Spotlight Article:
Living Better with Less Energy
At times, the solutions to our problems are hiding in plain sight. Sometimes the hardest part is taking the time to examine things that we assume don’t need to be examined. Consider my ...
Keep Reading
New Wall System Keeps the Lead Out and the Heat In
The presence of lead-based paint in older multifamily housing is a major public health concern. Dealing with these lead hazards offers opportunities for improving not only the health of the occupants but also the energy performance of the units. [continue reading]
Sick Houses: Using Diagnostic Tools to Improve Indoor Air Quality
"Sick building syndrome" is caused by everything from dangerous molds to meteorological occurrences. Improving the indoor air quality of these buildings calls for careful diagnostics and even more careful removal of and repairs to problem areas. [continue reading]
Insulation Tricks for a Midwestern Climate
Being a general contractor, I have enough to do during construction without trying to invent new methods to address energy efficiency and indoor air quality questions. [continue reading]
Creating Windows of Energy-Saving Opportunity
Renovating historic homes is a tricky and sometimes onerous task. The desire to retain the historic character of the building, and in some cases the actual historic material, competes with the desire to improve energy performance. [continue reading]
Getting the Lead Out of Windows
Flaking paint and paint dust from old windows is a potential source of lead hazard. To eliminate the hazard of lead paint you can either remove the paint or remove the window. [continue reading]
Guaranteed Home Energy Efficiency
Few homeowners really know how much money they squander on heating and cooling their new homes. Part of the problem is that they often see the road to greater residential energy efficiency as paved with a variety of expensive super-solutions, such as a super-efficient appliance or a super-insulated home. [continue reading]
Rock Wool Fills the Void
Mention rock wool to most people in the energy audit and retrofit business and you get a visceral reaction. Immediately they start scratching and coughing, recalling dusty mats from old homes, heavy with 40 years of accumulated mouse droppings. [continue reading]
Creating an Energy Efficient Habitat
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) has helped over 50,000 families obtain affordable housing. Thanks to the commitment and partnership of thousands of volunteers and homeowners, Habitat has become one of the most respected humanitarian organizations and the 20th largest home builder in the United States. [continue reading]
Building Performance Journal Editors
Our Blog Has Moved
Thanks for your interest in contributing a blog to the Building Performance Journal (formerly Home Energy magazine). We’re ...
Jim Gunshinan
Is Energy Efficiency an American Value?
Energy efficiency is good for the economy, good for families, good for workers, and good for the environment.
