Learn to turn old buildings green at Geneva event

This year's slogan for Preservation Month is "Old is the New Green."

This theme, created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, fits the emphasis on environmental stewardship that preservation advocates have embraced.

Since 2006, the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission has participated annually in the nationwide celebration of historic preservation for the month of May.

Following this theme that "the greenest building is the one already built," below are the activities and educational programs scheduled for May 2010.

Energy Audits - The Hottest New Tool: Do you have an older or historic building? Do you want to learn how to improve your building's energy efficiency, but don't know which direction to go? An energy audit is the tool to diagnose your building's energy efficiency needs.

Tony Botkin from Intelligent Energy Solutions of Batavia will present this free presentation showing the results of an energy audit performed on a historic residential building at 217 S. Fifth St. Registrations are not required for the presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St.

Before or after the presentation, take some time to see a doll house retrofitted for energy efficiency. At 8 p.m., join in on the fun and party with preservationists after the presentation at Nosh Restaurant, 211 James St. There is a $10 donation for desserts and drinks. To RSVP for the party, contact Liz at (630) 377-6424 or safanda@ppfv.org

Preserving Geneva - Proven Methods and Incentives: Karla Kaulfuss, preservation planner, will present this lunchtime talk featuring recent activities of the Historic Preservation Commission and the results of its efforts at noon Tuesday, May 11, at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for Geneva History Center members. For information, call (630) 232.4951.

2010 Historic Preservation Awards: Mayor Kevin Burns will present the 2010 Historic Preservation Awards at the committee of the whole meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at the Geneva City Hall, 109 James St. This is the first year that nominations will be received for preservation work completed on older buildings inside and outside of the historic district. Visit the city's website for information on how to nominate at geneva.il.us.

For more information, contact Karla Kaulfuss at (630) 938-4541 or visit kkaulfuss@geneva.il.us.