The following modules describe energy efficiency improvements that can be made in the course of any remodeling project. The training modules were developed in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Southface Energy Institute with support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
With Americans spending close to $650 billion dollars in home improvements in 2005 (not including maintenance and repair costs), there is enormous opportunity to improve the energy performance of existing homes while undertaking these remodeling projects and consequently, to reap a return on investment through long-term utility cost savings. Often, rather than adding significantly to the project cost, energy efficiency upgrades simply require that the remodeler keep an eye out for energy saving measures. For instance, while a wall or ceiling is opened up, a remodeler with training and experience around energy efficiency and building science will look for areas that require sealing to reduce air infiltration. When replacing windows, that same remodeler will know how to select the most efficient windows recommended for the climate.
The modules linked below, organized by type of remodeling project, offer ideas and additional sources of information to help you become more knowledgeable about energy efficiency in remodeling and can help increase the value of your next project by including energy efficiency improvements.
All Modules are available in PDF format. Original PowerPoint documents are available upon request. Please note that many of these files are very large; users with slower Internet connections may have trouble downloading some items.
Also available is the Remodeling Consumer Brochure 
(550 kb).