Home Weatherization for Jobs, Economic Growth, and the Environment
Background Information
Related Links & ReadingNational Trust Position Statement: Weatherizing Existing Windows Related Legislation: Retrofit for Energy and Environment Performance (REEP) Incentives Window Rehab Training: A Win-Win for Environmental and Economic Sustainability Case Study: Michigan Launches Groundbreaking Sustainable Jobs Training |
President Barack Obama and Congress are currently developing a new program to stimulate job growth through a significant increase in home weatherization activity.
According to a report by the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board, what is taking shape is a HOME STAR program designed to rapidly increase demand. The concept is based, in part, on the Retrofit for Energy and Environment Performance (REEP) incentives, which the The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports, that are currently in the House and Senate energy/climate change bills. The new weatherization jobs program is designed to be rolled out quickly. In brief, it creates a new, two-track approach to achieving energy efficiency – SILVER STAR and GOLD STAR. The SILVER STAR would create a list of eligible measures and product s that can be purchased which qualify the homeowner with a matching payment from the government. The GOLD STAR program, much like REEP, is performance-based and would require an energy audit and the use of certified contractors to do the work.
The details of this program are now being discussed and it is assumed that the House and the Senate will take up a jobs bills in early 2010.
Recommendations
The National Trust for Historic Preservation applauds President Barack Obama's ideas for job creation through the weatherization of homes, and is a strong advocate of the REEP incentives championed by Representative Peter Welch (D-VT) in the climate change bills being considered by Congress. REEP promotes a performance-based approach to energy efficiency that includes a bonus for retrofitting historic buildings.
The National Trust strongly supports immediate efforts by the Administration and Congress to stimulate job creation and to conserve energy in our nation's building stock through the creation of a new HOMESTAR program – also referred to as "Cash for Caulkers" – to encourage the weatherization of homes. However, the National Trust recommends the inclusion of several provisions in legislation to maximize the use of public and private dollars, create the highest levels of energy efficiency and job stimulation possible, and prevent unintentional and unnecessary damage to older and historic buildings.
Additionally, these recommendations could facilitate compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act which requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their programs on historic resources.
As details of the HOMESTAR program are developed, we recommend inclusion of the following.
Incentives for Energy Audits
In order to make the most effective use of public dollars, we support a program that encourages energy audits for SILVER STAR. This approach gives the homeowner a comprehensive, "whole-building" view of energy performance and cost data to allow for informed decisions before any purchases or work is undertaken. This is especially important at a time when many homeowners are struggling to make ends meet.
- Recommendation: Include incentives for utilities and other energy auditors to provide homeowners with free or low-cost energy audits as a first step to any product purchase or efficiency measure.
- Recommendation: Include a bonus for any homeowner who provides evidence of a certified energy audit when participating in the SILVER STAR program.
- Recommendation: Direct the Department of Energy to provide information on the benefits of energy audits through all appropriate outlets.
Weatherization Training
Preservation & Jobs
Case Study: Michigan Launches Groundbreaking Sustainable Jobs Training |
There is a pressing need to accelerate the training of a qualified workforce that understands the complexities of older and historic buildings. In the weatherization field – from auditors to contractors – there are currently not enough trained people with this knowledge and skill set. The improper introduction of insulation into an older building, for example, can not only harm or destroy historic fabric that still has a useful life, but could cause irreparable, long-term damage to the building. Choices between window retrofit or replacement should be discussed with homeowners, and decisions should be made based on cost and energy savings as well as significance of the windows. Retrofitting older buildings is labor intensive. This kind of training will increase the knowledge and skills of the existing labor force and train new people to do the work.
- Recommendation: Provide funding for job training and certification programs for existing auditors and contractors and new entrants into the field that teaches knowledge and skills necessary to assess the need and appropriate retrofit plan for of older and historic buildings. A high priority should be placed on the retrofit of historic windows.
Education
Vice President Joe Biden's report, "Recovery Through Retrofit," points to the lack of access to good information as a major deterrent to improving home energy efficiency. This is especially true when it comes to older and historic buildings. Credible and clear guidance on appropriate ways to weatherize these buildings is critical.
- Recommendation: Include funding for the Department of Energy to provide grants to appropriate federal entities (such as the National Park Service's National Center for Preservation Technology and Training), and non-profits with expertise in historic buildings to develop and widely disseminate "how-to" information to state energy offices, auditors, contractors, building suppliers, and homeowners.
