RETScreen® Expert
Efficiency Engineering incorporates RETScreen® Expert as a core platform within our energy modelling and analysis services, applying it strategically based on project scope and analytical requirements. Over more than a decade of use, RETScreen has supported a wide range of our engagements, including energy audits, feasibility studies, detailed engineering analyses, and greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments. Using RETScreen® allows our team to evaluate a broad spectrum of energy conservation measures (ECMs) and renewable energy solutions. These include, but are not limited to, equipment upgrades, fuel conversions, lighting upgrades, solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal applications and building envelope improvements. The platform also supports the development of calibrated whole-building energy models through the integration and analysis of historical utility data, allowing us to closely align modeled performance with each facility’s actual operating conditions.
Beyond individual project analysis, RETScreen® Expert enables a comprehensive approach to energy and financial evaluation within a single, integrated environment. Its built-in climate database, benchmarking capabilities, and sensitivity and uncertainty analysis tools support efficient, reliable modelling while reducing overall analysis time. This allows us to provide clients with practical, data-driven insights into energy savings, cost implications, and emission reductions.
In addition to supporting project delivery, RETScreen is also used to help clients manage energy performance on an ongoing basis. Efficiency Engineering has assisted clients in developing and maintaining portfolio-level models, enabling them to track utility consumption, verify the impact of implemented ECMs, and evaluate new opportunities as they arise. These models provide a consistent and reliable foundation for informed decision-making, long-term energy planning, and continuous performance improvement.
Case Studies using RETscreen®
Project #1 - City of Mississauga Climate Action Roadmaps
Portfolio Size: RETScreen analysis of 56 municipal facilities.
Detailed decarbonization studies at 7 facilities including recreation centres, arenas, transit/operations centres, a fire station & library
Efficiency Engineering (EE) was retained by the City of Mississauga to complete a multi-phase analysis of its existing building portfolio. As a first step, the City identified seven representative facilities that reflect key building archetypes across its portfolio, including arenas, multi-use recreation centres, transit and operations facilities, libraries, and fire stations.
The project began with detailed decarbonization studies of the selected facilities. These in-depth analyses identified practical greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies tailored to each archetype.
Building on this work, EE developed calibrated whole-building RETScreen models for 56 facilities across the City’s portfolio. Each model was aligned with actual energy consumption data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Using these calibrated models, EE applied the decarbonization strategies identified in the detailed studies to other facilities of similar archetype. For example, measures developed through a comprehensive study of a single fire station were systematically applied to RETScreen models for 18 additional fire stations across the portfolio.
This approach enabled the City to efficiently scale insights from a limited number of detailed studies across a broad range of facilities. By leveraging RETScreen, the City gained:
A consistent and data-driven framework for evaluating decarbonization opportunities
Portfolio-wide visibility into potential GHG reductions
A scalable methodology for planning future upgrades
All RETScreen models were delivered to the City, empowering staff to continue using the platform to track performance and monitor progress as decarbonization measures are implemented.
Project #2 - City of Hamilton Facility Energy Audits
Portfolio Size: 10 municipal buildings
5 recreation centres & arenas, 3 transit/operations centres, a fire station & town hall
Efficiency Engineering was retained by the City of Hamilton to complete energy audits and early-stage net zero and decarbonization studies across a portfolio of municipal facilities, including arenas, administrative buildings, and transit/operations centres. The work included the development of comprehensive RETScreen models for each facility, incorporating detailed utility data analysis and the evaluation of energy conservation measures (ECMs) identified through the audit process.
As part of this initiative, existing RETScreen models were further refined to reflect proposed ECMs, enabling a consistent and data-driven assessment of projected energy savings, cost impacts, and greenhouse gas reductions.
Through this portfolio of studies, EE supported the City in evaluating a practical path toward decarbonization while addressing the constraints associated with aging infrastructure. The resulting recommendations were developed with implementation in mind, allowing them to be readily advanced into detailed design, tendering, and construction phases.
In addition to the audit deliverables, the City received a copy of the RETScreen model for each facility. These models provide a flexible, ongoing tool to support the monitoring and management of energy consumption, as well as the tracking of performance improvements as ECMs are implemented over time.
Project #3 - Church St Bradford Audit & Design
Portfolio Size: Single Facility/Rec Centre
In 2021, Efficiency Engineering (EE) initiated a multi-phase project at a community centre for the Town of Bradford. The work began with an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit to assess existing building performance and identify opportunities for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and overall energy efficiency improvement.
As part of this phase, EE developed a calibrated whole-building RETScreen model for the facility. The model was used to evaluate and support the development of recommended GHG reduction measures, providing a data-driven foundation for decision-making.
The Town subsequently leveraged the results of the energy audit and the RETScreen model to successfully secure significant federal funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program.
Following funding approval, EE was retained to provide detailed mechanical and electrical design services to implement the recommended measures, advancing the project from analysis through to execution.
Project #4 - Oxford County Energy Audits
Portfolio Size: 8 municipal buildings
Wastewater treatment plant, long-term care centre and 6 multi-residential buildings (MURBS)
Efficiency Engineering (EE) completed two phases of energy audits across eight Oxford County facilities, providing the County with a portfolio-wide understanding of energy performance and decarbonization opportunities. The facilities included a diverse mix of operational profiles, such as a wastewater treatment plant, a long-term care centre, and six multi-residential buildings, requiring a tailored analytical approach to reflect varying building types and system conditions.
This work highlighted the capability of RETScreen® Professional to efficiently evaluate a broad range of energy conservation measures (ECMs) across a diverse portfolio. The platform supported consistent, data-driven analysis while accommodating the unique characteristics of each facility.
The audits identified practical energy conservation and decarbonization measures aligned with the County’s operational and infrastructure needs. Many of the recommendations from the studies have been implemented or are in design & construction phase, including the installation of high efficiency VRF systems at multiple facilities. In addition to aiding in our analysis work, the RETScreen models developed as part of each study provide a valuable ongoing resource, enabling the County to track historical energy consumption, monitor facility performance, and assess the impact of implemented ECMs over time.