HPC of South Bend and St. Joseph County - Standards Update Draft

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 114 For More Information: Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings Identify and preserve the inherent energy efficiency of a historic building and the inherent sustainable features and operating systems and maintain them in good condition . Repair or restore covered, damaged, or missing features where appropriate . Retain original operable shutters, awnings, and transoms to increase the range of conditions in which a building is comfortable without mechanical climate controls . There are many great sources available to help you develop a plan to make your historic building more efficient while keeping its historic look . The National Park Service has a comprehensive site including information on energy audits, air infiltration, windows and doors and insulation—here . The National Trust for Historic Preservation has developed The Research and Policy Lab that has extensive studies and information and case studies here . Green Features of Historic Buildings: 1 . Double-hung windows simultaneously allow cool air in and warm air out. 2 . Window arrangements with many small windows clustered together may allow for passive heating in the winter, where proper orientation occurs . 3 . A steep roof pitch and large roof area facilitate the collection of rainwater, which can be used for irrigation . 4 . Porches help moderate temperature swings . 5 . Symmetrical windows arrangements typically allow for passive cooling and cross ventilation through the home . 6 . Operable shutters can be closed to block solar heat gain in the summer while allowing cooling breezes to pass through . 7 . A stone or brick masonry exterior provides thermal mass to moderate indoor temperature swings . 8 . Fireplaces and their chimneys provide for non-mechanical heating. 9 . Substantial roof overhangs provide for seasonal shading . Energy Performance in Historic Buildings Improvements to enhance energy efficiency should be planned to complement the original building. The structure, form and materials should be sensitively treated to preserve the building’s character . • Use noninvasive strategies when applying weatherization improvements . • Weather-stripping, insulation, and wood storm windows are energy efficient, cost effective, and historically sensitive approaches • Weather-strip the original framework on windows and doors. • Install additional insulation in an attic, basement, or crawl space as a simple method to make a significant difference in a building’s energy efficiency. Provide sufficient ventilation to avoid moisture build-up in the wall cavity. • Where applicable, install draft stoppers in a chimney. Open chimney dampeners can increase energy costs by up to 30 percent. • Install weatherization in a way that avoids altering or damaging significant materials and their finishes. • Use materials which are environmentally friendly and that will not interact negatively with historic building materials . • Enhance the energy efficiency of original windows and doors. Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings DRAFT