Rennovating a victorian house - what can i do to make it green?

Question

I'm about to renovate a Victorian house and want to ensure that I'm taking advantage of all the latest trends when it comes to insulation, renewable energy etc

Does anyone have any advice, or a checklist of items I can follow?

Many thanks for your help...

Answer 1

Paint it green....

Answer 2

Look into new hybrid air conditioners, hydronics and tankless water heaters.

This is the most energy efficient unit on the market right now

www.oasysairconditioner.com

Answer 3

Solar panel on the roof(if you can afford it it takes 50years for it to pay for it self and $30000 worth of solar panel probably produces less than 50% of the electricity needs depending on the sun shine it gets), if you live in a warm place paint it ligh if a cold place paint it dark, install window that keeps the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, use solar to heat your water which is very afforable(farmers in china can even afford it), install ciling fans it takes only a dime or 2 to run for the whole day so you don't need a air conditioner. some place in many place in Canada(if you are canadian) you can drill for geothermal energy in your back yard(it take 7 to 10 years to pay for it self) and powers all most all your electricty needs.

Answer 4

Depending on how extensive your renovations are, you can opt for low flow shower heads and toilets, upgrade the insulation in the walls and attic, upgrade all appliances to EnergyStar rated units, put in an attic fan to draw heat out in the summer, make sure all of your windows have screens on them to take advantage of spring and fall weather.  And don't forget the landscaping.  If possible, use trees on the North and West sides of the house to block winter wind and summer sun.  Leave the South open to the sun and leave the drapes open in the winter for passive solar heating.  

These are all relatively easy to do and also cost effective.  They will not effect any historical status your house might have and will make a big difference in your energy usage.  Depending on where you are in the country,  You might want to look into radient floor heating and wood furnaces.  

The amount of upgrades will solely depend on your budget.

Answer 5

try www.greenlivingtips.com

Some of the best for renovation projects are solar roof panels for hot water heating and attic fans.

Answer 6

Heat pumps and triple glazing

Answer 7

Re-use / re-purpose as much as possible.

Look into architectural salvage, composites, and FSC certified wood.  Architectural salvage can also help with things light light fixtures, some plumbing fixtures, tile, blocks, fencing/gates, etc.  

Low or no VOC paint and organic non-offgassing glues.

Double paned insulated windows.

Reused or Energy star appliances.