Retrofit-as-a-service (energy savings pay for the upgrade over time)

Buildings consume about 40% of global energy and produce roughly the same share of carbon emissions. Most of this energy gets wasted through poor insulation, inefficient heating and cooling systems, and outdated design practices.

The building sector moves slowly — most structures last decades, and retrofitting existing buildings is complex and expensive. Meanwhile, billions of people worldwide still rely on polluting fuels for basic needs like cooking and heating water, creating both climate and health problems.

Solving building energy waste requires both cutting-edge technology and practical approaches that work at massive scale. The opportunity is enormous: dramatically reducing emissions while making buildings more comfortable and affordable to operate.

Most existing buildings will still be standing in 2050, so retrofitting them is crucial for climate goals. But traditional retrofits are complex projects that can take months, cost tens of thousands of dollars, and require homeowners to navigate multiple contractors and financing options.

The retrofit industry needs to become faster, cheaper, and easier for building owners. This requires both technological innovation and new business models.

Business models where companies install building improvements with no upfront cost and get paid from the resulting energy savings. Property owners benefit immediately from lower bills, while service providers recover their investment over time. This approach removes financial barriers and aligns incentives for deep energy savings.