Energy efficiency has been a theme of past editions of the annual International Builders' Show, but there seems to be more urgency to the conversation this year. That might have to do with the fact that President Barack Obama's stimulus plan contains several key provisions aimed at green building, including the weatherization of existing homes.

As part of the International Builders' Show Green Day on January 21, the National Association of Home Builders held a press conference on energy efficiency. The panel of industry experts argued that remodeling and retrofitting the nation's oldest homes will have the greatest impact on overall energy consumption, more than the adoption of green-building practices to new construction. "We obviously can't solve the problems by tearing down all our inefficient housing stock and replacing it with new," explained Ray Tonjes, chairman of the NAHB's Green Building Subcommittee. "We need to make some significant improvements to our existing homes."

Besides saving energy, boosting efficiency by retrofitting homes could lead to more green-collar jobs. NAHB-backed initiatives are already under way to help train workers. That should be good news to the Obama administration, which hopes to stem growing unemployment by creating millions of new jobs.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: Read our advice on weatherization and product reports on programmable thermostats, tankless water heaters, and windows.