03.7 / Work ExampleInnovative Technology

A core focus for FRESCo is researching and testing the potential of innovative technologies to save energy and reduce GHG emissions and then working with utilities and building owners to integrate these technologies into retrofit projects.    

Here are some examples of current/recent projects: 

Demand Response

Demand response is the adjustment of a building’s electricity use in response to signals like utility pricing, demand charges, or grid needs. At the building level, benefits include:  

•  Lower energy bills by shifting electricity use to off-peak times.  
• Reduce or avoid costly electrical capacity upgrades.  

When implemented at scale, demand response can:  

• Ease electrical grid strain, helping utilities defer infrastructure upgrades.  

• Minimize the need for costly electrical capacity upgrades.  

• Help qualify buildings for future utility demand response incentive programs. 

FRESCo is working with utilities and building owners to integrate demand response into building retrofit programs. See case study of innovative domestic hot water and demand response retrofit 

Load Management

Load management means controlling when and how much energy a building uses, especially during peak demand times. Instead of just reducing energy use overall, it focuses on shifting or reducing energy consumption at specific times to make the building more efficient and cost-effective.  

A key priority for FRESCo is advancing the application of load management through research reports, engineering feasibility studies and retrofit implementation.  See the 2024 Electrical Panel Management and Load Diet report that outlines options to install heat pumps while minimizing the need for electrical panel upgrades by a) minimizing the electrical demand of additional loads,, b) reducing electrical loads within the suite (load diet),c) implementing electrical load management.    

Other Technologies 

FRESCo brings extensive experience with other innovative technologies including:  

• Dual Fuel Heating Systems 

• Dual Fuel Make Up Air Systems 

• Gas Absorption Heat Pumps 

• Window Mounted Heat Pumps 

• Co2 Domestic Hot Water Heat Pumps 

• Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Controls 

• Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Systems