Farmhouse with energy efficient storm windows. The concept of energy conservation in buildings is not new. Throughout history building owners have dealt with changing fuel supplies and the need for efficient use of these fuels. Gone are the days of the cheap and abundant energy of the 1950’s. Today with energy resources being depleted and the concern over the effect of greenhouse gases on climate change, owners of historic buildings are seeking ways to make their buildings more energy efficient. These concerns are key components of sustainability—a term that generally refers to the ability to maintain the environmental, social, and economic needs for human existence. The topic of sustainable or “green” building practices is too broad to cover in this brief. Rather, this preservation brief is intended to help property owners, preservation professionals, and stewards of historic buildings make informed decisions when considering energy efficiency improvements to historic buildings.
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