Green remodeling involves "design and construction of projects that reduce the environmental impacts of remodeling, including energy, water, and materials consumption; waste generation; and harmful emissions" (ReGreen Residential Remodeling Guidelines, USGBC and ASID, 2008). One of the more important aspects of green home renovation - also called "retrofitting" - involves integrating your home's operational systems.

These preparations can help you assess operational systems prior to beginning your green home remodeling project.

1. Examine Existing Conditions: Environmental hazards, such as asbestos, lead, or mold; lack of closet space; and antiquated room configurations are concerns worth examining prior to starting any green home renovation. Consider how people move through your home. Anticipate problems that could occur with home improvements, such as trapping moisture or decreasing sunlight. Generate possible solutions in advance.

2. Conduct a Home Energy Audit: Check your home's envelope for energy efficiency and needed upgrades. Your home's envelope is the separation between interior and exterior spaces. With 12 months of power bills, you can conduct a preliminary green home performance audit through Energy Star.

For more comprehensive energy evaluations, ask your utility company if they offer free energy auditing, or hire a Home Energy Rater. Professional home performance auditors use equipment, such as blower doors and infrared cameras to ascertain the size of leaks and insulation gaps; moisture meters and vapor profiles to identify where mold, mildew, and rot may occur.

3. Evaluate Your Home's Mechanical Systems: Fresh air ventilation, heating and cooling systems, electrical wiring and related equipment, plumbing and hot water heaters are all systems to assess before beginning a green home renovation. The goal is to find ways to upgrade and integrate these systems, so that they work more efficiently, when powering daily life at your home.

4. Understand Your Home's Interface: The way elements such as sun, rain, and wind impact your home will determine parameters for certain green home upgrades, such as solar power and rain water reclamation.

5. Browse the "ReGreen Residential Remodeling Guidelines" for Similar Green Remodels
Whether your first green home renovation project is a deep energy retrofit, a bathroom redesign, or the addition of a room, consult the Green Home Residential Guidelines for integrated pre-design issues, project scope, and green remodeling strategies.

Although green home renovation projects require more up-front planning, the long-term rewards include a healthier home and cleaner environment. Start planning your green home retrofit project today!