Green Redux

Chicago has its share of bungalows. They make up a third of the city’s single-family homes with the characteristic single attic dormer and a charm that is undeniable. Some 80,000 bungalow-style homes grace the streets of the Windy City, most built in the early 20th century. The appealing vintage dwellings are part of a new city program aimed at bringing the bungalow back in exquisite green form. Last year, as one of many green citywide initiatives, Chicago launched the Green Bungalow Initiative to restore these historic homes with sustainability in mind.

The City of Chicago teamed up with local and federal organizations to develop the pilot program and determine if renovating existing homes under green building principles would be cost-effective. Among them the Chicago Department of Environment, Chicago Department of Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, American Institute of Architects Chicago Chapter and the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative.

Four bungalows were renovated with the goals to improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency and resource conservation while adhering to the aesthetics of the distinctive architectural style. Each home meant to fulfill a unique living theme including a handicapped adaptable home, a home office, a young professional loft-style home and a classically restored bungalow.

The renovated bungalows feature upgrades like double-paned windows, energy-efficient furnaces and water heaters, and extra insulation, including insulation made of recycled newspapers and phonebooks. The four initial renovated homes were completed in June 2002 and found new owners by November of that year - they had previously sat vacant. The energy savings since the green upgrades ranged from 15 percent to 49 percent.

The Green Bungalow Initiative section at Chicago’s DOE website has downloads available that describe the transformations, including a discussion of sustainable design features and post-renovation energy savings. Also here is a Heating Season Energy Analysis Report for the Green Bungalow Initiative.

More:

Chicago’s Green Bungalow Initiative
Easy Being Green: The City of Chicago’s “Green Bungalows”
The Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative
Greening The Chicago Bungalow with links to grants, tax credits, partners
Green Bungalow Model Block in-depth look at the four pilot program rehabs

Via Preservation

See just how green Chicago is with Chicago Green Roof Program and Chicago’s Next Lead: The Green Alley Project at Inhabitat.