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GreenBuilder
Whole-House Retrofit Pyramid
Save Water. Modern faucets with ceramic disc washer technology and aerators last longer and offer instant water savings. Dual-flush toilets typically use less than one-fifth the water of pre-1992 products.


Upgrade HVAC. Many options are available to improve the energy performance of a home once the shell has been improved. Systems such as radiant flooring, heat pumps, geothermal loops, and high-SEER gas boilers and furnaces all offer significant energy savings over older HVAC equipment.


Close the Loop. Unfortunately, not all building products are easily reused, but many of their component materials can be recycled instead of tossed into a landfill. Separate these products by category and take them to your nearest waste manager.


Save the Good Stuff. Although it’s a dirty job removing nails, staples, and breaking up a slab into pavers, this process greatly reduces a remodeling project’s embodied energy. Focus on reusable assets such as original trim, dimensional lumber, stone, and concrete.


Grab the Brass Ring(s). Many old homes contain a wealth of metal hardware that can be cleaned and reused, from door hinges to knockers to cabinet pulls. They also provide a link to the original home that some owners will see as a desirable feature.


Correct Siting Mistakes. Often, older homes did not take full advantage of solar siting. Now’s your chance to make the most of a southern exposure.


Assess First, Design Later. Create an inventory of all existing assets on site before designing to maximize potential reuse of materials.


KEY: Order of Implementation: Start with lighter shades and work upward. Note that some of the easiest changes have the greatest green impact


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01.2011

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