Greening Existing HomesGreening Existing Homes5

What You Need to Know?

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Why Green an Existing Home?

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Greening Challenges

• Consider:– Scope and complexity

of the project–Measurability and ROI

- HVAC vs. IAQ or aesthetic improvements

– Savings on utility costs – Impact on other home

systems

“Is the expense worth it?”

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Whole House?

What Does “Green Home” Mean?

Source: The Shelton Group. EcoPulse 2009. Knoxville, TN: The Shelton Group; 2009.

Not every element of a home needs to be greened in order to make a difference in comfort and operation cost.

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Integrating New and Old

• Updating one system may impact and require updates to another system.

• Historic homes may have restrictions on upgrades.

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Getting Started

• What is the motivation?– Health, comfort,

functionality, water efficiency, other?

• What results are expected?

• Can recycled materials be used?

• Does the house provide enough daylight?

• Are utility bills high?• What is the budget?

ROI timeframe?

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ASID & USGBC REGREEN

• Walkthrough assessment

• Check for air leaks first

• Assessments and audits

• What to Do Next?

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Green Homeowners Insurance

• Certified Green = discounts– Perceived

homeowner care• Conventional homes

= higher premiums– Replacement systems

will be green products• Net metering liability

coverage – Additional coverage

for workers

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Deconstruction

Deconstruction• Materials are re-used

Demolition• Materials go to landfill

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Indoor Air Quality Issues

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Reseal the Building Envelope

• Top four upgrades are part of the building envelope.1. HVAC2. Windows3. Window

equipment4. Doors

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Deep Energy Retrofit

• The extreme of cost and effort.

• Can achieve 50–95 percent energy savings.

• Includes: – Building envelope– HVAC– Plumbing– Lighting– Appliances– Energy sources

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Greening Opportunities

• New construction offers many opportunities.

• Opportunities also exist to green an existing home.– kitchen– bathroom– family room– bedrooms

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The Green Household

• Waste management and recycling plans:• Avoid

environmental pollution and health hazards

• Prohibit disposal of hazardous materials in the sink, into storm sewers, or on the ground. 113

Disposal Issues

• Down the drain– Household products, lawn and garden

products, workshop/painting supplies, automotive products, pesticides

• Pet waste– May carry harmful bacteria

• Appliances– Contain potentially harmful materials.– Check local disposal and recycling

guidelines.

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Changing Habits

• New green systems require:– an understanding of

proper use.– good green habits.Real estate

professionals should make sure they understand the green features of a home and can direct buyers to sources of information.

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Summing Up

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Summing Up

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Green 100: Real Estate for a Sustainable FutureGreen 200: The Science of Green BuildingGreen 300: Greening Your Real Estate Business