Today s Topics. Is Preservation Sustainable? Environmental Benefits of Preservation. Other Benefits of Preservation. Common Issues and Questions

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2 Today s Topics Is Preservation Sustainable? Environmental Benefits of Preservation Other Benefits of Preservation Common Issues and Questions Preservation Resources

3 Tennessee s Historic Legacy Tennessee was 16 th state admitted to the union in 1796 Second trans- Appalachian state High number of historic colleges and universities Three have received Getty Campus Heritage Grants UT, Sewanee, and Rhodes

4 Common Misconceptions Sustainability is about new technologies, not old buildings Old structures are inherently inefficient Not an environmental movement Preservation imposes inflexible rules Past is a problem, not a solution

5 A Broader Definition Consider a broader definition of sustainability Should not be limited to natural resources, but should include historical, cultural, and environmental assets Heritage is part of our environment it also makes places distinct and unique Historic and cultural resources also at risk from pollution and poor development practices

6 Green Preservation The greenest building is the one already built Carl Elefante, AIA, LEED AP

7 The Ultimate Recycling Project Adaptive re-use is the ultimate recycling project Requires little in the way of new materials or infrastructure Generates little waste Keeps existing trees and landscapes Preserves campus identity

8 Recycle and Reuse Demolition of a 5 x100 building is equal to throwing away 1,344,000 aluminum cans Source: Donovan Rypkema

9 Designed with Nature Our ancestors had no choice but to design around nature Buildings usually constructed using local materials Resources were scarce and expensive Built to last for generations Structures had to be naturally cooled, lit, etc. Historic structures are efficient, though often in different ways

10 GSA Study General Services Administration, the nation s landlord, responsible for more than 8,000 buildings Inventory includes 43 historic structures, including 61 national historic landmarks 1999 study found that the historic structures actually used 7% less energy than the rest of their inventory Report cited high ceilings, large windows, and thick masonry wall as energy-saving features Because of this, GSA now emphasizes preservation as a sustainable best practice

11 Energy Efficiency Large double-hung windows allow cool air to enter and warm air to escape Interior courts increase natural lighting and ventilation Glass/wall ratio often less than 0% Often include energy-saving landscaping Local climate was usually an important design consideration Energy Research and Development Admin. study found that least efficient buildings date between

12 Embodied Energy Embodied energy is the total expenditure of energy involved in the creation of a building and its constituent materials Energy used to construct a building is 15 to 30 times annual energy use 100 year old building that uses 5% more energy is more efficient that a modern structure that lasts only 40 years

13 Least energy consumptive materials are brick, plaster, concrete, and timber Most energy consumptive materials are plastic, steel, vinyl, and aluminum Building Materials Why replace existing structures built of less consumptive materials with structures made of more consumptive materials? Many materials old growth timber, slate, stone - are natural and more durable than modern alternatives

14 Other Environmental Benefits Traditional parking areas surrounded by trees, reducing heat island effects Central locations are pedestrian friendly High ceilings allow light and air to circulate Deep overhangs reduce heat and can negate the need for gutters and downspouts Historic masonry structures are exceptionally durable Interior environment often superior and healthier

15 6% of students cite campus image as a selection factor Helps recruit and retain top faculty and research staff Other Benefits Increases the prestige of the institution, leads to increased research and development funds Promotes dialog with community and improves local image Promotes alumni engagement Attracts funding for restoration and renovation projects

16 Neighborhood Investment Universities and colleges often encroach on surrounding historic neighborhoods Many institutions now invest in these neighborhoods Rather than demolish homes, they provide incentives for use as faculty/staff housing This reduces traffic, reduces crime, and increases faculty/staff retention

17 Issues and Concerns LEED Certification Windows National Register of Historic Places Inventory and awareness Codes Training Building maintenance Preservation policies and procedures

18 Current LEED guidelines do not adequately recognize historic attributes or features Structures can be and are restored to meet LEED guidelines LEED Certification GSA is working to LEED certify many of its historic structures GBC is now working with the National Trust to improve guidelines for historic structures

19 The National Register of Historic Places recognizes and helps protect the nation s historic sites Administered by the Park Service and state SHPO (THC) National Register Does not prevent renovation, remodeling, or even demolition of historic structures Does require a Section 106 review process if using federal funds Same process required for an eligible structure not listed on National Register

20 Windows are among the most important elements of a historic structure Replacing original windows destroys a structure s historical and architectural integrity Windows LEED certification does not require window replacement Growing body of research shows that window replacement is often unnecessary and ill advised

21 Restored windows are often nearly or as efficient as new units Historic windows generally have a longer life cycle than new ones Window Facts Use of storm windows and historic shutters can dramatically increase efficiency Awnings can reduce heat gain by 65% Environmental costs of new windows production, transportation, installation, and waste disposal often negate modest efficiency gains

22 Inventory and Awareness Many institutions are not fully aware of their historic resources Inventory and assessment of historic resources should be conducted by a qualified survey team Inventory should be updated regularly - every 5-10 years Historic sites and resources should be identified with visible markers Maintenance and facilities staff need to be aware of these resources and their value

23 Codes and Preservation Some modern building codes conflict with preservation and sustainability efforts Transoms are an important part of natural ventilation systems, but are often prohibited by fire codes Some traditional or renewable building materials may not comply with local codes ADA can create challenges for major renovation projects Jurisdictional issues at public institutions

24 Inadequate training is an issue at many institutions Facilities managers should be knowledgeable of NHPA, Section 106, and other preservation regulations and statutes Training Facilities staff should be aware of current preservation best practices Training is available from a number of resources

25 Maintenance Institutions are stewards of important historical resources Poor maintenance is a major factor in the loss of many resources Improper or deferred maintenance negates the environmental value of may historic features Disposable vs. long-term structures

26 Policies and Procedures Inherent tension between maintaining a traditional campus environment while meeting changing educational and research demands Well defined policies help institutions balance these needs and guide the decision making process Virtually all top institutions have preservation policies and review processes Increasingly, many now have preservation staff or a dedicated CHPO

27 Preservation Resources More than 80 Getty Grant schools have established a body of best practices for campus preservation Tennessee Historical Commission UT ISSE MTSU Center for Historic Preservation Tennessee Preservation Trust National Trust Regional Field Office Local Preservation Organizations National Park Service Center for Preservation Technology and Training

28 Most colleges and universities struggle with preservation issues It is difficult to balance preservation with economic constraints and space requirements Conclusion Preservation is an essential component of a sustainable campus Some structures transcend environmental or energy concerns Heritage is an important institutional asset that needs to be recognized and maintained

29 Contact Information Tim Ezzell, Ph.D. Director, Community Partnership Center Research Scientist, Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment 600 Henley Street, Suite 311 Knoxville, TN Phone: (865) Fax: (865) tezzell@utk.edu