Historic preservation and adaptive use: a significant opportunity for sustainability

Abstract

Recent budgetary perspectives of the current presidential administration indicate that recognition of preservation and adaptive use as a sustainability strategy has fallen short of what it can and should be. With the emergence of programs, such as the United States Green Buildings Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDâ„¢) and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding incentives, it is time to expand the language and interdisciplinary nature of preservation to give a broader voice to enhance the public perception that sustainability stems from preservation rather than the common general misperception that preservation and adaptive use of existing older buildings can not enhance sustainability in the built environment. This research explores the basic tenets of sustainability through the integrated lens of social, environmental, and economical factors. Specifically, this research provides insights into a holistic view of interdisciplinary practice. By advancing beyond the current practice of "going green,” preservationists can use these factors to promote a greater understanding how reusing existing buildings is a viable sustainability strategy. This presentation will supplement the social argument for community revitalization through preservation and adaptive use by exploring the implications of energy utilization indices, the impacts of demolition and replacement, vernacular climatebased design and low technology comfort strategies that are inherent in many older and historic buildings. Lastly, the findings will demonstrate the economic incentives available and the types of collaborative partnerships and incentive programs that have been used to make a project meet the economic goals of the developer or investor. This latter exploration provides the primary thrust to promote the argument in economic terms that drive the actual realization of a project.