How can I retrofit my 92-year-old home to be green? Is historic preservation sustainable?

My 1200 sq. ft. Dutch Colonial Revival has large, original old growth wood windows, original clapboard siding, porch overhang on south side with shade tree.

Interior has old furnace, no colors on the walls, outdated kitchen and bath, original old growth pine and oak floors, ratty carpet.

My budget is very small and I need this house to function for a family with 2 young children.

Advice?

Asked by Anonymous
Posted Mon, 03/08/2010 - 11:55
Edited Mon, 03/08/2010 - 12:09

Tags: General questions

1.

Ed,
There's lots of retrofit advice on this Web site. I would start by reading this article:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/energy-efficiency...

You might also want to read:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/deciphering-tax-c...

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/fine-homebuilding/remodeling-energy-...

Several earlier questions have touched on this topic, including:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/energy-efficiency-an...

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/energy-efficiency-an...

The most important "green" retrofit measure is to reduce your home's energy use.

Concerning whether historic preservation is sustainable, that's a big question. It can certainly be argued that if historic preservation regulations prevent retrofit work, then we will all eventually live in a museum — a prospect that is neither affordable nor sustainable.

Answered by Martin Holladay, GBA Advisor
Posted Mon, 03/08/2010 - 12:08