Remodeling for Energy Efficiency

What Are the Systems and Features of a Green Home?

Remodeling green utilizes a holistic approach by looking at the home as a system. From a systems-thinking perspective, the home may be viewed as a collection of smaller subsystems including energy systems, air systems, water systems, materials systems, etc.

The home itself is part of a larger system-the environment. A green remodeled home takes into consideration all of the various systems working together in an optimal manner to create the most comfortable, cost-effective, environmentally friendly home possible-a green home.

There are several key features that contribute to a green home remodel.

• HVAC and Indoor Air Quality: The performance of a high-efficiency heating and cooling system combined with effective air filtration and ventilation provides well balanced comfort throughout the home.
• Insulation: Proper sealing of the home’s air envelope and installation of high quality, non-toxic insulation is one of the most cost-effective measures that can be taken to improve a home’s energy efficiency.
• Windows: A major contributor to energy efficiency, green window designs such as ‘Low-E’ help keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Doors: Storm doors and green alternative entry doors help prevent air leakage leading to significant cost savings for homeowners due to heat loss.
• Flooring: Natural materials such as cork and bamboo in addition to carpets made from re-cycled materials are excellent alternatives without the VOC toxic compounds found in ordinary carpets.
• Plumbing: Water efficient kitchen and bathroom fixtures including dual flush toilets and reduced flow shower heads help conserve water resources.
• Appliances and Lighting: Florescent light bulbs and energy efficient appliances can result in significant cost savings on electricity bills while greatly reducing CO2 emmissions.