A long-term case study of improved residential sustainability: Moving from energy hog to low energy use intensity

Much of the literature regarding “green” or energy-efficient residences deals with techniques such as eliminating thermal bridges, correct orientation of the building on the site, positioning fenestration for daylighting, minimizing costs of space conditioning (heating or cooling). These are essential in the design of new energy-efficient homes, but not always applicable to the existing buildings in which most of us reside. This case study traces the first six years of transforming a 1960s-vintage house from an “energy hog” into one which has much lower energy use intensity.