Though some of us dream of purchasing a newly constructed LEED-certified home, built with sustainability in mind, most people find themselves purchasing an older home and then retro-fitting it to make it more energy efficient.
Not sure where to start?
Check out this DIY Energy Efficiency Checklist for retrofitting an existing home. This checklist will help you prioritize projects and get you started on your green journey.
Looking to step it up a notch? Consider getting a professional Energy Audit. Updating your home to be more energy efficient based on the results of the audit can help you save money in the long run on your heating and cooling bills. You can also reference the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to see what incentives and policies support renewable energy/energy efficiency in your state.
The exterior of your home can have a big impact on our environment! Consider installing Water-Smart Landscapes that use less water, which is our most precious natural resource. “Of the estimated 26.6 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the United States, nearly 8 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor water use.”1
The University of Maryland Extension Bay-Wise Program is a great resource for learning how to implement garden practices that best support the health of the Chesapeake Bay and our environment. Reach out the extension program in your county see if the Master Gardeners will provide a consultation to help you make your garden more environmentally friendly and get your home “Bay-Wise Certified”!
Want to make your home more bird-friendly? One of the most dangerous threats that birds face is windows. Over one billion birds die every year because of window collisions. We can help our winged friends by reducing the number of reflective surfaces on your property. Installing screens, using cling decals, and closing blinds are all great options. You can read more about helping the birds from Patterson Park Audubon, Safe Skies Maryland, and Lights Out Baltimore.
1 According to the EPA’s “Water-Smart Landscapes” pamphlet.
