Historic Preservation and Green Building:
A Lasting Relationship

This summary is a shortened, condensed version of the Full Article.

Executive Summary

This article looks at numerous case studies and specific strategies for combining historic building preservation with green building practices. Although new buildings are seen as more energy efficient than older ones, the difference in efficiency between a rehabilitated historic building and a new building does not always justify the costs of starting over from scratch, if the existing building is structurally sound and well-built. Historic buildings, defined as pre-1936, may also qualify for federal tax credits if renovations meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Careful monitoring and computer modeling can help determine the energy performance of a building so that improvements can be targeted. Improve the building’s envelope by adding storm windows, insulation, and green roofs where they won’t detract from the building’s character, as defined by the Secretary’s Standards. Carefully consider building science, as adding insulation can harm the structure of many older buildings, particularly masonry buildings, by reducing their drying potential. Radiant heating and cooling can be both efficient and acceptable in terms of preservation standards. Investment in more efficient heating and cooling systems can pay off quickly in an older building with an inefficient envelope.

Old buildings were often designed with natural ventilation and daylighting in mind, so focusing on green building strategies can involve restoring historic design features. Inefficient plumbing and lighting fixtures should be replaced or retrofitted with efficient alternatives. Follow guidelines and regulations on remediation of hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos, and specify low-toxicity products with low levels of volatile organic compounds whenever possible to maintain good air quality.