Is Preserving Old Buildings More Sustainable Than Demolition?

04/10/2023

As cities have expanded, old buildings often are left behind. Instead of demolishing these structures, many developers are choosing to repurpose these historical buildings. Authentic From & Function explores this issue in-depth, and why adaptive reuse is so important:

Historic Preservation is Imperative

According to Minneapolis architect Gordon Olschlager, a former member of the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission and the American Institute of Architects Historic Preservation Committee:

“Preserving historic buildings is important because buildings are part of our collective cultural patrimony. Just as we recognize the value of art and artists, historic buildings embody a vast array of crafts and artistic skill that is no longer utilized in modern construction.”

Saving buildings by transforming them is an excellent way of keeping the culture of an area alive, creating a bridge between old and new. The outside of the building often reflects the history of the area while the inside is utilized for a modern purpose.

Sustainability

Preserving old buildings in many cases is more sustainable than demolishing a building and starting from new ones. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, it takes about 65 years for an energy-efficient new building to save the amount of energy lost in demolishing an existing building. Re-using an existing building also means fewer construction materials in landfills. Reuse is more sustainable than new construction.

Challenges of Adaptive Reuse

However, there are a few challenges in reuse, like any project. When reusing an existing building, careful planning is required. Unlike in a new project where the materials are new and mostly predictable, repurposing an old building requires working around an existing frame. There may be materials that are harmful to humans and require extra care to remove and replace safely. The other challenge is one that occurs early in the project: deciding the use for the building. As Authentic From & Function explains:

“I think the biggest challenge is finding a compatible new use, so that important historic character is preserved. Warehouse adaptation is usually easy as there is not a lot of significant interior spaces. But, changing a church into housing would not be a compatible use since much of the interior would have to be significantly altered,” states Olschlager.

Transforming Cities

While there are challenges with reusing buildings, the benefit is immeasurable. Instead of old buildings sitting unused, they’re given a fresh new life. Giving a new purpose to a historic landmark draws the attention of the community. It’s a fantastic way to preserve the past while looking ahead to the future.

Windows and doors are key historic architectural features that define a building’s character. Replicating historic color palettes, historic sightlines, and design elements, with modern replications, enhances the building’s legacy and provides another lifetime of sustainability. If you’re considering reusing a building, contact us for a quote and learn more about St. Cloud Window’s historic aluminum doors and windows.