When we think of green building, we tend to picture new construction. But Robert A. Young argues that the greenest building is often the one that has already been built. In Stewardship of the Built Environment, he shows how rehabilitating and reusing existing structures holds untapped potential for achieving sustainable communities. Students and professionals alike will discover the multifaceted benefits of reuse. Young begins by describing how historic preservation in the United States, often overlooked because of the predominant focus on new construction, is actually an important sustainable design strategy. He then examines the social, environmental, and economic benefits of preservation-from the societal value of reusing existing buildings to financial incentives available for rehabilitation. Young concludes with insights into the future of reusing buildings as a sustainability strategy. He also provides several informative appendices, including a glossary of key terms and acronyms and recommendations for further reading. Readers will become familiar with essential terminology; sustainability and historic preservation metrics; government oversight processes; and opportunities for smart growth afforded by rehabilitation. This knowledge is key to preserving the past while building a sustainable future.

Robert Young teaches architecture at the University of Utah and is co-director of the Mountain West Planning and Design Academy, and author of Historic Preservation Technology (Wiley 2008). He has worked in the sustainable design and historic preservation fields for 30 years and been professionally active on numerous review boards and commissions. He has taught historic preservation courses and environmental controls/sustainability courses for the past 17 years.

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. Overview and Introduction

Stewardship of the Built Environment

Application of SEE to the Built Environment

Social Contributions of Preservation and Reuse

Environmental Contributions of Preservation and Reuse

Economic Contributions of Preservation and Reuse

Sustainable Stewardship

2. Social Factors

Seeking Urbanism: Social Implications for Preservation and Reuse

Perspectives from Europe

Preservation Tools and Processes

Sociopolitical Framework

Collaborative Practice

Connecting the Dots

3. Environmental Factors

Environmental Indicators

Architectural Form as Environmental Control

Increasing Sustainability

4. Economic Factors

Economic Incentives

Economic Planning and Development Tools

Economic Indicators

5. Putting It All Together

Creating Community: Fort Douglas, Salt Lake City, Utah

Affirming the Environmental Contribution: Christman Company Headquarters, Lansing, Michigan

Creating an Economic Catalyst: The Old Post Office, St. Louis, Missouri

Lessons Learned

Future Directions and Imperatives

Appendix A: Abbreviations

Appendix B: Recommendations for Further Reading

References

Index.