R-Screen Net Zero Planning Tool Webinar: Comprehensive Notes and Key Concepts
Overview and purpose
Webinar title: NetZero Planning webinar featuring R-Screen Expert version 9.1 (latest version released in November).
Presenter: Kevin Bour. Audience: many participants learning about new tools in R-Screen.
Main goal: introduce the portfolio-wide Net Zero planning tool and the portfolio decarbonization framework, built to work with R-Screen, plus facility-level deep retrofit archetypes.
Schedule: ~1 hour of live demonstration followed by Q&A. Q&A is to be done in the Q&A panel.
Recording: Yes, the session is recorded and will appear on the e-learning YouTube channel in a few days.
What is R-Screen and how is it positioned
R-Screen is a clean energy management software platform for low-carbon planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
Key reach and accessibility:
Available in 38 languages, covering approx. frac{2}{3}{=}66.7ar{7}\% of the world population.
Website: www.retscreen.net
Part of Natural Resources Canada at the Canmet Energy Research Center near Montreal.
Organization and services (three business units):
R-Screen Innovation Lab: software and databases development, often with funding partners.
R-Screen Data Onboarding Service: helps public sector integrate data into R-Screen, automate/standardize energy and sustainability data, supports GHG reporting and ISO 50001 programs.
R-Screen Capacity Building Program: direct customer support and capacity building for a global user base.
Software homepage and modules (facility-level focus):
Three modules for analysis (outer ring of the homepage circle).
Benchmark analysis module for quick baseline checks (middle ring).
Feasibility analysis module (upper right) for energy cost and financial analysis.
Performance analysis module for tracking/advanced analytics and regression on energy data.
Facility types covered
Power plants, district energy, off-grid with storage; real property (industrial, agricultural, commercial, institutional); individual measures (lighting, solar water heating).
Transportation analysis and generic user-defined analyses allowed in the facility-level workflow.
Real-world impact and use cases (examples of large projects):
NASA feasibility analyses for 800+ buildings (2015–2016).
Council of Ontario Universities: energy benchmark and pre-feasibility studies for >1,300 facilities.
Canadian Department of National Defense: 2050 carbon-neutral plan for >8,000 facilities (bases, armories, hangars, etc.).
How learning feeds software evolution
Lessons from real projects inform the Net Zero planning tool and other features via the R-Screen Innovation Lab.
Funding and reinvestment
Net Zero tool development funded by Canmet Energy at Varennes, Greening of Government Fund (Treasury Board Secretariat), Canadian Department of National Defense (Portfolio Innovation), and Ontario IESO.
Annual subscription revenue from R-Screen Professional mode supports tool development and data connectors.
Net Zero planning framework (portfolio decarbonization)
Concept: standardized portfolio decarbonization framework built into R-Screen, scaling from facility-level to portfolio-level.
Framework inspiration and alignment
Draws on other carbon neutral methodologies and aligns with industry/government approaches.
Visual cue: circle with step numbers around the perimeter (step 1 at top).
Ten-step framework (highlights)
1) Establish reference GHG emissions and a target. Example Canadian government targets:
40 ext{\% emissions reduction by }2025 ext{ and } 90 ext{\% by }2050.
2) Baseline energy and GHG emissions using a base-case energy model in R-Screen’s feasibility module.
3) Consider grid transition emissions (external factors) to distinguish grid-caused emissions vs. on-site actions.
4) Disposed facilities: evaluate if some buildings should be sold/demolished with a 2050 plan; consolidating portfolios can reduce direct emissions. Disposed facilities are excluded from the proposed case.
5) Start with energy efficiency measures first (most cost-effective reductions and peak-load reductions).
6) Electrification of heating: plan, quantify costs, test different heating electrification options. Options include electric boiler, air-source heat pump, ground-source heat pump (GSHP), with considerations of grid emissions.
7) On-site renewable electricity generation to maximize cost-effective generation where feasible (e.g., rooftop PV). Consider off-site renewables when on-site is impractical.
8) Off-site renewables: procure renewable electricity from outside the site when appropriate.
9) Offsets and removals: address the remaining residual emissions (the stubborn 10%).
10) Continuous improvement: ongoing measurement, monitoring, and iteration to validate effectiveness and uncover new opportunities.Practical implications of steps
Step 5 and Step 6 interplay: the order and combination of energy efficiency vs. electrification depend on electricity grid emissions and costs.
Step 6 emphasizes that electrification cost-effectiveness is highly grid-dependent (e.g., coal-dominated vs. renewable-heavy grids).
Step 7 and Step 8 balance on-site vs. off-site generation decisions; sometimes single-building PV is not the most practical path to net zero.
Step 9 offsets/removals are a last-resort lever; step 10 emphasizes ongoing vigilance and continual improvement.
