The Greenest Building is Old

Recent research has found that the greenest building is an Existing Building – probably historic – saved, and retrofitted for energy efficiency.  Using what we have is smarter and more sustainable than tearing down and building new.  No surprise there – but surprised to see it the subject of an article in Building Magazine!  

 

06/21/2012

What is the Greenest Building?

It’s not necessarily a new, ultra-modern skyscraper – in fact, the greenest building may already be in your portfolio.

By Janelle Penny

The concept of the “greenest building” conjures up thoughts of new, sustainably designed buildings with huge alternative energy installations, cutting-edge mechanical and lighting systems, and expansive on-site recycling programs.

But as a new report by the Preservation Green Lab (part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation) posits, the greenest building may not be a brand-new, eco-friendly structure. In fact, it’s more likely to be an existing building that’s been repaired, brought up to code, and retrofitted with energy-efficient systems.

TEAR DOWN OR BUILD UP?
Whether you’re starting an adaptive reuse project or simply modernizing an older building, the process starts the same way – making sure the extensive renovation is more beneficial than just demolishing the old building and starting over from scratch. In addition to the possible financial incentive, the reuse project should offer an expected carbon footprint lower than what would be emitted from a new construction project. It should also require a smaller scope of work than erecting a new building, even though extensive remodeling is likely needed.

 

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Posted via email from Applied Architecture StudioNews

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