Home Energy and Resource Conservation

Strategies we consider for our projects include:

Make the “building envelope” of the house air-tight and well-insulated. Typically, improvements to the building envelope will have the largest impact in reducing the consumption of fuel and electricity for heating and cooling per dollar spent if detailed and installed well. Notable product: “dense-pack” cellulose insulation from National Fiber in Belchertown, MA.

Install high-efficiency and appropriately-sized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. Investments in the building envelope can reduce the size, complexity and cost of HVAC equipment required. Tighter buildings also require controlled ventilation. Notable products: Mitsubishi Mr. Slim ductless mini-split system AC and heat pump; Heat-recovery ventilation (HRV) units from Fantech.

Install energy efficient lighting and appliances to reduce electricity consumption. LED and CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs are available in an increasingly wide range of bulb types, intensities, and colors. Notable product: 12-watt LED LR6 recessed downlights from Cree Industries.

Install water-efficient plumbing fixtures and landscaping to reduce water consumption. There have been great improvements in plumbing fixture product engineering. Notable product: American Standard Cadet 3 toilet.

Consider the environmental “footprint” of building materials and the flow of household recyclables. Minimize construction waste and use building materials that are local, recycled, rapidly-renewable, or otherwise efficiently obtained and sustain-ably produced wherever possible. Design to facilitate the practice of household recycling.

Install systems to utilize renewable energy sources where feasible. Opportunities to consider if site conditions, budget and program allow include solar, wind, and geothermal. Combined with efforts to tighten the building envelope, the installation of renewable energy systems can result in a design that approaches “net zero energy” status – the house generates more energy than it consumes. Notable product: Ready Solar System 400-watt photovoltaic package, available through Energy Federation Incorporated in Westborough, MA.

Determining what specific improvements are most appropriate for your particular project depends on your goals, your budget, and the conditions of your house, and will require sorting through a variety of options. Before we begin the design process, we will work with you to define the conservation goals for the project, and will review specific options to best address your priorities.


Home Services Design Process Design Energy & Resource Conservation Portfolio Carlisle '09 Westwood '08 Lexington '03 Vermont '04 Lexington '02 Profile Contact	Home Energy and Resource Conservation Strategies we consider for our projects include: Make the “building envelope” of the house air-tight and well-insulated. Typically, improvements to the building envelope will have the largest impact in reducing the consumption of fuel and electricity for heating and cooling per dollar spent if detailed and installed well. Notable product: “dense-pack” cellulose insulation from National Fiber in Belchertown, MA. Install high-efficiency and appropriately-sized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. Investments in the building envelope can reduce the size, complexity and cost of HVAC equipment required. Tighter buildings also require controlled ventilation. Notable products: Mitsubishi Mr. Slim ductless mini-split system AC and heat pump; Heat-recovery ventilation (HRV) units from Fantech. Install energy efficient lighting and appliances to reduce electricity consumption. LED and CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs are available in an increasingly wide range of bulb types, intensities, and colors. Notable product: 12-watt LED LR6 recessed downlights from Cree Industries. Install water-efficient plumbing fixtures and landscaping to reduce water consumption. There have been great improvements in plumbing fixture product engineering. Notable product: American Standard Cadet 3 toilet. Consider the environmental “footprint” of building materials and the flow of household recyclables. Minimize construction waste and use building materials that are local, recycled, rapidly-renewable, or otherwise efficiently obtained and sustain-ably produced wherever possible. Design to facilitate the practice of household recycling. Install systems to utilize renewable energy sources where feasible. Opportunities to consider if site conditions, budget and program allow include solar, wind, and geothermal. Combined with efforts to tighten the building envelope, the installation of renewable energy systems can result in a design that approaches “net zero energy” status – the house generates more energy than it consumes. Notable product: Ready Solar System 400-watt photovoltaic package, available through Energy Federation Incorporated in Westborough, MA. Determining what specific improvements are most appropriate for your particular project depends on your goals, your budget, and the conditions of your house, and will require sorting through a variety of options. Before we begin the design process, we will work with you to define the conservation goals for the project, and will review specific options to best address your priorities.

	Services Design Portfolio Profile Contact Tom Harden & Associates 32 Hill Street Lexington, MA 02421 781-652-8297