The National Trust for Historic Preservation released a report titled “The Greenest Building: Quantifying the Environmental Value of Building Use” in 2011, where it claimed that – ‘it takes 10 to 80 years for a new building that is 30 percent more efficient than an average-performing existing building to overcome, through efficient operations, the negative climate change impacts related to the construction process.’ If this is true, then greening the existing buildings is definitely more sustainable and energy efficient than building a new one. And this is where adaptive reuse and renovation come into use.
Adaptive reuse can broadly be divided into historic preservation, facadism, integration infrastructure reuse, and renovation. Among these five, renovation is one process that is easily applicable to all projects of varying sizes and functions based on the needs and financial capacity of the owner. And when the renovation process involves sustainable solutions, it not only adds to the global goals of climate change but can also reduce bills at the individual level. And there is always the possibility of earning LEED certifications on the renovated structure.
Sustainable Renovation – The “What”
Renovation is the process of upgrading a structure on the interior and exterior without changing the overall area of the built structure. The external appearance is usually preserved to keep the urban fabric of the street intact, and the interior broken, damaged, or outdated spaces and systems are improved with modern spaces and the latest technology. Renovation can apply to various buildings, from as small as a one-room residence to as big as ancient palaces. The entire process can be as small as re-painting the space to as big as revamping the whole interior space.
This largely reduces construction waste, making it a more sustainable solution than building a new structure in place. And with sustainable design solutions and energy-efficient systems, the revamped structure becomes eco-friendly. These include using sustainable, recycled, or repurposed materials, energy-efficient appliances, water conservation techniques, waste reduction and recycling techniques, and biophilic designs to bring in natural light and ventilation.
Sustainable Renovation – The “Why”
The major advantage of sustainable renovation at an individual level is that the space is redesigned to one’s liking and to accommodate the latest technology and smart solutions which improves the indoor air quality and comfort. Despite having to initially spend more, there is an overall reduction in bills which nets to reduction in spending over time. Additionally, if the need to sell arises, according to Earth Advantage Study, green-certified structures sell for 8% more.
At a global level, the sustainable design helps the users to play an active role in protecting the planet against climate change, in preserving the natural resources, in reducing the carbon footprint, in creating a thriving community and to drive economic growth. Sustainable renovation presents an opportunity to preserve cultural heritage while reducing environmental impact from the construction industry.
Sustainable Renovation – The “When”
Renovation needs planning, as with any project, and it starts with realizing the need for it. Renovation should be contemplated when structural issues need to be addressed, when the mechanical and electrical systems become outdated or when the functionality of the space does not match with your current needs. Renovation is also considered when the owner wants to change the design and appearance of the space he inhabits. The new design is always a chance to put sustainability in the spotlight, a chance to make the space green, keeping comfort and efficiency at the forefront.
Sustainable Renovation – The “How”
Any renovation project starts with evaluation of the space of what needs to be replaced or upgraded. For achieving sustainable results, the main concerns are for leaks in insulation, air and water, efficiency of appliances, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and electrical units.
The following factors need to be considered when approaching a sustainable renovation project:
1. Efficient systems – Integrating systems like solar panels, smart technology, energy-efficient HVAC and plumbing systems, and energy-saving lighting systems can help to make the renovated building sustainable. Lighting is the easiest way to reduce energy consumption since it requires minimal work on the structure itself, and using renewable sources of energy in the form of solar panels can help relieve dependence on other energy sources. Efficient systems and smart technology can help to reduce the carbon footprint and optimize energy consumption without compromising on comfort. Water and energy appliances should be energy star rated to help to protect the natural resources from getting depleted.
2. Design elements – Including open spaces and installing optimal sized windows can help to bring in natural daylight and ventilation to the space, making it comfortable and reducing the dependence on artificial forms of light and ventilation. Openings should aid to maximize insulation and prevent leakages; they could also be capitalized to install photovoltaic cells to produce energy. The space itself should be designed to enhance its functionality by opting for elements that are of high quality and timeless in aesthetics. This makes the structure resilient and long-lasting.
3. Materials – Choosing materials that are locally available, renewable, recyclable, reclaimed or eco-friendly can make an enormous difference in the overall carbon footprint of the structure. When sustainability is embraced right from the material selection, the designers make a conscious decision at every stage to make it the focal point of their work and a truly green design can be achieved.
4. Landscape – Sustainability is not just about preserving the earth but also about providing a healthy environment for humanity to function. Integrating green and open spaces into the overall design helps to bring in natural daylight and ventilation into them. This facilitates healthy spaces that can boost the occupant’s mental and physical well-being and ultimately their productivity.
5. Waste reduction – Circular design is gaining momentum as it means making use of waste as the raw material for other useful materials. With proper planning, waste can be reduced, reused, or recycled. Local organisations that reuse materials can be leveraged on to responsibly use construction waste and to source second-hand materials.
Examples of Sustainable Renovation Projects
1. Africa Hall Cultural Centre, Ethipoia – Architectus
For a building with high historical and cultural significance, the architect Architectus employed a Conservation Management Strategy to guide the renovation process of the Africa Hall Cultural Centre. The firm aimed for a holistic design process where the cultural aspects were not only preserved but enhanced, and modern services and amenities were added to cater to modern demands. The architects also aimed to align the project with the UN’s ‘Greening the Blue’ initiative and in this regard implemented innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact through cooling and ventilation systems and making the structure secure and accessible. All this was achieved without compromising the original integrity of the building.
