I am likely behind the times on some of this, so found it very interesting to learn about the concept of “embodied energy” — vs. “conspicuous conservation” — and why renovating what you have may be the smartest form of green building after all.
A Cautionary Tale
Amid our green-building boom, why neglecting the old in favor of the new just might cost us dearly.By Wayne Curtis | From Preservation | January/February 2008
Show me the person who doesn’t love a green, environmentally responsible building.
Green buildings are good for you and good for society, and they’re absolutely everywhere these days—you can’t open an architecture publication without seeing a splashy spread touting some new sustainable project. The green building movement has even added to our vocabulary, albeit with ungainly expressions like carbon footprint and FSC-certified wood. READ PRESERVATION’S ENTIRE STORY HERE.
7 reasons that recycling old building materials is growing in popularity (plus the blog in the news) 
George creates a built-in oven enclosure with brick veneer 
Design ideas for a built-in planter 
Become a fan
Nike is tearing down my historic neighborhood fo a Nike-urbanism development. I have posted six videos about the problem at Youtube. To find them use the search at the Youtube website with keywords:nike university of oregon
This is an AMAZING article and has me reevaluating replacing the windows that make up the front of my house. I’m renoing and had them recaulked inside and out as well as properly insulated before putting on new trim but was still saving up the multiple thousands of dollars required to replace them when I read another negative article about vinyl windows but this has pretty much tipped the balance to keeping the double paned wooden framed windows. Better air circulation to deal with winter condensation on all the windows including the ones that were replaced before I moved here seems a much better idea once you know the whole story.
Thank you! Great article for many reasons, too bad it seems not too many people read it.
Hi Pam, I have been convinced that replacing double pane windows is not a wise investment. “Green up” by ensuring you have a high-performance furnace… by getting professional air sealing… by adding insulation to your attic. For windows: Yes, caulk… consider exterior storms… consider window treatments that prevent convection — including “Window Quilts”. Turn down the thermostat. Live small.