Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy within Historic Districts. Anne Stephenson, PhD, LEED AP, BPI Building Analyst, HERS Rater

Transcription

1 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy within Historic Districts Anne Stephenson, PhD, LEED AP, BPI Building Analyst, HERS Rater

2 (Brief) Presentation this Afternoon Introduction to Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Historic Preservation: A Guide for Historic District Commissions Examples of Innovative Energy Projects within Districts Nantucket, MA and Thetford, VT Q and A and Discussion of a Sample Ordinance

3 What is an historic district? A historic district in the United States is a group of buildings, properties or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significant. A geographically definable area, urban or rural, that possesses a significant concentration, linkage or continuity of sites, buildings, structures or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development. An area or group of areas designated by a local agency as having aesthetic, architectural, historical, cultural, or archaeological significance

4 What types of districts exist? National Register of Historic Places (honorary, NPS) New Hampshire State Register (honorary, SHRC) Local District (regulatory/advisory, town or city)

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6 What purpose does a regulatory district serve? Creation of a district identifies characterdefining features of the area The body that oversees the district creates a process to manage change within that district in a way that protects the character-defining features.

7 Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Historic Preservation: A Guide for Historic District Commissions

8 Written by our Fellows With help from the Nantucket Historic District Commission, the New Hampshire Historic District Commission, Strawbery Banke Museum, Representative David Borden, and many more!

9 WHAT S IN THE GUIDE? INTRODUCTION to ENERGY COMMITTEES and MUNICIPAL ENERGY POLICIES for HISTORIC DISTRICT OFFICERS PART II: FAQs from HISTORIC HOME OWNERS on ENERGY EFFICIENCY and RENEWABLE ENERGY USEFUL QUESTIONS to ASK the EXPERTS QUESTIONS for HOMEOWNERS to ask their HDC PART III: Sustainable Preservation Guidelines for Nantucket Island

10 For Example CLIMACTIC WISDOM

11 For example How do I hire an energy auditor? What should I ask my insulation contractor about moisture management? Are there health issues at stake with air sealing? Will my historic district commission allow me to install a geothermal heat pump?

12 Examples of Innovative Energy Projects within Districts Nantucket, MA and Thetford, VT

13 NANTUCKET

14 Introduction and Education Retention of interior finishes Non-invasive techniques Basic energy efficiency measures

15 Building Categories Inside Historic Districts, Historic Inside Historic Districts, New Construction Outside Historic Districts, New Constructi on Outside Historic Districts, Historic

16 Part 1: Introduction to the subject

17 Part 2: Design and Placement Narrative

18 Part 3: Guidelines

19 Energy Efficiency Topics Windows and Doors Alternative Roofing and Siding Materials Rain Barrels Permeable Pavers

20 Energy Production Photovoltaic Technologies Wind Turbines Domestic Hot Water Solar Thermal

21 Includes examples of successful and unsuccessful renewable energy applications within historic districts. NOTE: historic district success is NOT the same as efficiency!

22 THETFORD PROBLEM1. Former one-room school house cost town more to run than any other building. PROBLEM 2. Building listed on state and national registers of historic places and located in the local historic district. What s allowed and what s best for this treasure?

23 TACKLING the BUILDING INITIALLY PROPOSED: Dense-pack Cellulose Replacement Windows POSSIBLE PROBLEMS? Moisture management? Structural Problems down the road? Historic Character and Local District Regulations

24 THE SOLUTION Dense pack cellulose with moisture management (heat recovery ventilation with moisture removal, cook stove ventilation, perimeter drainage for foundation) Rebuild windows

25 How to Rehab those Windows? Cheaper to replace! What to do on a tight budget? A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP FOR TOWN RESIDENTS!

26 The Result 1. A Tighter Building 2. 8 Residents who know how to rebuild their own windows!

27 Q and A and Discussion of New Castle s Ordinance

28 What would it mean to Preserve the historic character of the district Conserve property values in the District To promote the cultural and educational values of the historic buildings in the Town To further the implementation of the New Castle Master Plan. Maintain continuity of scale and architectural style of constructed Say YES to renewables Tradition of climatic wisdom, Yankee ingenuity and thriftiness Opportunity of power production can make neighborhood more affordable. Celebration of thoughtful original siting. Reduce carbon footprint of community. Keep New Castle as a leader in the area. Nantucket guidelines manage this.

29 But maybe not even regulated? Are solar panels permanent structures? If no then do they fall under HDC jurisdiction? What about efficiency? Are solar panels worth it? Is that for the HDC to judge?

30 The solution A study group on guidelines appropriate for New Castle: What other communities have regulations? How have they defined permanence? Can Nantucket brief them on lessons learned? Would you like to be involved? Let s invite the Nantucket Commissioners!

31 CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions? Anne Stephenson, PhD LEED AP, BPI Building Analyst,HERS Rater Campus Outreach and Climate Fellows Coordinator Clean Air-Cool Planet 100 Market Street, Suite 204 Portsmouth, NH