• inventory preservation assets
• inventory inherent green features
• identify and chart existing energy sources and uses
• project proposed uses and energy needs
• inventory preservation defects and energy related defects
• identify ways to capitalize on inherent green features
• conservation first -- reduce energy needs
• look at life cycle costs (financial & environmental
effects over the life of the building including maintenance, repairs
& replacements)
• “repair the site” -- use repairs as an opportunity
to “green”
• identify “green” sources of materials (local,
salvaged, recycled)
• match energy sources to uses; look for multiple uses
• new energy sources (geo-exchange, PV, wind, hydrogen,
cogeneration, etc.)
• prioritize and phase improvements
• investigate sources for green funding (NYSERDA, Kresge,
Non-Profit Finance Fund, tax credits)
3. implement the master plan
• have an informed “green guide” (design
professional)
• hire experienced contractors
• make sure the plan and the implementation protect historic
assets
• document entire process carefully, including energy
use and costs, pre & post, architectural conditions pre
an post.
INHERENT GREEN FEATURES OF OLD BUILDINGS TO LOOK FOR:
1. Built-in “passive” ventilation:
gravity heating through floor grills; rooftop ventilators, vertical
ventilation shafts, transoms over hallway doors, etc.
2. Operable windows
3. Recesses and overhangs providing summer shade
4. Awnings
5. Shutters
6. Cupolas
7. Porches
8. Massive construction. Massiveness tends to dampen temperature
swings& works especially well in sunny arid climates (e.g.
Southwest adobe) with cool nighttime temperatures. It can be counterproductive
in climates where one needs to shed heat quickly. It also tends
to be durable & have a long service life.
9. Durable finishes: stone, brick, cast iron, slate, tile, copper,
bronze.
10. Daylighting features: skylights, transoms, clerestory windows,
light wells.
11. Non-specific layouts (mill buildings, warehouses) that lend
themselves to adaptive reuse (“loose fit, long life”)
12. Climate-conscious orientation (e.g. stretched on an E-W axis
for solar gain, slender or sheltered exposure to prevailing winds)
13. Earth tempered underground storage cellars
14. Climate buffering sunrooms and conservatories
15. Site and landscape assets such as old trees that shade or
buffer wind
SOME GREEN BUILDING RESOURCES:
-
GreenHomeNYC
A community-oriented, volunteer-run organization, GreenHomeNYC
promotes environmentally sustainable urban buildings. GreenHomeNYC
is a registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit corporation.
Environmental Building News www.buildinggreen.com This newsletter
focuses on energy-efficient, resource-efficient, and healthy
building practices. The website includes other information and
publications on environmentally preferable building products.
-
This energy conservation magazine is aimed both
at people who work on home and at homeowners. Many of its articles
are on its website.
-
The US Department of Energy¹s Lawrence
Berkeley Lab offers a nifty tool that provides tailored advice
(based on your zip code and information about your home) for
how to save money on your energy bills.
- SolarAccess.com
This website provides a wide variety of renewable-energy-related
information, including products, books, financing information,
and a calendar of events.
-
The internet information service of the Renewable
Energy Policy Project and the Center for Renewable Energy and
Sustainable Technology (REPP-CREST) presents rich, layered information
on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation technologies.
- The
Source for Renewable Energy
A comprehensive listing of more than 4,000 renewable energy businesses
and organizations around the world.
- Athena
Institute
The ATHENA® software, the Environmental Impact Estimator,
is the only North American software for the life cycle assessment
of buildings.
1. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
2. Use the Microwave
3. Install a New Showerhead
4. Weatherstrip and Caulk
5. Install a Compact Fluorescent
6. Get Rid of that Halogen Torchiere
7. Adjust the Thermostat
8. Shade Your Air Conditioner
9. Pull the Plug
10. Turn Off the Computer
11. Choose Efficient Appliances
Back
to Conference 2007 ~ Back
to Conference Main
|
