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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Sustainability in Preservation Gets Its Own Guidebook
June 27, 2013News Brief
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Window Film: An Overlooked Retrofit Option?
April 11, 2013News 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
December 31, 2012News Brief
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Making Wall Outlets Safer—and Smarter
December 31, 2012Product 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
October 26, 2012News Brief
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Feds Say Popular PACE Retrofit Program Is Still Too Risky
July 17, 2012News 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!
April 30, 2012News Brief
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Retrofits (Usually) Greener Than New Construction, Study Says
January 24, 2012News Analysis
Building reuse has environmental benefits over new construction, but there are important exceptions and caveats.
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Obama Announces $4 Billion Retrofit Investment
December 27, 2011News Brief
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LEED for Existing Buildings Outpacing New Construction
December 9, 2011News Brief
LEED-certified existing buildings overtake new construction based on cumulative square footage.
