Lancaster City: Green Preservation

GREEN PRESERVATION

INTRODUCTION

As Americans become more concerned about improving the energy efficiency of their homes, as well as broader issues such as fuel consumption, choked landfills, climate change and global warming, the natural relationship between environmental conservation and historic preservation has become more obvious. In their everyday lives, Americans are making greater efforts to Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle. Choosing to restore an existing building – or maintain its original architectural features -- is the ultimate recycling project.

Sustainability has been defined as living within our means, reducing our “environmental footprint” by consuming less energy, releasing fewer harmful substances into the atmosphere, and increasing the efficiency of technology. Our grandparents’ adage of “Waste not, want not” resonates today, particularly during an economic slowdown.

Historic preservation and sustainability are natural allies with shared environmental, economic and social concerns. Preserving buildings makes the best use of the resources and energy used in their initial construction, known as embodied energy, as well as keeping discarded materials out of landfills. Older homes can be brought up to modern standards of comfort through simple practices such as weather-stripping and caulking, making use of storm windows and installing attic insulation.

The following topics offer information for owners of historic buildings as well as links to other organizations and resources for further research.

Sustainability and Historic Buildings

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation &

Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and LEED

Your Green Home: Naturally Green Preservation

Weatherization Tips for Older Buildings

Wood Windows & the Environment

Solar Panels

Demolition / Deconstruction and Salvage

Reading List