Retrofitting for Energy Conservation

“A practical, system-by-system guide to retrofitting commercial and institutional buildings for maximum energy efficiency, with every recommendation tied to measurable ROI and simple payback analysis.”

KEYWORDS: energy conservation, green buildings, hvac, electrical, water supply, architectural, lighting

449 pages 
6x9 Trade book 
Available as a Paperback, PDF book, or ebook 
Read a 15-page preview at Blurb.com

About the Book

In an era of rising energy costs and tightening environmental regulations, Retrofitting for Energy Conservation by William H. Clark II, P.E., delivers a comprehensive, field-tested roadmap for transforming existing buildings into high-efficiency facilities. Written for engineers, facility managers, and building trades professionals, this authoritative guide bridges the gap between theory and practice—covering every major building system from HVAC and lighting to the building envelope, electrical distribution, and domestic water.

Clark’s approach is grounded in economic accountability: every conservation measure is evaluated for return on investment and simple payback, making the case that energy efficiency is among the most stable, low-risk investments available. The book’s two-part structure first equips readers with core methodologies, then walks them through real-world project implementation and energy auditing techniques. Rounding out the volume are 284 practical energy-saving tips, a glossary, and an introduction to computer-aided numerical analysis. Whether auditing an existing facility or reviewing plans for new construction, this resource remains an indispensable reference for anyone committed to sustainable, cost-effective building performance.

Target Audience

Mechanical and electrical engineers (PE-level and early-career)
Facility managers and building operations staff
Energy auditors and sustainability consultants
Architecture and construction professionals
Technical/vocational library collections

Key Themes

Engineering pragmatism — low-cost, high-impact solutions executable by tradespeople
Economic accountability — ROI and simple payback as the core decision framework
System interdependence — understanding how changes in lighting, HVAC, and envelope interact
Maintenance as efficiency — a well-maintained facility is an energy-efficient one
Regulatory and environmental drivers — ozone depletion (Freon phase-out), IAQ standards, and global energy demand

Detailed Table of Contents

Part 1: The Methods

Chapter 1 — The Domestic Water System: Covers leak detection, hot water storage temperature optimization, and pipe insulation to reduce thermal loss.
Chapter 2 — Building Envelope: Examines the energy impact of walls, windows, and roofs, including load profiling, shading devices, and vapor barriers.
Chapter 3 — Ventilation and Infiltration Control: Explores the stack effect, building pressurization strategies, and balancing energy savings with indoor air quality (CO₂ management).
Chapter 4 — Lighting Projects I: Introduces high-efficiency lamp technologies (fluorescent, HID) and the fundamentals of color-corrected lighting selection.
Chapter 5 — Lighting Projects II: Extends lighting coverage to automated controls such as photocells, occupancy sensors, and daylight harvesting.
Chapter 6 — Heating and Cooling Systems: Reviews fan laws, thermostat management, and the comparative efficiency of self-contained HVAC unit types.
Chapter 7 — Central Systems: Addresses central plant operations including chiller staging, boiler blowdown, steam trap maintenance, and cooling tower water treatment.
Chapter 8 — Electrical Projects: Focuses on distribution losses, motor efficiency, power factor correction, and harmonic impacts from electronic equipment.
Chapter 9 — Architectural Concepts: Examines thermal mass, building orientation, below-grade construction, and landscaping as passive energy-reduction strategies.
Chapter 10 — Controls: Covers the transition to centralized Energy Management Systems (EMS), optimized start/stop scheduling, and demand-limiting strategies.

Part 2: The Projects

Chapter 11 — Water and Steam System Projects: Provides actionable project guides with payback calculations for water and steam efficiency upgrades.
Chapter 12 — Building Projects: Details retrofit projects targeting the building envelope with step-by-step implementation guidance.
Chapter 13 — HVAC Projects: Presents specific HVAC retrofit projects, including calculation methods for verifying energy savings.
Chapter 14 — Lighting Projects: Delivers complete project guides for lighting upgrades, from lamp replacement to full controls integration.
Chapter 15 — Controls Projects: Outlines projects for implementing or upgrading building automation and energy management controls.
Chapter 16 — Auditing Existing Buildings: Guides readers through conducting a professional walk-through energy audit and preparing a formal report for building administrators.
Chapter 17 — The Building Plan Review Audit: Offers a design-phase checklist to identify and correct energy inefficiencies before construction begins.
Chapter 18 — Energy Tips and Tricks: Compiles 284 quick, actionable energy-saving measures spanning all building systems and occupant behaviors.
Chapter 19 — The HVAC Design Process: Outlines the full HVAC design workflow from schematic development through construction documents, with emphasis on value engineering.
Chapter 20 — Numerical Analysis Techniques: Introduces computer-aided tools (dBase IV) for building customized energy auditing and savings-analysis programs.

Purchase the Book

Please visit the book’s landing page on Blurb.com for a 15-page preview and options to purchase the paperback or PDF.

About the Book

Target Audience

Key Themes

Detailed Table of Contents

Purchase the Book

Further Reading