SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR ISSUES ILLUSTRATED GUIDELINES ON SUSTAINABILITY FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS

The National Park Service’s Technical Preservation Services has issued Guidelines on Sustainability stress the inherent sustainability of historic buildings and offer specific guidance on “recommended” rehabilitation treatments and “not recommended” treatments, which could negatively impact a building’s historic character. Illustrations of both types of treatments are included. The Guidelines are designed to assist building owners in planning rehabilitation projects that will meet the Standards for Rehabilitation.

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings are available at http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/download/guidelines-sustainability.pdf

These are the first set of official guidelines on how to make changes to improve energy efficiency and preserve the character of historic buildings. The Guidelines are an important addition to current discussions about sustainability and achieving greater energy efficiency, which have focused primarily on new buildings to date.

Technical Preservation Services is the nation's leading provider of information and guidance on the care of historic buildings. Technical Preservation Services provides the tools and information necessary to take effective measures to protect and preserve historic buildings, ranging from historic masonry and window repairs to lead paint abatement to accessibility for people with disabilities.