For those of you who like the idea of reusing building materials, you’re in luck because it just got easier!  The complications of finding a deconstruction crew, finding adequate building components and dropping off old light fixtures is made easier by organizatons such as Planet Reuse.   We had the opportunity to meet some of their representatives (who are LEED accredited) at the Buffalo Reuse Conference.  They are a great source for builders, architects, building owners, and reclamation professionals interested in low-impact solutions to design and building.

An old timberframe farmhouse gets a new life with some updated technology. The original structure was originally constructed with locally or on-site milled timbers that provided the bone structure, floor joists, studs, and balloon framed vertical sheathing. Having removed the 1960s siding and the original 1880s clapboard siding underneath, Talk By Design added a layer of sheathing to tie the whole house together and a new vapor barrier to protect the multiple layered system. New horizontal siding was mounted to 4” borate infused rigid insulation followed by ¾” furring strips. The windows, which were replaced in the early 1990s were removed, replaced by high efficiency low-E fiberglass windows. Because of the added materials to the wall system, new window boxes were built spanning the interior to exterior, which help to tie in the different structural systems of the wall. Because of the low insulation value of the existing windows and high solar gain coefficient, these windows were reused in the greenhouse. To reduce the amount of heat loss in the greenhouse at night and during the cold months, a simple hinged insulation panel folds down from the ceiling and fits around the greenhouse windows to help lock in the heat collected during the day. The greenhouse sits over a new foundation filled with sand, creating a large thermal mass charged by the passive solar heat gain of the greenhouse. An airlock outside of the thermal envelope reduces heat loss during the cold months when entering and exiting the house. The crooked front porch was removed to complete the thermal envelope, replaced with a new, better constructed, properly flashed porch with similar proportions and details mimicking the original. Original detailing was addressed illustrating what was covered during the 1960s residing.

After doing a little homework, we’ve put together a few resources and tips that have helped us aid our clients in attaining funding. Green incentives and rebates for homes and commercial properties are constantly changing, especially now. These green incentives come in the form of tax credits, tax deductions, rebates, loans and various services through the state, the federal government, and through entities subsidized by power companies. Green Incentives and Rebates are implemented with the goal of making new and existing buildings energy efficient or to incorporate Renewable Energy more cost efficiently. The best resource for finding up-to-date, green incentives and rebates by state can be found in one of the following categories: Financial Incentives for Energy Efficiency or the Financial Incentives for Renewable Energy.

WHAT ARE “Financial Incentives for Energy Efficiency” or “Green Incentives and Rebates for Energy Efficiency”?

This relates to building or modifying a structure such as home, a school, a factory, or any building in which energy is used to function within the space. For new construction, green incentives and rebate are made to encourage better building practices by using certain standards of materials, by using energy efficient methods of building, as well as using products that use a lesser amount of energy than the norm. The brand

Energy Star has a program for owners and builders who want to build efficiently. Talk to a builder or Architect about using this process for your new construction project.

For existing buildings you want to modify or retrofit, the green incentives and rebates are even greater. Investing in existing structures is typically more “green” than tearing a building down or using land which is undeveloped. These green incentives and rebates, firstly, address making a tight building envelope by offering tax credits for new windows, insulation and doors. In many states, an energy audit must be conducted to be eligible for upgrade credits. This info is listed on the above website as well. Green incentives and rebates include the purchase and installation of high efficiency building systems or HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) meeting certain standards outlined by the funding source.

WHAT ARE “Financial Incentives for Renewable Energy” or “Green Incentives and Rebates for Energy Efficiency?

These green rebates and incentives, in general, come in the form of Solar, Wind, Geothermal, and Hydroelectric Power. Depending on the state or application, more specific types of renewable energies may include Ocean Thermal or Fuel Cells to name a few.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT GREEN REBATES AND INCENTIVES I’M ELIGIBLE FOR?

Step 1: Start with the type of building or project you are doing. Are you a Single Family Residential; other types of Residential such as Low-income or Mixed-use; Commercial; or Industrial?

