New federal guidelines promote sustainable historic rehab work

The National Park Service (NPS) recently released illustrated guidelines to help improve sustainability on historic building restorations. The Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings offer practical advice showing recommended—and not recommended —approaches for solar panel installation, HVAC upgrades, weatherization, insulation, and other systems and methods for boosting energy efficiency.
May 4, 2011

The National Park Service (NPS) recently released illustrated guidelines to help improve sustainability on historic building restorations. The Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings offer practical advice showing recommended—and not recommended —approaches for solar panel installation, HVAC upgrades, weatherization, insulation, and other systems and methods for boosting energy efficiency.

“Historic preservation projects generally have a lighter carbon footprint,” says National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “They also make great economic sense when a project qualifies for the National Park Service’s program that confers a 20% federal tax credit for historic rehab projects.”

Click here to find other NPS publications that offer usable, how-to advice for historic preservation. BD+C

About the Author

Drew Ballensky

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.
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