Sustainability and Climate Change
Historic preservation is the true embodiment of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle
Beyond the historic and cultural reasons to support preservation, Landmarks’ efforts are a critical means of ensuring sustainable communities. As concerns about our changing climate continue to mount, preservation and the conservation of existing resources (including historic buildings!) are key to developing a resilient future.
When it comes right down to it, the greenest building is the one that already exists. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has put together this great page of facts about the environmental impact of new construction vs. preservation.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Solar panels on a historic barn in Gorham
Historic preservation and the green building movement are natural allies. Greater Portland Landmarks has numerous resources for making your old home energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
PREPARING HISTORIC RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Areas at risk from increased sea levels
Planning for the future, requires tough decisions about what will be lost, what can be saved, and how historic preservation can contribute to making our places more sustainable.
STAYING ABOVE WATER
Guidance for historic property owners on mitigation measures
This free guide is intended for historic property owners, to illustrate possible strategies that can reduce the impact of climate change on their properties.
MAINE’S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Flooding on Commercial Street
The Maine Climate Council released its four-year Climate Action Plan, Maine Won’t Wait, in December of 2020.