofit programs to identify existing opportunities for citizen involvement. Additionally, we implemented text mining on data extracted from the most extensive social media platform related to home retrofits to gain insights into citizen perceptions and understandings of retrofit practices. We discovered a wide array of citizen involvement approaches, including Do-It-Yourself audits, information and education, feedback, community engagement, and professional audits. From the social media analysis, 15 key topics were identified, eight of which aligned with the National Residential Efficiency Measures Database, while seven were uniquely discovered. These findings led to the introduction of the concept “Citizen Building Scientist”, representing proactive and environmentally aware citizens who display active participation in retrofits and share their knowledge for sustainable practices. Overall, this research provides an overview of the United States energy-saving retrofit programs, coupled with an exploration of citizen interactions surrounding retrofits on social media platforms. In addition, the results offer insightful information that may be used to improve the current retrofit programs and boost the acceptance and realization rates of the retrofit measures.

The willingness of social housing tenants to participate in natural gas-free heating systems project: Insights from a stated choice experiment in the Netherlands

One of the main tools to achieve the promise of carbon neutrality is the energy transition. Reducing dependence on traditional energy and promoting the use of renewable energy drives changes in the energy sector and contributes to the energy transition. The building sector is strongly linked to energy consumption and retrofitting the building sector with natural gas energy is a positive energy efficiency strategy. This research aimed to determine the factors influencing social housing tenants in the Netherlands to participate in retrofits and to identify the differences among participants in their preferences. Using a stated choice experiment and discrete choice model, 380 effective social housing tenants in the Netherlands participated. The estimated Mixed Logit Model (MLM) reveals the preferences of social housing residents, and the Latent Class Model (LCM) indicates differences between latent groups. The results show that social housing residents are attracted by saving total housing costs, enhancing living comfort, providing a new bathroom, kitchen and toilet of individual houses and improving the neighbourhood environment. Meanwhile, they are resistant to the interference generated during the renovation process. These findings can be used to guide government and housing organisations in developing retrofit programs that align with the needs and preferences of social housing tenants.

Assessment of Subsidization Strategies for Multi-Objective Optimization of Energy Efficiency Measures for Building Renovation at District Scale

In recent years, public authorities around the world have used incentive strategies to encourage the renovation of the existing building stock to meet the set carbon neutrality targets. However, the design of the incentives typically does not consider that the subsidized energy efficiency measures should result in robust long-term improvements with respect to various objectives. Moreover, building energy retrofit analyses are commonly conducted at the individual building level rather than at urban scale, which could instead significantly accelerate the renovation rate. In this context, the current research aims to combine these different factors to support the design of building energy retrofit programs. We developed 21 subsidization strategies and their impact was evaluated on a parametric multi-objective optimization with respect to energy, economic, and environmental performance for a district located in Bolzano, Northern Italy. The optimization was performed considering a set of energy efficiency measures, pertaining to building envelope, climate change, economic scenarios, and two types of energy supplies. The results showed that (1) the impact of climate change is limited for the climate of Bolzano; (2) the type of energy supply strongly influences the economic feasibility of the retrofit investments; (3) when the investment is profitable, the optimal solutions include those measures with the largest impact on energy efficiency; and (4) subsidization strategies modify the number and composition of the Pareto solutions.

