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Sustainable Preservation
Sustainability is the hot issue of the day. It seems like everyone, not just the preservation community, is talking "green" or "going green" or "greening" themselves. In fact, it's hard to get past the verdant vernacular to the substance of what being "green" really means. Because the term "green" has become ubiquitous, it can mean almost anything or nothing at all! Used interchangeably, the terms "sustainable" and "green" development can have different goals and are not always compatible. For example, a building could be "green" but not "sustainable" - the building might meet USGBC standards for LEED certification, but be built in a location that requires a long commute or displaces an existing community or demolished an existing structure.

So the question of sustainability is at the forefront of the historic preservation movement nationally as well as in Charleston. Recently, the National Trust launched its Sustainability Initiative to integrate, on a national scale, the practices and policies of preservation with sustainable development. So we at HCF must ask ourselves the strategic question: is "sustainability" relevant for historic preservation in Charleston and, more directly, what is the role of Historic Charleston Foundation in the context of sustainability? Secondly, how broad is the scope of sustainability?

The community call to action requires a leader, a respected organization, who can articulate a broad vision for Charleston and chart a strategic direction for this city that is grounded in its past history, protective of its present resources, but progressive and holistic in its future aspirations. We need a defender of historic preservation who is also an advocate for sustainable growth; who carries the banner for sustainable stewardship in critical community matters; who works in partnership with various community organizations; who understands that preservation is not just about saving buildings but enhancing the cultural uniqueness of our communities through sustainable growth and practices; and who promotes a culture of reuse, preservation and long-term stewardship.

HCF has the opportunity to chart the course for sustainable preservation and a responsibility to educate the community about sustainable practices and to lead the effort to "green" our historic structures. We will do this by promoting sustainable stewardship that incorporates four principles (Richard Moe, National Trust):
  1. Reuse Buildings- put existing buildings to use and reduce demolition waste and need for new construction.
  2. Reinvest in older and historic neighborhoods- reduce sprawl by revitalizing infill areas.
  3. Retrofit older and historic buildings to achieve energy efficiency- develop Best Practices, sustainability manuals and preferred materials and vendors lists and for home owners.
  4. Respect historic integrity-support rehab projects that combine energy efficiency measures and historic preservation (creating win-win scenarios), and cultivate energy efficiency partnerships that promote preservation.

What is exciting about the sustainability opportunity before us is that is fits squarely with the timeless mission of HCF:

"HCF is dedicated to preserving and protecting the historical, architectural and cultural character of Charleston and its historic environs, and to educating the public about Charleston's history and the benefits that are derived from preservation. "

A strategic commitment to sustainable preservation will confirm and enhance the role of historic preservation in Charleston and crystallize the role of HCF in the community and beyond.

Adapted from an article by Elizabeth M. Hagood

Learn how HCF is staying "Charleston green" to beat the heat this summer!