Green retrofit

Green retrofit, home energy retrofit, home retrofit,^[1] Deep energy retrofit and home performance retrofit^[2] are terms with overlapping meaning for retrofits that ensure the maintenance and preservation of buildings and the continued operation and maintenance of energy efficiency technologies.^[3] The meaning ranges from steps home owners can do themselves^[4] to buying up distressed properties and making them certifiably green.^[5] In the United States, the DOE issued a solicitation for $390 million for a "Retrofit Ramp-Up" program.^[1]

Simple steps

Steps home owners can do themselves include the following:^[4]

• Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Programmable thermostats
• Plugging air leaks with weather stripping and caulking. (This is what inspired the name "Cash for caulkers" in the United States.)
• Tuning up heating and cooling (HVAC) systems.
• Choosing appliances with low energy consumption. In the United States, this is certified by the Energy Star.
• Reducing water use by installing aerators and low-flow showerheads
• Switching to green power, including solar energy
• Using low-VOC products to improve indoor air quality
• Planting native plants and other appropriate landscaping measures.

See also

• HOME STAR

References

1. ^ ^{a b} http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15561
2. ^ http://www.homeenergy.org/article_preview.php?id=314&article_title=Anatomy_of_a_Home_Performance_Retrofit
3. ^ http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/RECOVERY/programs/GREEN
4. ^ ^{a b} http://greenhomeguide.com/know-how/article/green-retrofit-checklist
5. ^ http://www.kuow.org/program.php?id=19324

External links

• Residential Sector: Designing a prescriptive whole house retrofit program, Michael Wheeler, California Public Utilities Commission