Prioritize the Building Envelope First
Nothing reduces energy use like a tight, well-insulated roofline. Start with continuous air sealing and assemblies that hit or exceed code R-values while controlling dew point. Favor unvented roof strategies with the proper exterior/interior insulation ratio, or vented assemblies with uninterrupted baffles and meticulous sealing around skylight shafts and penetrations.
Low-VOC, Durable, and Recyclable Choices
Select low-VOC paints/adhesives, formaldehyde-free panels, and durable finishes (engineered wood, cork, high-quality LVP) that resist seasonal movement. Choose longer-lived LED fixtures with replaceable drivers and specify dimmable, high-CRI sources to cut wattage without sacrificing comfort.
Electrification & Smart Controls
Electrify end-uses where feasible: cold-climate heat pumps for space conditioning, induction in wet-bar applications, and heat-pump water heating downstream. Layer smart controls—occupancy/vacancy sensors, adaptive thermostats, and scene keypads—to trim loads and keep temperatures even under the roof.
Waste, Sourcing, and IAQ
Plan selective demo to salvage lumber and millwork; order right-sized sheet goods to reduce offcuts. Maintain MERV-11+ filtration during and after construction, and bake-out spaces before move-in. For a deeper primer on envelope, equipment, and product picks, see energy-efficient attic remodeling in NYC.