Home energy evaluations are integral in ensuring that retrofits are implemented effectively and maximize energy and cost savings potential. However, this process, which involves site visits and extensive data collection and analysis, can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, energy efficiency improvements must also result in substantial emissions savings to have an impact on the fight against climate change. This poses a challenge since the traditional convention analyzes primarily energy and cost efficiencies, often with little consideration for emissions or their impact on climate change.

Volta Research has developed an easy-to-use software application to streamline the energy assessment and modelling process for existing low-rise residential buildings. The web-based tool provides seamless integration of on-site data collection and off-site follow-up analysis with industry-standard energy modelling software: HOT2000. The tool also provides enhanced, location-specific energy and emissions analytics and retrofit recommendations, helping Certified Energy Advisors save time and provide their clients with the most effective retrofit options.

This tool expands our software platform Volta SNAP, which aims to help energy advisors evaluate new buildings. A key output of this project is a holistic energy modelling tool aimed at helping energy efficiency professionals deliver substantial energy and emission savings for Canadian buildings and homeowners.