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Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Sustainability and “green” are terms associated with the movement towards increasing energy efficiency and minimizing waste in new construction and rehabilitation of existing buildings in the United States. LEED is the termmost associated with sustainability and stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that provides standards for responsible construction. The field is changing rapidly therefore to obtain the most current information. Please refer to the National Trust website on sustainability at www.preservationnation.org/issues/sustainability/ and the U.S. Green Building Council’s website at www.usgbc.org. It is in the best interest of the property owner to ensure that their property is operating efficient- ly. Fortunately, historic buildings were designed in response to the surrounding environment and have energy efficient features. For example, windows and doors provide cross-ventilation while porches provide shaded, well-ventilated outdoor living space. Shutters were used to add a layer of protection over windows and shield them from severe weather. The first step to make your historic home or building more energy efficient is to identify existing features that contribute to its efficiency. Next, identify methods for increasing efficiency without compromising the architectural integrity of the building. In many cases historic windows can be made more energy efficient by maintaining a sound paint film, replacing glazing compound when cracked, adding weatherstripping, and installing storm windows. Other ways to increase energy efficiency include insulating the attic space, adding a blanket around the water heater, and changing filters regularly. Lastly, follow up regularly to ensure all systems are functioning properly. The standards on the following page will ensure that the implementation of energy efficient measures are congruous with the special character of the local his-toric district and landmark. Design Standards for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency 1. Identify and preserve the historic energy efficient features of the historic building and district. 2. Maintain energy efficient features in an operable state. If non-operable, repair to a state of utility. 3. It is appropriate to preserve and maintain historic storm and screen doors. 4. It is appropriate to increase efficiency of a historic building by using weatherstripping, caulking, and installing storm windows and doors. Storm doors and windows shall be sized to fit the door and window openings and operate properly. Storm windows must maintain a narrow profile so that the character- defining features are not obscured. The dividing bar of the storm window must match the dividing bar on the window. Finish storm windows to match the color of the sash, trim, or in white. Installation of storm windows shall not require the removal of trim. Storm doors shall be full view and align with the stiles and rails of the door. Select storm and screen door designs that do not obscure the exterior door or its details. See Standards for windows and doors for additional guidance.
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