Achieving deep-energy retrofits for households in energy poverty

Climate change and energy poverty are two sustainability challenges that can be addressed through deep-energy retrofits for homes. This systematic review identifies which factors influence the achievement of energy retrofits for households vulnerable to energy poverty. It covers both energy-poor households and the landlords or building owners of energy-poor households. The results identify a range of influential factors across several themes: financial, policy and organizational, trust and communication, technical, attitudes and values, and health. Health and quality of life are particularly influential motivating factors among households vulnerable to energy poverty, as is the presence of trust and communication between stakeholders. Multiple financial considerations are also important, such as the availability of no-cost retrofit options and the prospect of lower energy and maintenance costs. Lastly, government requirements to retrofit and minimum energy standards are motivating, particularly in the social housing sector. These findings and the lack of focus on energy poverty within the energy retrofit literature and policies point to a need for further research on this topic, and for retrofit policies specifically targeted to households vulnerable to energy poverty. Policy relevance Energy retrofit policies targeting households vulnerable to energy poverty could be more effective if they: Improve access to low or no-cost retrofit options alongside tenant protection mechanisms Include requirements for resident consent and engagement Build capacity to collect, centralize and publicize information about building stocks to align retrofit projects with necessary upgrades Disseminate knowledge of retrofit programs through trusted communicators Increase stakeholders’ understanding of retrofit benefits Take a holistic approach by emphasizing the co-benefits of energy retrofits in energy-poor households Implement government requirements to pursue energy retrofits aligned with overarching government climate policies, particularly for publicly owned housing.

A Study on Cable Restrained Seismic Behavior of Suspended Piping Systems with Rod Support

台灣在公共工程、醫院等建築物中，經常以螺紋牙桿為懸吊構件，支撐裝載水系的單桿管線或共同吊架，例如：懸吊式消防撒水系統、懸吊式共同管線吊架系統等。然而，多數的懸吊設備不會額外顧及受震振動問題，僅考慮自重支撐是否足夠，因此該類型以螺紋牙桿為懸吊構件的設備，經常在地震中震動過大損壞、漏水，造成使用空間既有機能停擺、增加維修成本。本研究針對國內常見螺紋牙桿之消防撒水系統與共同管線吊架系統，及其常用之施工與補強方式，參考NFPA13與ISAT之補強建議下，利用經UL認證市售鋼索補強，進行振動台實驗，分析比較補強前後系統識別、動靜態特性差異。實驗顯示利用鋼索補強可以大量降低地震造成的管線振動量，確認該補強構件為實務亦可使用之耐震補強策略。In Taiwan, rod supports are usually used for suspension systems in hospitals and public spaces, such as fire-sprinkler piping systems and trapeze systems. Because pipe breakage and leakage after an earthquake can reduce the building function and cost lots of money and time to recover, the dynamic behavior of the above systems is important to understand before a good retrofit program is proposed. This study focuses on the rod support for suspended fire-protection sprinkler piping systems and suspended trapeze system. Retrofitted with cables that satisfied the seismic component requirements from NFPA13 and ISAT, and the cable restraint components which were certified by UL, we studied their dynamic behavior. By shaking table tests, the system identification and system characteristic were analyzed for before and after retrofit. Test results indicated that cables are effective to reduce the horizontal displacement of rod supported piping and trapeze systems in earthquake motion.

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program Leading Edge (HUD)

Federal Grants & ContractsVolume 47, Issue 13 p. 7-7 Grants Alerts Green and Resilient Retrofit Program Leading Edge (HUD) First published: 30 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/fgc.33072Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume47, Issue131 June 2023Pages 7-7 RelatedInformation

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program Elements (HUD)

Federal Grants & ContractsVolume 47, Issue 13 p. 7-7 Grants Alerts Green and Resilient Retrofit Program Elements (HUD) First published: 30 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/fgc.33071Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume47, Issue131 June 2023Pages 7-7 RelatedInformation

Roadmap to a Sustainable Energy System: Is Uncertainty a Major Barrier to Investments for Building Energy Retrofit Projects in Wide City Compartments?

Along the roadmap to a Sustainable Real Estate-Scape, energy retrofit campaigns on wide city compartments represent a pivotal task, where the importance of the collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial. Energy retrofit programs on building assets are subject to multiple uncertainty factors (e.g., climate, energy-economy forecasts, etc.) that act as a primary barrier to investment in this field. This paper aims to discuss risk management techniques to understand better how to deal with this kind of uncertainty. The research specifically addresses the techniques of sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation, focusing first on the phase of variables selection and their probability definition, including climatic, environmental, energy, economic, financial, and stochastic parameters. In this article, it is suggested to include correlation coefficients in the input variables of risk analysis, preferring the two-dimension Monte Carlo simulation to its simple version, since the results are more reliable when separating aleatory from epistemic uncertainty; thus, the results are more reliable. Moreover, it is seen how a sensitivity analysis based on percentile variations of the inputs provides a more accurate representation of risk if compared to the most common sensitivity analysis based on percentage deviations of the inputs. Conducting a sensitivity analysis using percentile variations gives realistic and reliable results, reflecting the tailored definition of uncertainty around the inputs on the basis of specific market analyses or historical series.

