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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Deep Retrofits Next Market for Struggling Architects
News Analysis
AIA lends business advice to architects facing a down economy: start selling deep energy retrofits.
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Sustainability in Preservation Gets Its Own Guidebook
News Brief
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Window Film: An Overlooked Retrofit Option?
News Analysis
In mild climates, window film pays for itself faster than more popular retrofits, an industry report argues.
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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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Feds Say Popular PACE Retrofit Program Is Still Too Risky
News Analysis
A handful of states are picking up PACE, but with FHFA still saying it's too risky, the rest of the nation might have to wait.
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Federal Government Issues Challenge: Fix Our Buildings!
News Brief
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Retrofits (Usually) Greener Than New Construction, Study Says
News Analysis
Building reuse has environmental benefits over new construction, but there are important exceptions and caveats.
