Historic Preservation and Green Plans Go Together

EnviroCitizen.org has found that those who live in an area rich with cultural and historical heritage often go to great lengths to preserve it. The same applies when preserving buildings with a heritage. However, as time goes on, it eventually becomes time for upgrades so that the building is safe and preserved. The good news is that by keeping a historic building, it is being green.

Firstly, historic preservation and green buildings go hand-in-hand because no new ground is disturbed. Something that already exists is being worked on instead. New building cause disturbance on virgin land and create more of an impact on the environment around them compared to simply doing upkeep on an area that is already built out. This is often referred to as infill. Also, there is usually far less waste generated. Most of what is needed is usually already there. If there are new things needed, they can be added with minimal impact.

The materials themselves are often more sustainable. Many historic places used older fashioned methods in the production of the materials. Depending on the standards of the area, some places require that any renovations use materials as closely made to the originals as possible. Sometimes this can mean reusing things. It can also mean using materials that were recycled. Having the right expert on the job can make the building stay as authentic as possible while being safe and green.

Another good thing about historic preservation is that often you can get tax credits or other incentives for renovate the building as well as some for making it a green building, depending on the extent of the repairs. The National Society for Historic Preservation is very much in favor of green upgrades to building because it accomplishes two very wonderful goals of sustainability and keeping the past alive.

To find out more information on historic preservation done sustainably, visit the National Society for Historic Preservation website at http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/sustainability/. You can also visit your local chapter to get more information that pertains specifically to your area. Whether you want to modify your building so that it is safer and more efficient or you want to help preserve it using green methods, historic preservation is one of the greenest construction practices that can be done. EnviroCitizen.org suggests you do some research, find the right building restoration professionals prior to beginning any green restoration projects.