Tackling (Not Only) Air Pollution: Cross-sectional Tensions behind State-led Energy Retrofit Program in Poland

According to the World Health Organization, 36 out of the 50 most polluted cities in the EU in 2018 were in Poland. In response to public pressure and supranational obligations, the state-led, household-oriented energy retrofit Clean Air Priority Program (CAPP) was launched in 2018. We investigate how the Polish state, local actors, and market organizations within this program dynamically compete and cooperate to enforce their agendas. Using in-depth interviews, secondary sources, and applying the Policy Arrangements Approach (PAA), we explore discursive and institutional tensions between central and local, as well as public and private actors’ objectives which fostered and complemented the rationale of the program’s air quality with ‘low-carbon’ policy goals. We highlight that pressure from grassroots groups, external power, and leadership can overcome differences in priority agendas by borrowing elements of stakeholders’ norms and discourses.

Drift‐ and energy‐based seismic performance assessment of retrofitted wood frame shear wall buildings: Shake table tests

AbstractIn 2004, the Province of British Columbia (BC) announced a multi‐year $1.5 billion seismic retrofit program for the province's 750 at‐risk public schools. The purpose of this program was to quantify the seismic risk of the province's public‐school buildings and to expedite the seismic upgrading of the most at‐risk schools. In order to provide a safe and cost‐effective implementation of this program, the Engineers and Geoscientists BC, in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, has developed a performance‐based probabilistic method and guidelines for the seismic risk assessment and retrofit of low‐rise buildings. As part of this initiative, a number of laboratory experiments have been conducted to provide data that would support the recommendations provided in the guidelines. The laboratory experiments included several full‐scale shake table tests of wood frame systems. The specimens were subjected to sequences of earthquake motions to simulate their performance under main shock‐aftershocks. This paper presents details of seven of the experiment and wood‐frame buildings considered. A detailed discussion of the results of the analyses of the shake table tests data, and performance assessment using drift‐ and energy‐based damage indices is presented. This study highlights the importance of considering the effects of subduction earthquake and mainshock‐aftershock sequences for design and retrofit of wood frame structures.

Census-based urban building energy modeling to evaluate the effectiveness of retrofit programs

Housing retrofits are essential for meeting societal decarbonization goals, alongside addressing energy insecurity, improving public health, and creating new jobs. Yet, despite their multiple benefits and comprehensive government efforts to incentivize retrofits, adoption rates across the world remain low, usually less than 1% per year. Barriers to adoption among homeowners include lack of knowledge of what combination of energy retrofitting upgrades are most cost effective for their situation given available incentive programs. Similarly, cities lack urban-level analysis tools to optimize uptake of and predict carbon emissions reduction from existing incentive programs. To address the latter gap, we present a census-based Urban Building Energy Modeling framework that combines a technical energy saving potential analysis with a socioeconomic model that includes occupant demographics, local building regulations, and incentive eligibility criteria. We use the framework to evaluate the effectiveness of retrofit programs in two Boston neighborhoods with median incomes of $110,00 and $42,000. Results reveal that for the higher income, neighborhood predicted and actual adoption rates between 2014 and 2017 are comparable. In the lower income neighborhood, the proportion of households that would financially benefit from incentive offerings is higher. However, current participation rates do not reflect this difference suggesting that many viable projects do not happen for reasons that are not yet captured by the model. Urban planners, energy policy designers, and community advocates seeking to plan and evaluate energy incentive programs can use this framework to understand the breakdown of opportunities and barriers for different socio-demographic groups and geographic locations.