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What it is
Sustainable building concepts including energy efficiency, passive design, sustainable materials, retrofitting strategies, and guidance for healthier, lower-impact homes and buildings.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
Length 393 lines2,480 words, about 12 min read
Category Sustainabilitysustainable living
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Open source license
Skill Guard sustainability budgeting checklist guide advanced testing analysis research Paste it into your agent's instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or a custom GPT), or add it to a bot in Murage.
Intermediate
When to Use User asks about green building advisor techniques or best practices
User needs guidance on green building advisor concepts
User wants to implement or improve their approach to green building advisor
The request falls outside the scope of green building advisor
User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance
Questions to Ask First Are you building new construction, renovating, or retrofitting an existing building?
What type of building (single-family home, multi-family, commercial, institutional)?
Where is the building located (climate zone, urban/rural)?
What is your primary goal (energy savings, health, comfort, environmental impact, resale)?
What is your approximate budget range?
What is the building's current condition and age?
Have you had an energy audit or building assessment done?
Are there specific problems you want to solve (drafts, high bills, moisture, comfort)?
Energy Efficiency Fundamentals
Building Science Basics The boundary between conditioned (indoor) and unconditioned (outdoor) space
Comprised of walls, roof, foundation, windows, and doors
Controls heat flow, air flow, and moisture flow
Must work as an integrated system, not isolated components
Heat transfer mechanisms:
Conduction : Heat moving through solid materials (walls, windows)
Convection : Heat carried by moving air (drafts, stack effect)
Radiation : Heat transferred by electromagnetic waves (sun through windows, radiant barriers)
The golden rule: Air seal first, then insulate, then condition
Air leaks can bypass insulation entirely
Insulation works best when air is still
Right-size mechanical systems after reducing the load
Energy Audit Guide What a professional energy audit includes:
Blower door test (measures air leakage)
Thermal imaging (finds insulation gaps and thermal bridges)
Duct leakage testing
Combustion safety testing
Utility bill analysis
Equipment inspection and efficiency assessment
Prioritized recommendation report
DIY preliminary assessment:
☐ To do: Check attic insulation depth and condition
☐ To do: Feel for drafts around windows, doors, outlets, and penetrations
☐ To do: Inspect weatherstripping and caulking
☐ To do: Check basement/crawlspace for air leaks and moisture
☐ To do: Review utility bills for seasonal patterns
☐ To do: Note comfort complaints (cold spots, hot rooms, humidity)
☐ To do: Check age and condition of heating/cooling equipment
☐ To do: Inspect ductwork for visible leaks and disconnections
☐ To do: Note any ice dams, condensation, or moisture problems
Priority Retrofit Sequence Priority Action Typical Savings Cost Range 1 Air sealing (attic, basement, penetrations) 10-20% Low 2 Attic insulation (to current code levels) 10-15% Low-Medium 3 Duct sealing and insulation 10-20% Low-Medium 4 Smart thermostat and controls 5-10% Low 5 Window/door weatherstripping 5-10% Low 6 Wall insulation (if accessible) 10-20% Medium-High 7 Basement/crawlspace insulation and sealing 5-15% Medium 8 Window replacement (if warranted) 5-15% High 9 HVAC system upgrade 15-30% High 10 Electrification (heat pump, induction, etc.) Varies High
Passive Design Strategies
Passive Solar Design Heating season strategies:
Orient the longest wall to face south (Northern Hemisphere)
Size south-facing windows for solar gain (typically 7-12% of floor area)
Use thermal mass (concrete, tile, masonry) to absorb and release heat
Provide overhangs sized to shade summer sun but admit winter sun
Minimize east and west glazing (hard to shade, cause overheating)
Minimize north-facing glazing (loses heat with little solar gain)
Cooling season strategies:
Overhangs, awnings, and deciduous trees for shading
Cross-ventilation design (operable windows on opposite walls)
Stack ventilation (high and low openings for convective airflow)
Light-colored roofing and exterior surfaces
Minimize internal heat gains (efficient appliances, lighting)
Night flush ventilation (cool night air to pre-cool thermal mass)
Passive House Concepts Superinsulation : Thick, continuous insulation with no thermal bridges
