Real Estate, SF, Money, Living… by Ingrid Yen

1. Get an energy audit.  You need a base line to understand what is needed for your project.  Most states and utilities offer energy audits.
2. Fix or upgrade your insulation to keep out heat/cold.
3. Get better windows that seal out the heat/cold, watch the edges.
4. Get a highly efficient heating and cooling system to match your needs and ask the utility company to hook you up to the green power.
5. Plan for a good air exchange system to ensure your home has healthy air.
6. Make sure your paint, carpets, furniture, and wood is made of sustainable, zero-VOC materials.
7. Landscape with less grass and use rain gardens that require minimal water.
8. Use anything that reduces or recycles water, such as low-flow restrictors on faucets.
9. Come up with a plan/system to recycle within the home.
10. Work with a professional or organization with experience in green remodeling to keep the costs down and make sure everything works.

And…

• Recycle or reuse what you deconstruct, if possible.
• If you replace or install new appliances, make sure they’re the most energy and water efficient appliances you can find.
• Use locally sourced materials where possible.

Here is a look at the world’s first LEED PLATINUM HOME REMODEL…

http://www.jetsongreen.com/2008/01/worlds-first-le.html