A new private-sector effort in Seattle, Washington aims to rehabilitate historic buildings with energy-efficient technology.
Mayor Greg Nickels and National Trust for Historic Preservation President Richard Moe today announced the creation of the Preservation Green Lab–a first-of-its-kind initiative to suggest innovative sustainable development policies for existing buildings and neighborhoods.
Funded in part with a $50,000 grant from the city of Seattle, the Preservation Green Lab, will partner with selected cities and states and also serve as a national clearinghouse for best practices for green rehabilitation.
"Our buildings are our history. We need to preserve our past, but we also need to prepare for the future. By adapting the latest technology, we can renovate our historic buildings without toasting the planet," Nickels said.
"The establishment of this field office will further the goals of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Sustainability Program, which include promoting building reuse, reinvestment in older communities, and the greening of existing buildings to combat climate change," said Moe. "With more than 43% of the nation’s carbon emissions coming from the operation of buildings, reusing and improving the energy efficiency of older and historic buildings is an essential part of a sustainable future."
The reuse of older and historic buildings often creates more jobs than
new construction. According to Donovan Rypkema, Principal of Place
Economics, rehabilitation generally uses about 20% more labor and, in
turn, produces a greater number of jobs than new construction.
Investment in building retrofitting creates demand for electricians,
heating/air conditioning installers, carpenters, construction equipment
operators, roofers, installation workers, carpenter helpers,
construction managers and building inspectors.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization that seeks to revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities.
For more information about the Preservation Green Lab, go to the linkk below.
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