This project will demonstrate a holistic, non-invasive exterior wall cladding retrofit solution to reduce energy costs and improve building resilience on military installations. The approach will incorporate recent developments in building scanning and digital modeling tools to design efficient retrofits for exterior walls, windows, and foundations. By providing a scalable retrofit strategy for aging and energy-inefficient buildings, the project aims to help reduce the substantial cost burden associated with heating and cooling across the Department of Defense (DoD) building portfolio.

The project will incorporate advanced digital tools and prefabricated panels to retrofit an uninsulated 1930’s masonry building in North Riverside at the Illinois Army National Guard. The process includes: 

1. Preliminary Digitalization: Using photogrammetric analysis to create initial three-dimensional (3D) models for cost estimation and scope of work development.
2. Detailed Building Information Model Scanning: Conducting high-precision 3D scans to develop a detailed building information model with accurate dimensions.
3. Panelization: Custom prefabricated panels for precise installation with little on-site adjustment.
4. Installation: Implementing the retrofit entirely from the exterior, reducing occupant disruption. The retrofit includes an exterior secondary window system and innovative slab edge insulation methods.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Comparing pre- and post-retrofit energy usage, monitoring cost reductions, and evaluating performance improvements.

The project focuses on commercially available technologies such as photogrammetric scanning, light detection and ranging scanning, and prefabricated insulation panels from InSoFast. Secondary glazing and slab edge insulation will enhance energy efficiency further. The project will be informed by a collaborative technical advisory council and aims to streamline retrofit processes by using digital models to reduce material waste and installation time for non-invasive retrofits. 

The retrofit solution represents a significant advancement in building modernization for the DoD. The approach is designed to be applicable to a large portion of DoD's building inventory, potentially impacting over 50% of older facilities. Preliminary models suggest a potential 25% reduction in heating costs. Across DoD, this could result in annual savings of $35 million, assuming a 10% adoption rate. By integrating digital tools and prefabrication with minimal disruption strategies, the project aims to achieve substantial energy savings, improved building performance, and reduced operational costs, setting a precedent for future upgrades across DoD facilities. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2028)