B2E Commercial Building Electrification Guide

Nov 2024

The first edition of the B2E Commercial Building Electrification Guide was created by practitioners with practical experience with deep retrofits, in consultation with leading mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers, as well as building owners, and equipment suppliers. It is intended to be a resource that will enable consultants to design and construct successful building electrification projects and build the sector’s capacity to reach our emissions reduction targets.  

The guide is divided into three sections: Electrification Process, Technical Considerations, and Resources.

The Electrification Process

For consultants with a new construction background or with experience in traditional system replacement projects, this section provides guidance on how to approach the electrification of key mechanical systems in existing buildings, including:   

  • a high-level planning process that can be tailored to virtually any building or portfolio, and  

  • a project-level implementation roadmap that includes considerations specific to the electrification implementation process.  

This section introduces the concept of the mechanical engineer as prime consultant – a potentially unfamiliar role with new responsibilities and perspectives that will need to be assumed to successfully implement electrification projects – and offers guidance for the engineer's role in electrification projects, from initial planning, through design, procurement, construction and ongoing operations.  

Technical considerations 

This section provides guidance and considerations for designing and constructing retrofits for key mechanical systems – including HVAC (with a deep dive on heat pumps) and domestic hot water (DHW) systems. It explores the novel challenges and complications encountered by building electrification projects and addresses the role other consultants from engineering disciplines – including structural, electrical, and architectural – can play in identifying and overcoming them. 

Supplemental Information 

This section comprises a series of appendices to support the use of the Guide, including decarbonization reference pathways, case studies that document electrification project outcomes and share lessons learned, a glossary of key terms, and references that can provide additional information about topics and concepts covered. 

The B2E Commercial Building Electrification Guide offers a step-by-step repeatable process to help consultants and building owners achieve significant GHG reductions through electrification. Download this incredible free resource today!

B2E Commercial Building Electrification Guide

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The guide was developed by SES Consulting and First Light Energy Solutions in consultation with and peer-reviewed by many expert practitioners. Funding for the development of this guide was generously provided by BC Hydro, City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, and the Building to Electrification Coalition (B2E), a program of the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC). 

Want to provide feedback on the guide? Submit your comments using this form to be reviewed by the project team and considered for future versions. 

Want to join a community of building electrification practitioners? Consider becoming a member of B2E, membership is free and there are tons of benefits, visit this page to join B2E. 

Do you have feedback for the authors of the guide? Please submit your comments via this form.

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