Energy Conservation

Whether building new or doing a major renovation or addition, the choice is no longer whether or not to address energy conservation in the building design.
Building codes have steadily been raising the bar, and setting a minimum standard that requires careful attention to insulation, air-sealing, heating, cooling, and ventilation. That is now a given. The choice is whether to go further.

Significant benefits can be attained by insulating and air-sealing much more aggressively, and (in some cases) installing renewable energy technologies. The cost of making these improvements will never be as inexpensive as when performed as part of a larger project. New construction built to “Net Zero Energy” or “Passive House” standards, or renovations conceived as “Deep-energy Retrofits” can reduce the heating and cooling loads to just a fraction of that for a typical New England home.

Homeowners can receive immediate returns in the form of lower utility costs, increased comfort, and healthier environments. Long term, these improvements may increase the value of the property as energy costs rise and energy-efficiency becomes a greater factor in determining property value.

We are eager to work with clients who want to address energy conservation and explore the use of renewable energy technologies. We bring skill and experience to the challenge of sorting through options, identifying resources, and defining a workable and cost-effective approach appropriate to the particular project circumstances. At the same time, we ground our enthusiasm for new technologies and approaches with a firm belief that the most “green” and “sustainable” building is designed and built to last, and is not made larger than it needs to be.