Outputs and visualization
Waterfall graph aligns with the decarbonization framework and shows each component (reference, grid, disposal, efficiency, electrification, on-site renewables, off-site renewables, offsets).
Table in the waterfall includes labels such as reference, cleaner electricity grid, on-site renewables, offsets, etc., consistent with the framework.
The framework and waterfall graph are designed to be intuitive and to align with portfolio-level decarbonization goals.
Facility-level deep retrofit archetypes
Core concept: discrete, practical retrofit archetypes that drive bottom-up decarbonization planning.
Archetypes are integrated into the Net Zero planning workflow and can be adjusted to reflect site-specific conditions.
Recent example: archetype tailored for auto plant facilities (new addition).
What the archetypes provide
Concrete energy efficiency measures and renewables strategies that typically yield 80%–90% emissions reductions for the facility type.
Customization and calibration
Archetypes are adaptable: users can change what gets analyzed, calibrate archetypes to actual energy consumption, and modify them after on-site audits.
Learning and resources
Example videos and tutorials available on the R-Screen e-learning channel and World Conference site.
Interaction with portfolio planning
Archetypes feed the portfolio net zero planning tool, but users can still adjust the archetypes after running analyses to reflect actual site conditions.
Portfolio-wide Net Zero planning tool: features and outputs
Purpose: summarize facility-level energy modeling results into portfolio-level visuals and tables; generates a waterfall graph aligned with the decarbonization framework.
Key visual: waterfall graph with labels like reference, cleaner electricity grid, on-site renewables, etc., following the ten-step framework.
What the tool does
Uses energy models from the facilities in the portfolio to generate a portfolio-wide Net Zero plan.
Allows adjusting values, executing the analysis, and producing charts/tables automatically.
Live demonstration highlights
Two-screen tool: data entry screen (facility information, default settings) and decision screen (how to achieve net zero).
The Net Zero plan works for real property; not designed for power plants or transportation in this version.
Output types
Waterfall graph, benchmark, feasibility, and potentially custom views.
Facility-level details include archetype, heating system, PV on roof, ground-mounted PV, off-site renewables, carbon credits/offsets.
Data inputs and defaults in the Net Zero planning tool
Default location and climate data: closest climate data location (e.g., Pearson Airport vs. Burlington Pier). Climate data can be adjusted and set as default for all facilities.
Facility types: office buildings, apartment buildings, retail outlets, etc.
Facility disposal options and groupings to reflect a portfolio structure.
Baseline year (e.g., 2022) and reference emission targets.
Execution and results
Running the model computes energy and GHG calculations for each facility, including Monte Carlo analyses and financial analyses.
Outputs include: energy use, GHG emissions, and cost per ton of CO₂e for each facility, plus overall portfolio metrics.
Example outputs and interpretation
Example facility costs to achieve reductions (illustrative numbers from the demo):
Apartment suites: ≈ 130/ ext{t CO}_2 ext{e}
Apartment tower: ≈ 500/ ext{t CO}_2 ext{e}
Office complex: ≈ 1{,}000/ ext{t CO}_2 ext{e}
Total reductions approach 90% for 2050 targets in the demo scenario, with corresponding cost implications.
The 2030 scenario (Towards Net Zero) demonstrates faster, less expensive interim planning, e.g., keeping existing heating systems reduces costs and shifts the mix toward energy efficiency and offsets.
Grid emissions in the interim (2030) can be higher due to planned changes in the electricity mix (e.g., nuclear retrofit or other transitional generation).
Practical discussion from the demo
Scenario analysis is quick and repeatable; converting a 2050 plan to a 2030 plan creates a new Net Zero plan from the existing portfolio without deleting prior data.
In the 2030 scenario, costs and emissions figures reflect the altered mix (e.g., lower electrification, higher reliance on energy efficiency and offsets).
Live software walkthrough (key features and workflow)
Interface concepts
The software interface uses a central circle with facility-specific tabs and multiple worksheets representing modules and stages.
Net Zero planning is accessible via a dedicated portfolio tool and a Net Zero plan button in the My Portfolio area.
Portfolio structure
A portfolio is a collection of individual RX extension facility files and includes a portfolio root (RP).
Users can add/remove facilities, group them, and create subgroups as needed.
Blank vs. import workflows
Start with a blank project or import existing facility files.
Importing is done via Import File or drag-and-drop; removal via right-click.
Net Zero plan creation workflow (step-by-step)
Create Net Zero plan for 2050 (example) and set a group name.
Use default settings to quickly copy common data (location, archetype defaults) to all facilities using Copy to All.
Define the portfolio of deep retrofit archetypes (office, residential, retail, etc.).
Optional: dispose facilities (e.g., if planning demolition or sale).
Proceed to the data-entry page (Plan) and fill in reference emissions, target, baseline year, heating system assumptions, grid-cleaning options, disposed facilities, energy efficiency measures, electrification options, on-site renewables, off-site renewables, and offsets.
