The Renewable Energy Handbook and our Energy Retrofit Master Plan (E.R.M.P.)

The Renewable Energy Handbook by Canadian William H Kemp (you can hear an interview with him on The Watt) is, by far, the most user-friendly, comprehensive guide to living sustainably that I've been able to locate. It's also helped us in being realistic about what we can hope to achieve, considering we are neither rich or contractors. Our list so far is ...

1) Reduce our present energy consumption
2) Replace existing windows and the large front window (French doors opening onto porch?)
3) Low flush toilet (and taller)
4) Replace hot water tank with a hot-water-on-demand, tankless heater (gas or electric)
5) PV solar panels with battery storage
6) Back-up power (wind turbine, bio-diesel)
7) Grey-water system (like using shower water to flush the toilet)
8) Fireplace as a heat source (I'm leaning towards Pellet fueled).

We are presently consuming at least 484 kmh per month, or 16 kwh daily. We'd have to reduce that by half to even begin. Time to get to work.