About Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings
Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings is a knowledge-sharing platform dedicated to supporting building owners, operators, and their design and engineering teams in creating cost-effective, long-term decarbonization strategies for large buildings.
Our approach, known as Strategic Building Decarbonization, is rooted in the Empire Building Challenge (EBC). The EBC represents a joint initiative between the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and leading NY commercial real estate companies, with a mission to demonstrate replicable approaches for low-carbon retrofits in New York’s large commercial and multifamily buildings. With support from NYSERDA, EBC partners are implementing demonstration projects showcasing best in class decarbonization strategies that can be widely adopted to advance the State’s ambitious climate goals.
Our comprehensive resource library offers building professionals guidance and insights from EBC project teams to inform the development of effective decarbonization roadmaps for their properties. This living platform hosts a growing collection of invaluable resources, including case studies, technical guides, best practices, and educational materials, all geared towards promoting the adoption and success of low-carbon retrofits, and a more sustainable future in building design and operation.
Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings Team
Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings is brought to you by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), RMI, the Building Energy Exchange, and Urban Land Institute. Each partner brings unique expertise and commitment to the table, united by a shared vision of a sustainable, low-carbon future for New York’s buildings.
EBC Real Estate Partners
Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings is made possible by EBC and its partners. Our platform builds upon the Empire Building Playbook, a resource published in April of 2022 which presented case studies detailing the process by which Empire State Realty Trust, Hines, Durst, and Vornado developed their long-term carbon reduction roadmaps. The continued sharing of partner lessons-learned will create pathways for others to replicate successes and develop high-quality, low-carbon buildings of the future.