03.6 / Work ExampleRetrofit Strategy and Policy Research and Training

Retrofit Strategy, Policy Research and Training

FRESCo’s research team is a national leader on topics related to retrofit strategy, policy research and the development and delivery of training.

Retrofit Strategy and Policy

Our team has delivered dozens of innovative research projects on a wide range of topics designed to accelerate building retrofits and inform related policies. A small sample of topics includes: 

• Costing Analysis of Window-Mounted Heat Pumps, City of Vancouver, 2025 

• Understanding and Advancing Tax Incentives for Low Carbon Building Retrofits, LLLBC/BOMABC, 2025 

• Dual-Fuel Hybrid Systems Decision Framework & Design Guidelines, BC Housing, 2024  

• On-Site Barriers to Building Electrification, City of Vancouver, 2024 

• Electrical Planning for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, BC Housing, CHOA BC, 2023 

• MURB Electrification Retrofits: Understanding Electrification Retrofit Opportunities and Challenges in BC Apartment Buildings, LandlordBC/BC Hydro, 2023 

Training 

FRESCO is a specialist in the development and delivery of a wide range of training programs. Recent examples include: 

• Development and delivery of House-As-A-System Contractor Training for the HPSC, 2024 

• Training on Understanding and Advancing Tax Incentives, 2025 

• Guidance for the Preparation of Electrical Planning Reports for Strata Corporations in BC,  CHOA, 2025 
• The Condo & Apartment In-Suite Heat Pump Installation – Interim Guidelines provide contractors and building stakeholders with a practical framework for safely and compliantly installing ductless in-suite heat pumps in condominium and apartment buildings. The document outlines program eligibility requirements, equipment and manufacturer installation expectations, strata/ownership considerations, and detailed building code, permitting, bylaw, and regulatory obligations under the BC Building Code. It establishes the minimum technical standards installers must meet and emphasizes the need for professional judgment, adherence to local authority regulations, and compliance with rebate program terms. These guidelines function as a bridge until a full formal installation guide is released, helping ensure consistent, code-aligned, safe, and jurisdiction-appropriate installation. The guidelines were developed for the HPSC in coordination between FRESCo, Ecolighten and TECA BC with a technical review by RDH.