Jay Walter is an architect in Newton, who works to upgrade and remodel homes in the area. He commonly suggests home specific actions such as air sealing and insulation, or heat pump installation. He also suggests that people begin with air sealing and insulation as it is one the most efficient and cost-efficient home upgrades through MassSave. He believes that in order to act on climate change we need to think globally but act locally by electrifying.
Why do you support Green Newton?
Well, I believe in the cause. As an architect I believe in home upgrades and reducing carbon emissions. I helped run a solar program with Green Newton for years. I was also part of an EcoTeam.
Why is the environment important to you?
I feel a responsibility to make my practices sustainable. I want to make older homes more efficient as opposed to building new houses. I believe in electrification as well as removing gas powered appliances.
How have you retrofitted your home?
I have used Mass Save, and I insulated thoroughly when moving in. It would be difficult for me to get a whole house heat pump system, so instead I have a very efficient gas heater.
Are there other retrofitting options you are considering?
I have been using window units to AC [central air conditioning] in my high up home office. The efficiency of window units is pretty good because they are only used when needed as opposed to AC [central air conditioning] which turns on automatically. However, it would overall be less expensive to expand the cooling system to reach the top floor.
Author Ryan Schwartz is a Northeastern University sophomore and a Green Newton intern.
Headline photo by Ryan Schwartz.
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