Sustainable (Green) Building

Remodel, Renovate, and Upgrade Green

In 2002, nearly 70 percent of California's existing housing units were 25 years or older. Of these 8.6 million units, it is very likely that in the coming years many will undergo some level of remodel, repair, or rehab. The Construction Industry Research Board estimates that residential alterations and additions accounted for $4.5 billion in 2002.

This presents an opportunity for Californians to invest in their future by implementing green building techniques and features as they upgrade their existing homes. If you are planning on undertaking a building project on your home in the near future, here are some suggestions to help you get started. One of the most important things to remember is to green your project early.

Essential Steps

Here are some of the essential steps you should consider in planning your upgrade project:

• The first step to greening your project is to research green building basics, because knowledge in green building will be your most useful tool throughout the project.
• Select building professionals if your project calls for one.
• Identify your environmental goals and your budget.
• Use an existing set of green building guidelines to help select which measures to use in your project.
• Check your local building codes and obtain building permits, as required.
• Recycle construction and demolition wastes.
• Use recycled-content building materials.
• If your home was built before 1977, asbestos may be present, so take appropriate precautions.

Remember, in sustainable building, less is more!

Remodeling Guidelines, Measures, and Resources

Green building guidelines can help you to identify which measures are feasible and that will help meet the project goals.

• Residential green building guidelines. Some of these are not specific to remodeling, but should be valuable to identify measures and methods for projects.
• CIWMB's Rebuilding Green fact sheet.
• Alameda County Waste Management Authority (ACWMA) has developed the Home Remodeling Green Building Guidelines.
• The City of Los Angeles' Residential Rehabilitation Guidebook (Adobe PDF, 8.3 MB).
• San Mateo Countywide Guide: Sustainable Buildings, (Adobe PDF, 2.6 MB).
• City of Seattle: Green Home Remodel.
• ADPSR Green Home Guide for Northern California.
• California Energy Commission Energy Code Training Videos for Consumers.
• Energy Star resources for home improvement.
• US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor.
• GreenHomeGuide. Northern California resource for ideas, materials, services, etc.
• Home Energy Online: Do it Yourself. Offers information for energy-efficiency measures.
• Flex your Power. List of rebates, grants, and loans offered by various utility companies.

 Project Ideas

• Landscaping (note: this information was developed for commercial landscaping operations but many measures and resources are applicable for homeowners).
• Roofs
• Kitchen
• Bath
• Flooring
• Paint
• HVAC

Residential Green Building Home

Last updated: January 15, 2008