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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Largest Net-Zero Retrofit Emerges from Adult-Themed Shop
News Brief
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Sustainability in Preservation Gets Its Own Guidebook
News Brief
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LEED for Existing Buildings Recertification Guidance Arrives
News Brief
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Making Wall Outlets Safer—and Smarter
Product Review
In addition to protecting against electric shock and fire, SafePlug uses RFID tags to help track energy use from individual appliances and turn them on and off remotely.
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Window Retrofits, Not Replacements, Are Cost-Effective
News Brief
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Federal Government Issues Challenge: Fix Our Buildings!
News Brief
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Obama Announces $4 Billion Retrofit Investment
News Brief
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LEED for Existing Buildings Outpacing New Construction
News Brief
LEED-certified existing buildings overtake new construction based on cumulative square footage.
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An Efficient Retrofit for Commercial Hot Water on Demand
Product Review
D'Mand Circ for commercial buildings recirculates hot water only when it's needed, saving fuel and electricity-and even the pipes.
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Study: Wireless Lighting Retrofits Offer Quick Payback
News Brief