Window Retrofit and Storm Windows
Preliminary reports about the proposed retrofit program suggest a strong focus on incentives for window replacement. We have serious concerns about this approach, not only because windows can be a character-defining feature of historic buildings, but because building owners could be spending money unnecessarily. Studies have demonstrated that properly-weatherized windows with storm units can reduce heat loss through windows by 50%. Studies also suggest that, when properly weatherized, existing windows with storms can achieve energy savings comparable to that of new windows. Older windows were designed to be repaired, not replaced when damaged, and their retention can reduce the environmental impacts of repeatedly replacing windows on a 10-20 year cycle.
- Recommendation: Include storm window units and window weatherization materials in the HOMESTAR list of eligible products and measures. Allow the repair and weatherization of existing windows to be an eligible activity in the SILVER STAR and GOLD STAR tracks.
- Recommendation: Under the current energy tax credit program, the use of certified storm windows requires additional performance measurement after installation. This additional step should be eliminated in the HOMESTAR program.
Participation of Small and Independent Building Suppliers
The HOMESTAR program would create incentives that run through building material suppliers. Homeowners in small towns and big cities often don't have easy access to big-box stores like Home Depot or Lowes, and therefore may choose to support local hardware stores or building supply stores, many of whom have knowledge of local building types and climate impacts on buildings in their area.
- Recommendation: Provide provisions that encourage and facilitate participation by small, locally-owned, independent hardware stores and building suppliers, not just big-box retailers.
Historic Preservation Tax Credits
Since being created by Congress, Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits have leveraged over $45 billion in private investment and produced over 67,000 jobs throughout the nation. They can do so much more, however, in incentivizing greater energy efficiency in historic building rehabilitations and creating new jobs.
- Recommendation: If there is a tax title to a jobs bill, include three provisions in the Community Restoration and Revitalization Act (HR 3715/S 1743) amending the existing historic tax credit program. The provisions include an energy efficiency supplement, a bonus for small projects, and a change to the substantial rehabilitation test allowing more historic buildings to participate in the program. These amendments would result in approximately 800,000 historic rehabilitation jobs in the next ten years.
Submitted by John Leeke, American Preservationeer at: January 1, 2010
kate writes: "...We wanted to use a V-shaped metal weatherstripping that fits into the runners. We searched for the product and ...were told it is no longer made..." This is a common myth promoted by the building products industry that would rather sell you a whole new plastic window. Of course you can still get metal weatherstripping. Find several sources right over here at the Historic HomeWorks Forum: http://historichomeworks.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1444 John www.HistoricHomeWorks.com
Submitted by SpokaneRose at: December 28, 2009
These are great suggestions to improve the HomeStar Program. I love the windows on my old home and have found that wood interior air cell storms have been marvelously effective both on the monthly utility bill and on our comfort in those rooms. I am always disappointed that people are encouraged to replace old windows rather than restore and storm them. I am house superintendent in a large historic building where 10 wonderful windows were removed and replaced with "energy efficient windows". The new windows, 10 years later need replacing, because they are broken or leaking. Vinyl windows do not stand up to wear and tear so the replacement cost is far more significant than any energy savings for the few years these windows functioned. Old windows in the older part of the building, not replaced, still work great and and have the added value in that they look like they belong on the building. We need workers who understand old houses. It is so frustrating to spend my time teaching the worker who I am paying how to do the job right.
Submitted by kate at: December 24, 2009
We recently refurbished two windows in our 1889 house. We wanted to use a v shaped metal insulation that fits into the runners. We searched for the product and could only purchase enough for 1.5 windows and were told it is no longer made. How does this help restoring old windows? Product availability is necessary. If they don't make it, we can't buy it!
Submitted by RedoSue at: December 21, 2009
When the idea was proposed to make Historic Buildings more Energy efficient, I knew this would impose restrictions to change history. What is this administration planning to do, erase all of the historical details, thus history itself. Details on many of the homes and buildings have stood the test of time. It certainly does not need a Socialist Administration to erase the beauty of detail, character, and longevity just to save grace in the international field of "lower emission" concerns. When living in an historic home, the home owner should consider the lifestyle of how the orginal owner would have combated the weather of cold and heat. For the most part, most of the occupants would consider the season and dress the windows and doorways appropriately by using heavy velvet, lined drapery panels to keep the draft out. In the New England homes, interior shutters of wood would be placed in the deep wells of the windows to protect the draftiness of cold air. The summer poses the use of lighter weight fabrics to sheild the warmth and used panels to dim the direct sunlight. Trees were planted in areas to shield the direct sunlight as well. We live in Historic homes for their beauty, not ours. We must appreciate the structure of history, and adjust to its demands,not for ours. Many traits were used then and can be used again to keep the historic features be free from beaurcratic harms.
