The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) just released the “Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor,” a new Web-based tool designed to help improve energy efficiency in existing buildings during rehabilitation and renovation. The tool’s energy efficiency recommendations are based on the government-backed ENERGY STAR® specifications for energy efficiency.

In addition to general information on a range of topics from environment and water use to indoor-air quality and maintenance costs, the advisor tool allows you to develop a customized profile by plugging in a number of variables, including building type, your role in the project, your climate zone, and the age of the building you’re renovating. You then cross-reference this profile with any of a number of applicable projects, from “whole house” renovation to “bathroom remodeling,” to “exterior facelift.” The advisor tool will then spell out a number of specific actions you can take, plus the environmental benefits, added first cost, savings per year, and estimated payback time for each. The “Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor” may offer architects a quick way to get clients started on consideration of a range of renovation options.

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