Home Deep Energy Retrofits

Energy-use Reductions of 50% to 90% are Attainable

A deep energy retrofit assesses and remediates all the ways that a house uses, doesn't use, saves, and stores energy. And it radically improves the energy performance of the existing home. Total household energy reductions of 50% to 90% are achieved by addressing all or nearly all loads — space conditioning, hot water, lighting, appliances, and plug loads — and sometimes even transportation. Energy reductions of this magnitude require an intensive and extensive systems approach: The inherent relationships among energy, indoor air quality, durability, and thermal comfort must be honored throughout design and construction. Passive solar design and renewable energy systems are common in these projects.

The California Energy Commission: Helping Homeowners Slash Energy Use

As we continue to face the challenges of a declining new construction market, the California Energy Commission (CEC) is focusing its efforts on improvements to existing homes, which will save homeowners money, improve comfort, shape policy and foster greater camaraderie within communities, perhaps even spurring friendly competition. 

Water-centric Green Design News

Our West Coast summer has been bone dry - so can flushing a toilet with rainwater really be viable here?Absolutely! In fact, flushing toilets with rainwater is often more cost-effective than irrigating with rainwater in states with a rainless summer. The idea is to use the rainwater continuously when it is abundant, store a little for the dry months, and install a simple "city water" top up valve which ensures that the bottom sixth of the HOGs always have water.