Step 2: Determine if you are retrofitting, building new construction, or only incorporating a source of renewable energy.

Step 3: Go to the above website, click on “Loans”, “Rebates”, ect. to see what green incentives and rebates you are eligible for.

Step 4: Determine if you have to have an energy audit or inspection to receive incentives. If so, be aware that these can take several weeks to happen because of the large density of people wanting to do the same.

Step 5: Whatever you don’t understand, there should be a contact at the bottom of the page. They’re nice. Don’t hesitate to ask all your questions.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Every state is different. Funding sources will outline their requirements. Many times there are income requirements, you must be grid-tied and also meet criteria which outlines whether or not a renewable energy is an efficient option for your site. One example of this is wind which is dictated by a map that says whether or not your location is feasible. In some locations, an energy audit, which can be free or come with a rebate, must be done in order to receive green incentives and rebates. To receive incentives for materials and products, you must meet or surpass performance standards outlined by various governing bodies per state. You can also go to the Energy Star website to look rebates for appliances yourself.

We recently took a trip to the ReStore in Springfield Mass.  Not only for the sake of inserting found objects into our projects, but the pure bliss of finding beauty in someone else’s “junk” for a great price is a great way to spend part of an afternoon.  Some of the most interesting found objects we found would have to be the modern glass shower doors in perfect condition.  Unfortunately, their size was awkward, hence the reason they were probably there.  At the time I couldn’t think of anything else to use them on, but now I’m thinking we could have used them for a divider wall, maybe part of a kitchen?  It had a stainless steel rack attached which could have been used to hang towels on in a kitchen application. Other found objects include a small set of wooden stairs and wood siding that matched each other rather well.  I wish I had an old building to store them in because their vintage feel and weathered look would fit well into an old mill building.

Maybe my next investment should be a giant storage shed or dilapidated old building that I can at least store the found objects in, or even incorporate into.  Yet time consuming to find, incorporating found objects can negate the cost of buying new while also utilizing existing resources.  We recycle our cans and bottles, why not our windows and light fixtures?  Many businesses are deconstructing and selling found objects which make complete sense.

Other great stores besides ReStore which sell found objects are located in Brattleboro, Vermont and White River Junction.  Check them out.  Found objects are a great way to do low cost, creative, sustainable, small projects.

In Jeff’s Off the Grid Strawbale House, a Portland and lime parge covers compressed strawbale walls that form a solid, highly insulated exterior envelope around a locally harvested timberframe interior skeleton.   A propane boiler heats radiant tubing through the Alaskan polished concrete slab as a secondary heating system to the passive solar design and wood-fired masonry heater.  These floors and the parge finish on the bales act as a thermal mass to help regulate temperature swings during all seasons.  High R value blown-in cellulose coats the interior rafters while a durable standing seam metal roof and extended eaves limit the amount of solar heat gain during summer.  A 3KW photovoltaic system, a battery bank, and a back-up generator help make this home sustainable, low-maintenance, cost efficient and independent of public utilities.

With a more than challenging site, the Urban Bunker Project takes on the look of a hillside chalet utilizing numerous green design ideas and sustainable building systems.  The building’s position allows for natural insulation on the North and East sides due to a 20 foot + grade, also allowing for easy access on to the green roof that collects rainwater for a greywater system and irrigation.  Other portions of the roof and walls use recycled slate shingles and high efficiency windows from nearby deconstruction sites.

To ensure a tight envelope, 7 and half inch prefabricated foam panels, structurally strapped with 18 gage steel provide support and insulation for the roof and walls.  8 inch thick extruded polystyrene insulation continues from the frostline up and around the 10 inch thick concrete walls sealed at each joint creating a “balloon” effect.  The radiant tubing running throughout the concrete walls and floors at a controllable temperature minimizes heat loss and temperature swings.  This system acts as a thermal mass charged by the passive solar design and aided by reciprocating fans.  Morning light enters through a clerestory heating up the floors while allowing for natural light to penetrate deep interior spaces.