Airtight construction : Very low air leakage (0.6 ACH50 or less)
High-performance windows : Triple-pane, insulated frames, tuned for orientation
Thermal bridge-free design : Continuous insulation without gaps at connections
Balanced ventilation with heat recovery : Fresh air with 75-90% heat recovery (HRV/ERV)
Passive House performance targets:
Heating demand: 15 kWh/m2/year or less
Cooling demand: 15 kWh/m2/year or less
Primary energy: 120 kWh/m2/year or less
Airtightness: 0.6 ACH50 or less
60-90% reduction in heating and cooling energy
Superior comfort (even temperatures, no drafts)
Excellent indoor air quality (filtered ventilation)
Resilience during power outages (maintains temperature longer)
Very quiet interior (thick walls and good windows)
Natural Ventilation Design Design for prevailing wind direction
Inlet openings should be lower than outlets (stack effect)
Cross-ventilation requires openings on at least two sides
Ceiling fans extend comfort range by 3-5 degrees
Wing walls and casement windows can redirect breezes
Calculate ventilation rates for occupancy and climate
Sustainable Materials
Material Selection Criteria Criterion What to Look For Embodied energy Lower energy to extract, manufacture, and transport Renewability Rapidly renewable or abundant resources Recyclability Can be recycled or reused at end of life Durability Longer service life means less replacement Toxicity Low or no VOCs, formaldehyde, or harmful chemicals Local sourcing Reduced transportation impact, support local economy Certifications FSC wood, Cradle to Cradle, GREENGUARD, etc. Maintenance Low-maintenance materials reduce lifetime impacts
Sustainable Material Options by Application FSC-certified lumber
Engineered wood (CLT, glulam) as concrete/steel alternatives
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for combined structure and insulation
Reclaimed or salvaged structural materials
Advanced framing techniques (reduces lumber use 20-30%)
Cellulose (recycled newspaper, low embodied energy)
Mineral wool (fire resistant, sound dampening)
Wood fiber boards (renewable, vapor permeable)
Cork (renewable, naturally mold resistant)
Dense-pack cellulose (excellent air sealing properties)
Reclaimed hardwood
FSC-certified hardwood or bamboo
Cork (renewable, comfortable underfoot)
Polished concrete (durable, thermal mass)
Natural linoleum (not vinyl - made from linseed oil)
Tile from recycled content
Zero-VOC paints and finishes
Natural plasters (lime, clay, gypsum)
Natural oils and waxes for wood
Recycled glass tile
Reclaimed wood for accent walls and trim
Materials to Avoid or Minimize Spray foam with high global warming potential blowing agents (check formulation)
Vinyl/PVC (production and disposal concerns)
Tropical hardwoods without FSC certification
Materials with added formaldehyde (some composite wood products)
High-VOC adhesives, sealants, and finishes
Single-use or short-lifespan materials when durable alternatives exist
Indoor Air Quality
Common Indoor Pollutants Pollutant Sources Health Impact VOCs Paints, adhesives, furniture, cleaners Respiratory irritation, headaches Formaldehyde Composite wood, some insulation, finishes Respiratory irritation, carcinogen Radon Soil gas through foundation Lung cancer risk Mold Moisture problems, condensation Respiratory issues, allergies CO Combustion appliances, attached garages Poisoning risk Particulates Cooking, candles, outdoor infiltration Respiratory and cardiovascular
Healthy Indoor Air Strategies ☐ To do: Test for radon (every building should be tested)
☐ To do: Ensure adequate ventilation (mechanical in tight buildings)
☐ To do: Use low-VOC and zero-VOC products throughout
☐ To do: Control moisture at the source (exhaust fans, vapor management)
☐ To do: Maintain combustion appliances and ensure proper venting
☐ To do: Use MERV 13+ air filters in HVAC systems
☐ To do: Seal attached garage from living space
☐ To do: Allow new materials to off-gas before occupancy when possible
☐ To do: Use range hood vented to exterior when cooking
☐ To do: Monitor CO2 levels as a proxy for ventilation adequacy
Water Efficiency
Indoor Water Conservation Low-flow fixtures (showerheads, faucets, toilets)
Dual-flush toilets (0.8/1.6 gallons per flush)
Hot water recirculation or demand systems (reduce water wasted waiting)
Efficient appliances (dishwasher, clothes washer)
Leak detection and repair
Greywater systems where permitted (laundry, shower water for irrigation)
Outdoor Water Conservation Native and drought-adapted landscaping
Efficient irrigation (drip, smart controllers)
Rainwater harvesting for irrigation (check local regulations)
Permeable paving for driveways and walkways
Rain gardens and bioswales for stormwater management
Soil improvement for water retention
Electrification Roadmap
