Moravian Preservation Master Plan.indb - Society for College and ...

Moravian College • Preservation Master Plan
key components of historic preservation but also
characteristic of sustainable design.
Building owners may go a step further by examining
those portions of the building which are not vitally
historic and may be upgraded to increase the
long-term sustainability of the project. Specific
project considerations recommended for existing
buildings by the USGBC include the following:
Sustainable Sites – Projects involving historic
buildings are typically associated with a specific,
permanent site which may or may not allow for
reasonably sustainable site design. However,
exterior building cleaning, site maintenance, pest
management, fertilizer application, and power
equipment use can all be adapted to conform to
more environmentally-safe procedures. Installing
appropriate plantings, managing stormwater,
minimizing impervious surfaces, controlling
development density, providing alternative
methods of transportation, reducing heat islands
and light pollution, and protecting natural
habitats can also reduce detrimental effects to the
surrounding environment and increase the “green
value” of the project.
Water Efficiency – Although increasing water
efficiency may imply the removal of potentially
historic fixtures and plumbing systems, appropriate
installation of ultra high efficiency or dry fixtures
and water flow controls are integral to creating a
sustainable building. Adaptive use projects that call
for the replacement of non-historic fixtures open
the door to a potential sustainable design approach
in the selection of new, more efficient fixtures.
Furthermore, minimizing site irrigation and
implementing innovative, ecological wastewater
treatment technologies can also increase a project’s
water efficiency.
Energy & Atmosphere – Energy modeling can
prove to be an invaluable tool for ensuring that an
existing building’s systems are running efficiently
in accordance with energy code mandates. A study
of this type provides an early indication of what
system components should be upgraded and to
what extent, as well as aid in long-term monitoring
of the system’s operation. Installation of energysaving
retrofits and elements such as insulation,
weather-stripping, and storm windows may
improve the efficiency of an existing building over
the long term. Special consideration should be given
to the potential for implementation of renewable
energy systems, such as solar or wind power.
Maintenance staff should be thoroughly trained in
the appropriate operation, monitoring, and repair
of building systems to ensure better efficiency over
the life of the building. Inappropriate retrofits and
complex new mechanical systems should not be
installed at the risk of destroying or diminishing
the historic character of the building. Any proposed
additions or renovations to a historic building
should conform to the guidelines set forth in The
Secretary for the Interior’s Standards.
Materials & Resources – The least invasive method
for controlling materials waste is simply enforcing
a waste reduction strategy for the building during
and after construction, which should include
guidelines for reducing, salvaging, recycling, or
composting refuse and organic matter, to divert
material from landfills. When building materials
must be replaced, require new materials meet any
of the USGBC’s sustainability criteria, including the
use of certified wood, products made of recycled
content or rapidly renewable materials, or locally
grown or manufactured products. Use only those
cleaning products that conform to the appropriate
specified sustainability criteria.
Indoor Environmental Quality – Adequately
maintain outside air dampers and louvers and
monitor air flow regularly. Provide effective airflow
paths and natural ventilation. Install CO2 monitors
and increase the controllability of heating, cooling,
and lighting systems. Prohibit smoking and use
of materials or finishes that create a high level of
off-gassing within the building or near building
openings. Implement PCB and asbestos testing
and management programs and maintain accurate,
up-to-date records of remediation efforts. Utilize
natural daylight and views to retain a visual
connection between interior and exterior spaces.
Few historic buildings allow for the total
implementation of every sustainable design
recommendation outlined above. Formal LEED
Certification requires a minimum of these standards.
However, all designers and building owners can
choose to be good stewards of the environment
and achieve sustainable design practices without
pursuing formal certification. The goal of the Green
Building movement is to support a more holistic
approach to building design and renovation, wherein
long-term uses, environmental and community
impacts, existing building systems, and potential
increases in building efficiency are thoroughly
analyzed prior to commencement of the work. Each
project will have its own specific characteristics
John Milner Associates • October 2009 • Chapter 10 • New Construction • 326