Construction Expert: Historic Restoration Creates a More Sustainable Future
When thinking of sustainable and “green” facilities, historic sites are often misconceived as being inefficient and consumers of large amounts of energy. However, experts in historic preservation have said historic buildings are innately sustainable, as many have been designed to utilize natural light, heating and cooling, and were built with traditional materials that have longer lifespans. In fact, findings show that restoring historic facilities is “greener” overall when compared to demolition and new construction.
Historic preservation and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Through preservation, existing materials and design elements can be salvaged or upgraded, having less of an impact on our landfills, material consumption and energy consumption – all while preserving the character and history of the site. It is possible to integrate new features and technologies into historic sites, however, preservation experts emphasize that selected materials and systems need to be cohesive with the existing building structure. These complementary elements result in greater energy savings and overall environmental impact.
An example of repurposing an existing historic building was presented to the Rockford Construction education team when Grand Rapids Public Schools needed a renovation solution created for Innovation Central High School. Following a facilities assessment, several opportunities for renovation and improvements were identified at the school, which is a registered Michigan Historic Site. Originally constructed in 1910 with subsequent additions in 1927, 1937 and 1982, Rockford saw this project as an opportunity to not only restore the existing character, but to utilize sustainable construction practices throughout the renovation, keeping with our core value of Driving Sustainability.
The main focus of the renovation was to update the HVAC system throughout the school to improve comfort and efficiency. Fans that were previously installed to provide fresh, cool air to the classrooms failed decades earlier and were not replaced or repaired. A new chiller plant for AC is being installed, as well as new direct outdoor air units to provide proper air changes and fresh outside air to the classrooms. Additionally, each of the old, inefficient rooftop units will be replaced to take care of spaces like the multiple gyms and cafeteria, and new vertical unit ventilators will be installed in classrooms for air distribution.
While the heating system functioned throughout the building, the steam boiler was found to be inefficient and often overheated spaces to the point where opening windows was necessary. Four new high-efficiency hot water condensing boilers will be installed, as well as a new hot water perimeter heat system to take the chill off the outside walls in colder temperatures. Teachers will also have access to thermostats located within their classrooms to easily control the comfort within the space. These improvements provide a much more comfortable and controllable HVAC system and result in less energy consumption.
Repairing or upgrading historical features like windows can provide even higher efficiency than what was previously there. Most of the high school’s existing windows were found to be inefficient and half of the existing window rough openings were blocked off in the 70s as an energy savings measure. This reduced the natural light by half. Studies have found natural light promotes better learning, improved behavior, reduced anxiety and boosts overall health. The windows are being replaced with new, high-efficiency windows that will match the existing historic façade while also providing twice as much natural light. Restoring windows to the original design, in addition to new LED lighting, will provide a full spectrum of lighting to classrooms.
While preserving as much of the site’s original materials is important to retaining the historical character, it is also imperative given the current economy of material shortages and delays. Onsite, existing masonry is being tuckpointed, restoring the integrity of the building envelope. All of the existing terracotta is being preserved and resealed, and where it has been damaged beyond repair, an exact replica has been produced to replace the damaged unit.
Rockford will also take steps throughout construction to minimize job site waste, including using a single-stream recycling plan, and driving sustainability by using products like low-VOC paints and adhesives, and covering new ductwork during construction.
Not only does historic preservation conserve the existing efficiency of the building, but the community is also revived culturally, socially and economically. The restoration of Innovation Central High School preserves the legacy of notable alumni such as First Lady Betty Ford, astronaut Roger B. Chaffee, and others, reminding current students that they too can go on to accomplish greatness. Rich with opportunity, these sites are crucial in understanding where we came from, where we are now and where we are going.
As the movement toward a “greener” future continues, there is a mindfulness of the overlapping goals of sustainability and historic preservation. The results can deliver neighborhoods that are efficient, equitable and resilient. Together, these practices culminate in cultural, economic and environmental benefits. Thus, our histories, our legacies, are preserved for decades to come.
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