Transitioning from Fossil Fuels Air source heat pumps (efficient to -15F or lower with cold-climate models)
Ground source heat pumps (highest efficiency, higher upfront cost)
Heat pump water heaters (2-3x more efficient than resistance)
Ductless mini-splits (zone heating/cooling, no ductwork needed)
Induction cooktops (faster, more efficient, no combustion)
Electric convection ovens
Eliminates combustion pollutants in the kitchen
Heat pump clothes dryers
Electric lawn and garden equipment
EV charging infrastructure planning
Electrification Sequence Get an energy audit and address envelope first
When water heater needs replacement, choose heat pump
When HVAC needs replacement, choose heat pump system
Add induction cooktop when range needs replacement
Install solar PV to power the electrified home
Add battery storage for resilience and optimization
Green Building Certifications Overview Certification Focus Best For ENERGY STAR (homes) Energy efficiency Cost-effective efficiency baseline Passive House (PHI/PHIUS) Ultra-low energy design Maximum energy performance LEED for Homes Comprehensive sustainability Broad environmental impact Living Building Challenge Regenerative design Highest sustainability ambition WELL Building Standard Health and wellness Occupant health focus National Green Building Standard Residential green building Code-integrated approach Pearl (various regional) Regional sustainability Local climate adaptation
Retrofit Planning Checklist
Before Starting a Retrofit ☐ To do: Complete a professional energy audit
☐ To do: Identify and prioritize comfort and performance problems
☐ To do: Research available incentives and rebates
☐ To do: Get multiple quotes from qualified contractors
☐ To do: Verify contractor licenses, insurance, and references
☐ To do: Understand building code requirements for upgrades
☐ To do: Plan for proper moisture management with any changes
☐ To do: Consider whole-building approach (avoid isolated fixes that create problems)
☐ To do: Address health and safety issues first (radon, lead, asbestos, combustion safety)
☐ To do: Establish a phased plan if budget requires staging improvements
Common Retrofit Mistakes to Avoid Insulating without air sealing first
Adding insulation without addressing moisture management
Replacing windows before insulating walls (lower priority, higher cost)
Oversizing HVAC equipment (leads to short-cycling and poor dehumidification)
Tightening the building without addressing ventilation
Ignoring thermal bridges when adding insulation
Using interior vapor barriers in climates that do not need them
Failing to test combustion appliances after air sealing
Cost-Benefit Reference
Typical ROI for Common Improvements Improvement Upfront Cost Annual Savings Simple Payback Air sealing $500-1,500 $200-500 1-5 years Attic insulation $1,500-3,000 $200-500 3-8 years Smart thermostat $150-300 $100-200 1-2 years LED lighting $100-500 $50-200 1-3 years Heat pump HVAC $8,000-20,000 $500-2,000 5-15 years Heat pump water heater $2,000-4,000 $200-400 5-12 years Solar PV (6kW) $12,000-20,000* $800-1,500 6-12 years Window replacement $10,000-30,000 $200-500 20-50+ years
*Before incentives; after 30% federal tax credit, costs are significantly lower.
Note: These are rough estimates. Actual costs and savings depend heavily on climate, energy prices, building condition, and local labor costs.
Process Gather information. Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
Analyze context. Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to green building advisor
Develop recommendations. Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
Present structured output. Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
Address follow-ups. Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback
template ## Green Building Advisor Analysis
### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]
### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]
### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]
Edge Cases Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
Conflicting requirements: Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
Beginner vs advanced: Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level
Example Input: "Help me with green building advisor for my current situation"
Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to green building advisor:
Assessment: Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
Strategy: Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
Implementation: Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
Review: Monitor progress and adjust as needed
SKILL.md
393 lines · 2,480 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
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