Industrialized Weatherization: Comprehensive Deep Energy Retrofits with Prefabricated Panel Block Wall Insulation
Retrofitting Vermont’s existing building stock and developing local workforces are strategic initiatives under Efficiency Vermont’s 2021-2023 triennial plan, and Vermont law specifies principles for meeting State energy policy targets by, among other measures, weatherizing 120,000 homes by 2030. This research project offers a possible prototype for effectively achieving the 2030 weatherization goal by evaluating a super-insulated wall retrofitting process using prefabricated panel block wall insulation, a form of industrialized weatherization or industrialized construction developed by the Fraunhofer USA Center for Manufacturing Innovation. Work began in 2023 and reported in this paper evaluated panel block (PB) technology’s potential in terms of market appeal and acceptance, while also helping Efficiency Vermont understand the suitability and market potential of the PB system and deep energy retrofit process for Vermont households and businesses, thus informing future efficiency and decarbonization programs. The team found that recommended PB installation demonstration projects shared several characteristics, including very simple designs, a lack of historical preservation status for the site, minimal or no porch and no stoop roof, a need for re-siding or deteriorating lead paint on the siding, and an experienced general contractor and homeowner willing to apply the innovative technology with technical assistance and support from Fraunhofer and Efficiency Vermont at all phases of the project.