Learning From the Kennedy Green House Restoration

Learning From the Kennedy Green House Restoration


Energy Star appliances: All the appliances are by Electrolux which is strongly committed to efficiency practices.

The four principles of eco-friendly design were applied throughout this project — sustainable, recyclable, renewable and non-toxic –  and one unique example was the use of a demolition recycling firm. For a typical 2,500 square foot home, there is approximately two tons of construction waste that will end up in landfills. A firm with the project team was able to dismantle, recycle or sell the entire house to scrap dealers and the family was able to receive a substantial tax break.

Speaking of tax breaks, many homeowners do not realize that the government has a program called the Home Star program (similar to Cash for Clunkers) that provides tax credits and rebates for energy efficient home renovations, purchase of energy efficient appliances and the amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000. Its definitely worth doing a few things to your home by the end of this year to take advantage of the tax breaks available to home owners.

Learn more when you read my book – Kennedy Green House — and you will have a few tips and tools for your home, including options for materials, cleaning information and product details, plus a sneak peek into the home with beautiful photographic images.

Robin Wilson is a eco-friendly and healthy home interior designer (www.robinwilsonhome.com) focused on sustainable, reusable, recyclable and non-toxic options from the ‘foundation to the furniture’. She is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, an affiliate member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and she is currently studying for her LEED accreditation. She is the author of “Kennedy Green House: Designing an Eco-Healthy Home from the Foundation to the Furniture,” (Greenleaf Book Group Press, $30).

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