Energy Efficiency & Environmental Sustainability
Greater Portland Landmarks believes historic preservation and the green building movement are natural allies: the greenest building, as the saying goes, is the one that is already built. An older building embodies a heavy prior investment in resources and energy; keeping it in use conserves that investment and is recycling at its best.
“The greenest building is the one already built.”
Landmarks applauds and encourages new approaches to sustainable design and construction while working to educate building owners, architects, builders and developers about the important role of historic preservation in fostering sustainable development.
We provide access to green technologies and products through the bi-annual Old House Trade Show, our Preservation Directory, workshops on preservation practices, and practical advice for do-it-yourselfers in our quarterly newspaper, the Landmarks Observer.
Energy Efficiency In Older Homes
Landmarks' Publications
Ten Ways to Turn Your Old Building Green Landmarks Observer, Summer 2008
The Energy Efficient Old House: A Workbook for Homeowners published by Greater Portland Landmarks
Stewarding Your Old Home: Conserve or Preserve Landmarks Observer, Spring 2007
Stewarding Your Old Home: The Greenest House is the One Already Built Landmarks Observer, Winter 2008
Weatherizing the Older Home Landmarks Observer, Spring 2010
The Greenest House is the One Already Built Landmarks Observer, Spring 2012
Solar Photo-Voltaic Installation on Historic Buildings Landmarks Observer, Spring 2012
Additional Information
Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings National Park Service
Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings National Park Service
Energy Advice for Owners of Older and Historic Homes National Trust for Historic Preservation
Weatherization Guide for Older & Historic Buildings National Trust for Historic Preservation
Saving Energy in Your Older Home UGA College of Family & Consumer Services
Seven Ways to Weatherize Old House Journal
How to Insulate Your Drafty Historic Home Flagpole Magazine
Realizing the Energy Efficiency Potential of Small Buildings Preservation Green Lab
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
If you can't re-use historic materials in your own home, consider salvaging them so that others may utilize them and keep recyclable materials out of our waste stream!
Donate to the ReStore Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland
Salvaging Existing Materials During a Restoration Landmarks Observer, Winter 2011