Living green.
Greater Portland Landmarks believes historic preservation and the green building movement are natural allies: The greenest building, as the saying goes, is the one that is already built. An older building embodies a heavy prior investment in resources an energy; keeping it in use conserves that investment and is recycling at its best.
Communities in Maine and across the nation are witnessing exciting developments in sustainable design and construction. More and more structures are being built “green” with renewable or recycled materials, nontoxic paints and finishes, and energy efficient technologies like solar panels and super-insulation.
GPL applauds and encourages these new approaches to construction while working to educate building owners, architects, builders and developers to the important role of historic preservation in fostering sustainable development.
We provide access to green technologies and products through the annual Old House Trade Show, workshops on preservation practices at special events like the Restoration Academy, and practical advice for do-it-yourselfers in our quarterly newspaper, The Landmarks Observer.
Get started greening your own home with the Observer’s Ten Ways to Turn Your Old Building Green.
Wooden windows are one of the most important topics in preservation today. Restoration rather than replacement is the greenest strategy. Learn more with these videos on how to restore your old windows, produced by the Kansas State Historical Society. Also read Bob Yapp’s article “Why Shouldn’t I Replace My Windows?” or visit the New England Window Restoration Alliance (NEWRA) for the Top 10 Reasons to Restore or Repair Wooden Windows.
Visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation website for more information on historic preservation and sustainable practices.