2. Hive Centre for Contemporary Art, China – Penda China Architecture
The Hive Centre for Contemporary Art was originally a factory that was adapted into an art center 18 years ago, which was renovated by Penda China Architecture in 2024. The latest design features a minimalistic concept to give emphasis on the art itself rather than the space. The building focuses on making light the main feature by allowing daylight to enter through carefully designed skylights and maintaining clean lines and white walls which form the core of modern and sustainable architecture.
3. Heta Mohr Building, Leiden University, Netherlands – De Zwarte Hond
When old buildings are a collection of smaller structures connected by elements like courtyards, landscaped areas, and pools, the most sensible solution is to connect them to form a unified building. In the Herta Mohr Building of Leiden University, the external facades are preserved in the original state, and the interiors are heavily renovated to include more spaces and modern functions. The building has a BREAAM excellent certification and re-used most of the original building’s materials, becoming an example of circular design. The structure is more comfortable with better daylight flow now.
4. Biodome Science Museum, Canada – KANVA
designs and immersive experiences. Image © Marc Cramer
Boosting immersive experiences of various ecosystems from the existing Science Museum requires implementing biophilic designs that are, by nature, sustainable. The Biodome Science Museum was originally a part of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, opened as a Science Museum in 1992, and underwent renovation in 2020. The renovation included opening up the space to reduce use of artificial lighting, use of geothermal heating system and incorporating high roofs to mitigate urban-heat-island effect and to create open and airy spaces that make the indoors more comfortable.
5. Architecture School Montpellier, France – Maignial Architectes & Associes
This Architecture School is a lesson on sustainable renovation where users interact with the built environment and its systems and simultaneously reduce energy consumption. With the objective of reducing energy consumption by 60% minimum and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the architects implemented seasonal scenarios for winter and summer to create comfortable indoor environments. Furthermore, the external facades are optimized by designing active facades that control the functions of ventilation, daylighting, insulation, and sun protection throughout the year.
6. Wilam Ngarrang Residence, Australia – Kennedy Nolan Architects
The renovation process in this apartment block is an example of minimal intervention creating maximum impact. While the existing structure is retained and re-used, cost-effective methods were implemented that helped to reduce the bills by more than 80%. The project included installing a rooftop rainwater collection system, efficient water fittings and fixtures, collar systems on the roof and heat recovery ventilation units, and insulating walls, roofs, and openings. Thus, it brings about the advantages of low embodied carbon, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced energy consumption, and economical solutions, making it a holistically sustainable residential design that also facilitates community interaction and growth.
7. Pietra Maria Bardi MASP Museum – Metro Arquitetos
Mindful design can also help to enhance sustainability, and this is evident in the Pietra Maria Bardi MASP Museum in Brazil. The architectural firm Metro Arquitetos approached the renovation with a timeless design – using simple shapes, durable materials, and minimalistic design, ensuring the spaces are everlasting and diminishing the need for major interventions in the future. An external façade was added to the existing one, a skin that consists of perforated and pleated metal sheets. This skin controls the flow of natural light and heat into the building simultaneously, creating a comfortable indoor environment that does not depend on artificial lighting or ventilation. Automated LED lighting and smart ventilation systems further contribute to increasing the building’s energy efficiency. The building was awarded the LEED certification for its sustainable design features.
8. Houses within the House, Denmark – Jesper Kusk Arkitekter
Residences still form the majority of renovation projects and rethinking old, dilapidated structures as new, modern homes is the way forward to cultivate sustainable thinking. The renovation process in this project helped to give the structure a new roof, better insulation, and better access to natural daylight. The new pitched roofs helped to increase the internal volume, and with ample daylight entering the space, it looks and feels more spacious than the original. This helped to increase indoor comfort. The building materials were consciously selected to reduce carbon emissions, and rainwater collection is also facilitated using a buried water tank.
9. Circulation Retail and Repair Workshop, Japan – DDAA
When the client is someone involved in the repair and retail of second-hand items, doing their part in the circular economy, they expect that the space they occupy should follow the principles of circularity and sustainability, too. The place was renovated for this very reason and resembles a workshop that forms the crux of the business. Insulating the shop area well to prevent the trance of humidity and dust, the store is left bare except for repurposed trolleys hung on the walls to hold the second-hand sale items. The workshop is situated at the rear, and the cashier is placed in the area connecting the two spaces.
10. Sri Lanka Passive House, Sri Lanka – Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture
This project involved the renovation of an existing outdated garment factory, the steel frames were retained, and high-performance windows and extensive insulation was added to create a comfortable indoor environment in the otherwise hot and humid place. The project, which is part of the Star Garment Innovation Centre, is the first in Sri Lanka and South Asia to be awarded the Passive House certification for its design to optimize indoor temperature. Choosing to renovate instead of demolishing ensured reduced emissions and negligible construction waste, and installing energy-efficient systems like energy recovery ventilation, wrap-around heat pipes for enhanced dehumidification capacity, a highly efficient VRF system, thermally broken windows with external shading screens, and a rooftop photovoltaic system helped to strengthen the sustainability of the project.
As with any process, renovation too has many limitations like costing, structural concerns, and the possibility of being time-consuming. But the benefits far outweigh them, especially when employing sustainable technologies that, over time, reap financial, social and environmental advantages. And these examples demonstrate that. Richard Moe, a former president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, put it like this, “When you strip away the rhetoric, preservation simply has the good sense to hold on to things that are well designed, that link us with our past in a meaningful way, and that have plenty of good use left in them.”
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