Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings
Framework by the NYSERDA, RMI, Building Energy Exchange, ULI (2024) | Retrofitting, Information, Technology
Curator: Alexandra Faciu
Montréal, Canada
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Why we recommend it: The Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings, in short NYC Playbook, is a knowledge sharing platform that offers significant benefits: guiding building owners in developing cost-effective, long-term decarbonization strategies; providing real-world case studies and financial data for informed investment decisions; supporting equitable transitions that enhance occupant health and comfort; reducing operating costs; boosting asset value; and helping to meet regulatory climate goals. Its strategic approach empowers owners to integrate sustainable practices while improving resilience and competitiveness in the real estate market.
The NYC Retrofit Playbook is a collaborative effort by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Building Energy Exchange, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). This partnership combines deep expertise and leadership to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future for New York’s buildings. Together, they provide real estate stakeholders with a robust platform to take informed, strategic action on decarbonization, supporting both climate objectives and long-term investment success.
Key takeaways:
- At the heart of the NYC Playbook is the Strategic Building Decarbonization framework, developed through the Empire Building Challenge (EBC), a collaborative initiative led by the NYSERDA in partnership with leading New York real estate firms. The EBC aims to demonstrate scalable, replicable approaches to deep carbon reductions in large buildings, aligned with New York State’s ambitious climate goals.
- Through NYSERDA-supported demonstration projects, EBC partners are implementing best-in-class decarbonization strategies that serve as real-world models for the broader market. These efforts are captured and disseminated through the NYC Playbook’s dynamic resource library, which includes:
Case studies from active retrofit projects
Technical guides and implementation frameworks
Best practices for design, engineering, and operations
Educational materials to support stakeholder engagement and capacity building
- The NYC Playbook is continuously updated to reflect emerging insights, evolving standards, and lessons learned from field implementation. It is positioned as a living resource for industry professionals committed to advancing sustainability in the built environment.
- Strategic Approach and Value Proposition: The NYC Playbook outlines a three-step methodology for strategic decarbonization:
Assessment: Evaluate current building conditions, asset profiles, and market context to identify investment triggers and upgrade opportunities.
Design: Develop resource-efficient engineering solutions with phased implementation timelines, prioritizing energy load reduction, heat recovery, and electrification.
Business Case Development: Conduct cost-effectiveness analysis, net present value modeling, and alignment with long-term capital planning and asset management criteria.
- This approach enables building owners to move beyond compliance and view decarbonization as a strategic opportunity to reduce operating costs, enhance asset value, and attract sustainability-conscious tenants. The NYC Playbook also provides transparent financial data from real-world projects, helping stakeholders understand the economics of various retrofit pathways.
- Importantly, the NYC Playbook supports an equitable transition, enhancing comfort and health for occupants while building resilience and reducing emissions. It is particularly valuable for large buildings facing regulatory pressures and financial opportunities tied to emissions reduction, making it a critical tool for sustainable asset management and portfolio future-proofing.
To access the resource click 🔗 this link
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