For electrification, choose among electric boilers, air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps; consider peak-load systems and electricity consumption ratio; decide whether to include on-site renewables; specify rooftop vs ground-mounted PV coverage.
For off-site renewables, enable/disable and specify procurement approach.
Carbon offsets: set offset price (example shown: 12 ext{ CAD}/ ext{tCO}_2 ext{e}).
Financial and inflation parameters: inflation rates, project life, debt, carbon shadow price, and lifecycle costs (e.g., Government lifecycle costing often uses a 40-year horizon). Include periodic costs (e.g., inverter replacements for PV after ~20–25 years) in a long-term analysis.
Display options: which results to show (benchmark, feasibility, waterfall, custom).
Execute calculation to generate results for each facility and the portfolio; results include deep retrofit archetypes used, heating system, PV coverage, on-site/off-site renewables, and carbon offsets.
Visualization and interpretation
Plan dashboard: the actual analysis results live here; a separate dashboard exists for the portfolio.
Benchmark charts compare base-case vs. proposed case across energy consumption and GHG emissions.
Emissions reduction charts show how each facility contributes to overall reductions.
Waterfall chart provides clear breakdown by framework stage (baseline, grid cleaner, efficiency, electrification, renewables, offsets).
Cost per ton figures highlight the economic challenge of deep electrification vs. efficiency gains.
Scenario analysis workflow
Create multiple Net Zero plans (e.g., 2050 plan and 2030 plan) from the same portfolio.
You can modify heating electrification assumptions to reflect interim strategies and observe changes in feasibility and cost metrics.
Data handling, tuning, and customization options
Tuning archetypes to reflect actual performance
File settings allow you to adjust data inputs (emissions database, fuels, electricity rates) to reflect local conditions.
You can open an individual facility RX file to fine-tune the model (scaling, location, heating system, etc.) and then copy that tuned setup to a user-defined model while keeping the original archetypes intact.
After customization, you can switch the facility to a user-defined model and still reference the original facility types and energy components.
Building envelope considerations
Envelope modeling is integrated: orientation, temperature, ON/OFF schedules, layer properties, thermal conductivities, solar gains, infiltration, air change rates, and whether the space is heated/cooled.
This is a significant part of the energy model alongside mechanical systems.
Customization of energy efficiency measures
Archetypes provide a fast start, but you can tailor measures to reflect on-site audits, local constraints (e.g., roof layout, lease constraints on roof space, owner preferences on canopies or ground-mounted PV).
Changes to archetypes can be saved to a user-defined model for subsequent planning iterations.
Data inputs and cost databases
R-Screen uses a cost database for components (lamps, pumps, motors, walls, PV modules, wind turbines, etc.).
Costs are updated regularly to reflect price changes and can be customized by region or project specifics (regional price variations and transportation costs can be included).
The tool can incorporate a regional price setting (current values vs. default vs. user-defined) to reflect local conditions.
Data sources and calibration workflow
Best practice: start with archetypes for a quick baseline, then calibrate with measured data and energy audits to create a more accurate model.
The framework emphasizes initiating with a baseline and then refining through measurement and on-site data collection.
Training, resources, and support
Training and learning resources available within the tool and online
In-R-Screen: right-hand ribbon includes access to manuals, e-learning videos, and context-sensitive help.
File > Help offers quick access to the YouTube e-learning channel, textbook references, case studies, and training materials.
Support and contact
If you have questions, use the R-Screen customer support option to email the support team directly.
Training updates and new features
New data connectors and features are often part of the professional mode, and updates are typically included with the latest release (e.g., Net Zero planning tool in v9.1, released Nov 2023).
Practical guidance
The philosophy is to deliver actionable, rapid planning (don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good) while enabling later refinement with real data.
Versioning, access, and scope of the Net Zero tool
Version and access
Net Zero planning tool is available in R-Screen version 9.1 (released November 2023).
Access requires R-Screen Professional mode (subscription).
The Net Zero planning tool, deep retrofit emissions, and data connectors are part of professional mode.
From existing portfolio vs. creating anew
Net Zero plan creation typically starts from scratch when using the Net Zero plan feature in the portfolio workflow.
You can, however, generate Net Zero plan visuals from an existing portfolio by using the waterfall/feasibility analyses to represent the plan, or you can create a new Net Zero plan based on an existing portfolio by materializing a new plan in the Net Zero workflow.
Data centers and future expansions
Data centers are in the roadmap; support for data centers is planned, with upcoming updates to include these facilities in the Net Zero planning workflow.
Example datasets and numbers cited (for context and exam-style recall)
Global reach and users
More than 800{,}000 users globally, with ~40{,}000 new users per year.
Users span facility owners/operators, service providers/facilitators (consultants, ESCOs, utilities, governments), and higher education.
