Buffalo Workshop - Energy Conservation in Historic Buildings

Preservation League will present workshop July 14-15

ALBANY, NY (07/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Have you ever wondered if it was possible to take advantage of new developments in energy efficiency without sacrificing historic charm? Experts heading to Buffalo in July have the answers you're looking for.

Presented by the Preservation League of New York State as part of the NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) Energy Code Initiative, a workshop titled "Energy Conservation in Historic Buildings" will be held at The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, 641 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, on Thursday July 14 and Friday, July 15.

"The technology for enhancing the energy efficiency of historic buildings is improving all the time," said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. "The choices contractors and property owners make today can extend the useful life of older buildings and pay dividends for owners and residents both now and in the future."

Energy Conservation in Historic Buildings workshops are designed for contractors, architects and other building professionals, and focus on energy conservation issues of interest to those who work in older buildings, but who do not specialize in historic preservation or historic structures. For example, a contractor hired to insulate a 1920s residence or an architect who wants to understand the application of air sealants for a mixed-use building rehabilitation would come away with information that would help them better serve their clients.

Expert presenters from around the state and country will discuss the pros and cons of insulation, air sealants, heating and cooling systems, and wood window restoration. Participants will receive technical information on the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State - 2010 (ECCCNYS-2010) and its applications for historic buildings in both classroom and field settings.

The Buffalo field session will be held on the second day of the workshop at the Richmond Lockwood Mansion, 844 Delaware Avenue, which is now the headquarters of Child & Family Services. This historic building will provide a "living lab" for an overview of high-tech tools used for analyzing the energy efficiency of older buildings, as well as a whole house analysis. A preservation architect will lead a tour from the basement to the attic of the 1888 half-timbered English Tudor Revival house on Buffalo's Millionaire's Row.

According to Tania Werbizky, the League's Regional Director of Technical and Grant Programs in western New York, "By analyzing components of the historic building, the concepts and ideas presented in earlier lectures will be put into real-world practice. Participants will assess the areas of energy expenditure, and discuss approaches to increase energy efficiency in detail. We are delighted that Buffalo has something extra special to offer: the lectures, demonstrations and field work will all take place in two of the city's key landmarks."

The cost for the 2-day workshop is $75, and includes lunch and materials. For more information or to register, visit the League's website at www.preservenys.org. Additional workshops are slated for Long Island, the Southern Tier and the Hudson Valley.

Editors Please Note: The Preservation League will also host a reception on Thursday, July 14, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the historic Buffalo Club at 388 Delaware Avenue. The organization's trustees, members, and friends will have the opportunity to hear news from League president Jay DiLorenzo, network with League staff members and other preservationists, and enjoy a nibble and a sip! To RSVP, contact Shelley LaClair at slaclair@preservenys.org or call (518) 462-5658 x13.