Submitted by spshlk4 at: December 21, 2009
please make sure in the storm window section that APPROPRIATE storms for historic homes be used! Wood storms are much more energy efficient-metal conducts cold-and can be made to co-ordinate with historic exteriors. Removab;e panels can be made to change from screen to storm use, as well.
Submitted by John Leeke at: December 21, 2009
While there are some tradespeople who are skilled in saving old windows, training more is a critical issue. There are now a few training programs, which need financial support, and many more training programs need to be set up. John Leeke www.HistoricHomeWorks.com
Submitted by Reader at: December 21, 2009
Try to tell this to the Fed Dept of Energy. Look at their WEB site and try to find help for historic home owners in their Weatherization information. No real go. And they are a perceived authority on the subject of weatherization. As a fed agency they have a historic preservation committee. The agency's weatherization information can be changed.
Submitted by lswoodall at: December 19, 2009
I agree.
Submitted by window hugger at: December 19, 2009
Thank You for speaking out against the American obsession with replacement windows. Why it seems so many are determined to basterdise wonderful vintage homes with bad vinyl replacement windows is beyond me. Unfortunately our Real Estate prefessionals in this country only exascerbate the problem.
Submitted by Bill at: December 19, 2009
Someone was really thinking when these recommendations were compiled. I especially like the suggestion of making it easy for people to buy from local (smaller) lumber yards - a dying breed which needs saving. I also applaud the comment about using appropriate doors.
Submitted by David at: December 19, 2009
Since I live in a hurricane-threatened area, I would need to include high wind protection in any window retrofit. Still looking for a thermally efficient, hurricane adaptable, preservation-sensitive window.
Submitted by lori at: December 19, 2009
Please include exterior doors in your recommendations. Some really inappropriate doors are being placed on historic buildings in the name of weatherization.
Submitted by Jamie at: December 18, 2009
all for strong incentives for keeping existing windows. Couple of other things, too, though: incentives for repair and rehabilitation of existing heating systems should be included. All too often older heating systems have suffered neglect, but need very little -- but intelligent -- work to bring them fully up to the latest standards of efficiency and comfort. This would require some training and publicity... And the other thing would be to come up with some sort of tax credit or something of the sort for restoration of historic private residences (perhaps limited to National Register eligible, and certainly limited to genuine restoration) including energy efficiency projects. At the moment, the private house is pretty well on its own.
Submitted by Richard at: December 18, 2009
The recommendations in this article, if adopted, could save homeowners of historic buildings significant money, while providing a trained workforce for restoration of historic buildings. The replacement of historic windows is unnecessary if windows are properly retrofitted and quality storm windows installed. Even interior storm windows can provide additional savings. I'm a retired professor of architecture with a specialty in energy-efficient design and environmental controls and historic preservation. Let me know if I can help.
Submitted by Anonymous at: December 18, 2009
I think the first step of rewarding people who do a comprehensive home energy audit will help eliminate unnecessary window replacements. It would be interesting to add in not only storm windows, but some sort of qualified insulated blinds.
Submitted by mynickel at: December 18, 2009
I don't buy into this fixation with preserving old windows. Just because some misguided folks put bronze glass into old buildings in the 1970s, we've been stuck with this window hurdle. One of my national landmark properties has single glazed century old windows. I know my tenants would much prefer tight, triple glazed windows. Another has 70 yr old rotting storms that weigh over 50 lbs and require two ladders and two workers to change. Again, triple glazed new windows would be a huge improvement, and be cleanable from the inside. No, I would not use bronze glass! New does not have to equal inappropriate nor insensitive. Not every historic property needs to be a museum, nor can it afford to be. Adaptive reuse makes more economic sense.
Submitted by Debbie Martin at: December 16, 2009
I agree with Bob on the improvements that should be added to the list of eligible expenditures. Not everyone benefits from storm windows, but if your old windows tdo not fit tightly despite your best efforts, storms help. On the other side of the coin, when I first came into contact with the Federal Weatherization Service years ago, they were reluctant to even replace storm windows because they said that the return on the investment was so poor! What happened to that data, I wonder? In 1990, Ball State University professor William W. Hill reported a technical evaluation of the Indiana Energy Conservation Financial Assistance Program, and found that the return on window replacement, during the program period studied, was about 400 years! It concluded with a recommendation that the inclusion of windows be discontinued. If any of you can get that report in front of the President, it would help. The vinyl industry certainly will not recognize it.
Submitted by Bob Yapp at: December 15, 2009
We really need to have wood storm windows included in the programs. They are more efficient than aluminum storms and certainly more appropriate for historic properties. The small mufacturers and millwork shops cannot afford the testing they are requiring in order to be included.