Education and research footprint
Over 1{,}400 universities worldwide use R-Screen for teaching and research.
Notable past projects used to shape the tool
NASA feasibility studies for >800 buildings (2015–2016).
Council of Ontario Universities: energy benchmark and pre-feasibility for >1{,}300 facilities.
DND (Canadian Department of National Defense): portfolio-wide feasibility and carbon-neutral plan for >8{,}000 facilities.
Cost and economics examples in the Net Zero plan
Cost per ton reductions (illustrative):
Office complex: ≈ 1{,}000/ ext{t CO}_2 ext{e}
Apartment tower: ≈ 500/ ext{t CO}_2 ext{e}
Apartment suites: ≈ 130/ ext{t CO}_2 ext{e}
Carbon offset price example: ≈ 12 ext{ CAD}/ ext{t CO}_2 ext{e}
Lifecycle horizon for Canadian planning (Treasury Board guidance): 40 ext{ years} (and periodic costs, e.g., PV inverter replacement every ~20–25 years).
Emissions targets and planning horizons
2050 target examples: 90% GHG reductions; 2022 as baseline year in many demos.
Interim planning: 2030 scenarios used to explore near-term pathways and cost savings.
Applications, limitations, and practical tips
Data quality and calibration
Realistic results require tuning with local data (fuels, electricity rates, emission factors, and measured energy use).
You can import your own emissions factors by region and customize grid projections to reflect local conditions.
Building envelope and retrofits
Envelope modeling is essential for accurate energy-use predictions; layers, conductivity, thermal bridging, infiltration, and solar gains influence results.
Scenarios and governance
The framework supports scenario analysis for portfolios across climate zones, with multi-province climate data support, and map visualization to locate facilities.
Ethical and practical implications
The process emphasizes continuous improvement and data-driven decision making rather than one-off efforts.
Financial analyses reveal that deep electrification can be expensive per ton reduced, underscoring the importance of balancing energy efficiency, electrification, renewables, and offsets.
The framework aligns with broader policy and funding contours (e.g., Greening of Government, DND portfolio innovation, IESO involvement), showing how public procurement and policy influence decarbonization strategies.
Common questions and quick answers (from the session)
Which version is required for Net Zero planning? Version 9.1 (Nov 2023) with R-Screen Professional mode subscription.
Can Net Zero plans be built from an existing portfolio? Yes, you can create Net Zero plans from an existing portfolio by using the Net Zero planning tool and/or generating waterfall analyses from existing data; you can also create a new Net Zero plan from scratch within the portfolio.
Can archetypes be tuned to match actual facility data? Yes. You can tune archetypes by opening the facility RX file, adjusting scaling, heating systems, and then copying it to a user-defined model for refined modeling.
Can energy efficiency measures be customized beyond the archetypes? Yes—start with archetypes for a quick baseline, then customize by reflecting on-site audits, roof/space constraints, and owner preferences; save customized configurations as user-defined models for future iterations.
What training resources exist? In-app manuals, context-sensitive e-learning videos, Help menu access, YouTube channel, case studies, and direct customer support.
Do the costs reflect regional variations? The tool includes cost databases that can be customized to reflect local conditions (region, transportation costs, inflation), and users can override default values.
How are costs and offsets represented? Costs are shown per ton of CO₂e reductions for each facility; offsets are priced (example shown: 12/ ext{t CO}_2 ext{e}) to account for residual emissions.
How is “red vs green” in benchmark graphs interpreted? Red indicates base-case results above the benchmark; green indicates reductions within the target benchmark range.
Can the tool handle data centers? Data centers are being added to the Net Zero planning tool; support is planned.
How is map data used? The map feature can display facility locations across provinces and countries, enabling multi-region portfolio visualization.
Notes on how to study from these materials
Focus on the ten-step portfolio decarbonization framework and how each step translates to actions at the facility level.
Understand the relationship between energy efficiency, electrification, on-site/off-site renewables, and offsets in achieving specific GHG reductions and their cost implications.
Learn how to use the Net Zero planning tool: from creating a portfolio of facilities, defining defaults, inputting reference/emissions targets, and running the scenario analyses.
Be comfortable with customizing archetypes and moving to a user-defined model to reflect real-site data, then calibrating with measured data for improved accuracy.
Familiarize yourself with key outputs: benchmark charts, emissions reductions, the waterfall graph, and the cost-per-ton metrics across facility types.
References and next steps
Net Zero planning tool availability: R-Screen Professional mode (subscription) with Net Zero planning tool and deep retrofit emissions.
Official resources: R-Screen website (www.retscreen.net), e-learning channel, manuals, and customer support for hands-on help.
Follow-up actions after the webinar: check the Edmonton-based Net Zero plan example highlighted on the homepage, and explore the four example facilities in the portfolio to retrace the workflow.