What has the greening entailed? It's been a three-phase project. First we tackled basic energy reduction—from unplugging appliances that aren't in use to replacing all the kitchen equipment. We're putting in Energy Star refrigerators (we use some big fridges). Next we switched from fossil-fuel power sources to solar. The third phase is about lifestyle, like eating locally. The ultimate goal is to cut the home's carbon footprint by 50 percent.
The property hasn't seen so much activity since Nelson Rockefeller built a pool there in the 1960s. Tell us how it all began. My husband and I were chatting with Judith Enck, deputy secretary for the environment, who jokingly suggested we green the mansion. We looked at each other and said, "We could green the mansion!" For me, the idea resonated deeply because I'm not a conservation expert. I'm just like everyone else, acknowledging that I need to do something different but not knowing where to start.
Solar panels on a Queen Anne? Isn't that a tough fit? The exterior is landmarked, so we couldn't put panels on it. They fit very well stylistically with the Rockefeller pool house, though. We also plan to put them on the state-police structure, and on the carport, which will power a little electric car that goes around the property. It's going to be very cute.
Sounds as if it's been a pretty smooth process. Any snags so far? I have trouble throwing out a lightbulb that's still good! I want to wait until it dies before replacing it with a CFL, but I realize it's better in the long run to just take it out.
How is the switch to CFLs working out? This has been a tough one. To be honest, there are a couple of spots where we didn't change the bulbs because the light would have been too inconsistent with the historic interior. I hear fluorescents are getting better, though.
The staff has now adopted eco-friendly household products. Notice any difference? This change has been great—the mansion has never been so clean! There was a period of experimentation, but now our staff sticks mostly to Ecover, Seventh Generation and Biokleen. Also, we found this wonderful environmentally friendly deicing product, Safe Paw, that doesn't hurt dogs' feet.
The modifications you're making at home are commendable. But your husband is in a position to make a difference for the environment on a much larger scale. What's he doing? He set an ambitious goal to reduce the state's energy consumption 15 percent by 2015. We believe it's important for making life more affordable for New Yorkers. Incentives for homeowners are a key component. Our renovations are expected to cost $650,000 (it's a big house)?approximately $200,000 of that came from state energy-efficiency grants available to all New Yorkers. For example, the renovations will cut our $86,000-a-year electric bill to less than $60,000. In less than 20 years, that investment will be paid off.
