Even the interior walls were insulated, surpassing the standard of the new energy code.
While NYC and NY State have adopted energy efficiency codes, many apartments and home renovations are small enough so that they do not have to comply with certain regulations. Unfortunately, energy efficiency is therefore largely overlooked in the renovation process, resulting in reduced resident comfort and satisfaction.
The best time to enhance the comfort and energy efficiency is when you are moving in or renovating—it is easier and less expensive to incorporate simple sustainable solutions when your home is in transition anyway. Often, renovating a kitchen, a bathroom or main living space offers cost-effective opportunities to reduce drafts, balance heat and cooling (thereby lowering energy expenditures), ensure the air and water are clean and free of toxins.
Sustainable Homes and Yards can assist clients in identifying cost-effective opportunities to enhance the efficiency and comfort of your home. We provide the following “green” services, in addition to owner’s representative and interior design work we do:
A blower door test was performed to verify that outside air was not infiltrating the home, making it more comfortable and saving in heating and cooling expenses.
Ensure newly created spaces are comfortable—not too hot, not too cold, no air blowing and constantly changing temperatures
Review plans and ensure that energy efficient equipment is specified and installed correctly, building shell and pipes are properly insulated and ducts are sealed and installed correctly
Design for healthy living: We avoid materials that off-gas, and seek natural materials. We work with technicians to test ventilation and airflow to ensure that air conditioning and heating systems create a comfortable and healthy living environment
Design lighting so that light levels are appropriate to the task, are energy efficient and attractive
Re-cycle, reuse, adapt—we employ innovative and thoughtful design strategies to make the best and highest use of what you already have
Assess whether old windows, floors, moldings and hardware need to be discarded or can be restored
Water was tested for lead and other toxins
Arrange for tax-deductible donations so that others can use what you don’t want—this not only provides a tax deduction but also reduces carting and demolition costs, also off-setting overall expenses.
Landscape design consultation to specify plants that do not need excessive irrigation, are sited to maximize visual impact and are attractive throughout the year
Identify how outside air is infiltrating the building envelope and “air seal” and insulate as appropriate
Ensure HVAC systems are specified that are visually attractive, take up minimal space and are energy efficient
