May 2026
When Old Buildings Meet New Standards: Energy Code Compliance Challenges
EVENT INFORMATION
Building energy codes are becoming more stringent with respect to airtightness and insulation requirements for both new and existing buildings. While a new construction project can simply adjust dimensions and modify materials, it is more challenging for existing buildings to address enclosure performance, sustainability, accessibility, historic preservation, existing materials, cost constraints, and other existing conditions. Join us for this webinar where the presenters will share their experience exploring feasibility studies for energy upgrades and renovations to existing buildings, and how to balance competing project issues. This webinar will also explore strategies for collaborating with project team members to figure out ways for the existing enclosure to comply with project and local jurisdiction goals for energy performance.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Date: May 21, 2026
Time: To be announced soon
Location: Virtual
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Discuss recent modifications to energy codes for existing buildings.
- Understand the various items that should be considered (code considerations, energy performance, enclosure conditions, etc.) when exploring an existing building renovation.
- Contemplate strategies for meeting increased energy performance while keeping existing enclosures in place.
- Explore case studies from existing building renovations to understand how the project team can balance energy performance with other considerations (historic preservation, enclosure performance, owner constraints, etc.).
Participants will earn 1 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending the webinar.
PRESENTERS
Mary Arntzen; SGH, Senior Project Manager
Mary Arntzen is experienced in designing, investigating, and rehabilitating building enclosure systems, and frequently provides construction-phase services. She serves as a project manager for various large and complex projects, often working directly with owners, architects, construction managers, and developer clients, as well as subcontractors, manufacturers, and other consultants. In recent years, she has been focused on the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code and its impact on new and existing projects.
Kelsey Dunn; SGH, Senior Project Manager
