OVERVIEW
Conventional wisdom might suggest that structural integrity and other kinds of durability are the keys to designing lasting buildings. Real-world evidence suggests otherwise.
The decision to demolish is typically complicated, emotional, and entwined in local political, social, and economic concerns. It’s often more related to deferred maintenance and occupant dissatisfaction—factors that feed a vicious cycle of long-term building degradation.
One thing is clear, though: the embodied impacts of renovation are usually dramatically lower than the impacts of new construction. Here you’ll learn why this is, some strategies for saving buildings, and how to decide when something is just ready to be torn down.
IN-DEPTH
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When Investing in Energy Retrofits Makes Sense
June 5, 2018News Brief
Thoughtful analysis and spending across the portfolio can result in better ROI, according to research from the Rocky Mountain Institute.
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The Sound of Sustainability: Acoustics in High-Performance Design
September 6, 2017Feature Article
Acoustic performance is often overlooked by human-centered design. A holistic approach shows how to navigate the complexities of “sustainable acoustics.”
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Mind the Gaps: Making Existing Buildings More Airtight
July 25, 2017Feature Article
Leaky building enclosures create health hazards, comfort problems, and high energy bills. Fixing them isn’t rocket science; but you’d better know your building science.
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20 Ways to Advance Sustainability in the Next Four Years
January 4, 2017Feature Article
In this age of political revolution and environmental urgency, it’s time to step back and take a look at priorities, challenges, and opportunities
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The Death and Rebirth of DC Power
August 4, 2016Feature Article
Direct current is replacing AC in microgrids and other setups that maximize the efficiency of lighting, HVAC, and onsite renewables.
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Design Strategies for Occupant Engagement—and Why They Boost Performance
July 6, 2015Feature Article
Researchers reveal simple ways to empower occupants to reduce energy, water, and waste. It all starts with good design.
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Raze or Retrofit? Six Extraordinary Answers to an Everyday Question
November 3, 2014Feature Article
Saving a building is usually an environmental win, but thoughtful renovation isn’t easy. And there comes a time to tear things down.
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Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment: Taking the Measure of a Green Building
April 29, 2013Feature Article
Why we will never understand the true impact of our buildings-and how we should try to anyway
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Making Windows Work Better
June 1, 2011Feature Article
How to choose curtains, solar screens, awnings, and storm windows? The options are dizzying, but the right choice can cut energy bills.
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Design for Adaptation: Living in a Climate-Changing World
August 28, 2009Feature Article
Even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases tomorrow, rising global temperatures would still bring major changes to the climate system and our way of life. This article offers solutions for designing buildings that not only mitigate our impact on the global climate, but also adapt to the changes that are coming-and those that are already here.
