Wagdy Anis Symposium on Building Science 2025

Call for Abstracts

Data-Driven Retrofits: Transforming Existing Enclosures for Performance

Retrofitting existing buildings to improve their energy performance is critical to meeting goals for mitigating climate change through reduction in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• According to Architecture 2030, 27.3% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions is generated by the energy required to run building operations. Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide requires increasingly energy-efficient building enclosures to reduce operational energy.

• The energy needed to produce cement, iron, steel and aluminum for building construction generates another 15% of the global carbon dioxide emissions. By preserving the fabric of existing buildings, we can significantly reduce the energy used to produce new construction materials.

With an enormous stock of existing buildings in need of energy performance upgrades, where do we start and how do we know what are the most effective solutions to improving performance? A wide range of technological tools is now available. In this symposium, we plan to explore the power of data and modeling for optimizing the impact of building enclosure retrofits

The symposium planning committee seeks submission of 200-word abstracts on the theme of Data-Driven Retrofits. We encourage participation by representatives from a wide range of perspectives including: building ownership and operations; design, engineering and construction at each phase of a project; and research & development of construction methods, materials and products. The structure of the symposium will include a mix of 30-minute talks and 60-minute panel presentations – please include case studies. We recommend that each panel include no more than four speakers. Additionally, proposals for workshops and student papers are welcome.

Topics of interest include:

• Emerging Technologies in Retrofit Data Collection and Analysis

• Policy and Incentives: Using Data to Maximize Retrofit Funding

• Data Visualization for Retrofit Decision-Making: Tools and Techniques

• The use of AI and other technology to monitor, model and manage energy performance of existing buildings

• Retrofit Effects on Urban Heat Islands: Modeling Building Enclosure Impacts

• The Future of Retrofit Standards: Data-Driven Updates to Building Codes (energy Code and Stretch Code provisions for existing buildings)

• Retrofit Cost Estimation and Contingency: Building Data-Driven Budgets

• Case Studies in High-Performance Enclosure Retrofits: Lessons from Commercial Buildings

• Retrofit Challenges in Historic Buildings: Balancing Preservation and Performance

• Moisture Management Data for Retrofits: Balancing Energy Efficiency and Durability

• Air Tightness Retrofits: Strategies and Measurable Impacts (Air sealing and other basic retrofit approaches versus deep energy retrofits.)

• Reclad verses Overclad - Quantifying our Decisions for Existing Conditions

• Resiliency by Design: Managing Expectations for Longevity, Durability and Maintenance

Click on the link in the box above to submit an abstract.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Wednesday, 7 May 2025: Open call for questions

• Friday, 23 May 2025: Abstract submissions due

• Friday, 21 June 2025: Committee will finalize program and notify presenters

• Friday, 19 September 2025: Presentation slides due

The Boston Building Enclosure Council (B-BEC), a non-profit organization led by architects and building enclosure experts, fosters technical excellence in building design and construction. Through monthly meetings, special events featuring panels and discussions, and the sharing of knowledge on materials and methods, B-BEC provides a forum for the design and construction industry to address common challenges. Our ultimate goal is to promote the informed application of building science to create high-performing commercial and residential buildings.

About Wagdy Anis FAIA (1941-2018)

Wagdy Anis served the architectural profession as a skilled problem solver, teacher, and advocate for the integrity and performance of the building enclosure in a career that spanned more than five decades.

During his 40-year tenure at Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott, Anis became a leader in the application of building science principles to the practice of building enclosure design. In 2008 he joined Wiss, Janney, Elstner as a building enclosure consultant. Seven years later he established his own practice, Anis Building Enclosure Consulting. To view his full bio, please click here.

About the Building Enclosure Council

The Boston Building Enclosure Council (B-BEC) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote technical excellence in the design and construction of the building enclosure. B-BEC is led by architects and building enclosure experts, to provide a forum where members of the design and construction industry can discuss common issues and share information on materials and methods, with the goal of promoting the well-informed application of building science to construction of commercial and residential buildings. We support this mission through monthly meetings and periodic special events, featuring panels, presentations, discussions and related activities.