From Green Strides Blog Post:
The Environmental Building News just issued it’s top 10 affordable green retrofit strategies that are useful even if your building doesn’t undergo a professional energy audit or major operational changes:
- Fluid applied roofing products that can be applied over existing roofing to extend its life, increase reflectivity and reduce cooling loads.
- Solar-Control Window Films (like those used on the headquarters building for the American Institute of Architects, pictured here) which filter out the sun’s heat without blocking visible light.
- Entryway Track-Off Systems that will extend the life of indoor flooring, as well as help maintain good indoor air quality.
- Low-Flow Showerheads can save as much as 6.4 gallons of water per minute in older shower facilities.
- Dual-Flush Flushometer Valves will cut water usage and utility savings associated with toilet flushing (the largest single use of water in most buildings).
- Duct Sealants will help you stop throwing money out the window with those energy-wasting, leaky ducts.
- Condensing Boilers (okay, this one isn’t that cheap, but neither is the waste from conventional atmospheric-combustion boilers). The GreenSpec directory can help you find a high-efficiency condensing boiler when replacement is needed.
- Lighting and Plug Load Occupancy Sensors will reduce lighting energy use.
- Energy Dashboards are great energy-saving devices.
- Use of LED Exit Signs is another way to reduce energy consumption.
Going Green @your library 