The Empire Building Challenge (“EBC”) program was launched to unlock replicable, scalable approaches to decarbonizing existing high rise commercial office and multifamily buildings in cold climates. EBC has developed the strategic decarbonization planning (SDP) framework to deliver projects that achieve more effective decarbonization.

As part of the EBC and the Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings, NYSERDA, Building Energy Exchange, and in collaboration with RMI and Ember Strategies, have developed a three-part training series that will build capacity within the engineering, design, technology, and real estate communities towards the advancement of achievable, cost-effective low carbon retrofits for large buildings. These courses will cover the essential concepts of the SDP framework through analyzing technical solutions and real estate conditions, constructing compelling and persuasive business case narratives, and creating decarbonization roadmaps for real-world projects.

Ready to learn more about how to decarbonize? This highly interactive session provides a hands-on introduction to the practice of building decarbonization planning in a game format. First, it reviews building decarbonization planning fundamentals from Course 1 and 2 of the Strategic Decarbonization Planning Training Series. Then, in small groups, attendees work together to develop a mock building decarbonization plan using information from an actual building. Each group will explore and evaluate strategies to reduce building GHG emissions while considering costs, trigger events, and other key contextual factors. Session attendees should come ready to engage with their peers and get to work!