The Greenest Building is the One Already Standing

Green building construction is an innovative method to combat the current climate crisis. However, a more effective solution is to retrofit existing buildings to be more environmentally conscious and sustainable. The following benefits highlight why retrofitting current buildings is more impactful than building new green constructions. 

Reduced Environmental Recovery Time 

Building an entirely new project consumes significant resources and takes a considerable time for the environment to recover. Even if materials and processes are sustainable, retrofitting a building uses fewer resources because it significantly reduces the amount of materials needed, as many of the building’s components already exist.

With fewer raw materials extracted and used, the time it takes for the environment to recover from source depletion is significantly reduced. 

Conserved Embodied Energy

Constructing from scratch requires significant energy, especially when demolishing and reconstructing existing buildings first. Buildings have embodied energy, which refers to the energy used throughout their entire life cycle.

When this energy is lost during demolition and reconstruction projects, it contributes more to greenhouse gas emissions than what was initially used or preserved. Therefore, modifying existing structures rather than demolishing them can save most of the initial energy used in construction.

Less Environmental Impact

Retrofitting existing buildings reduces various aspects of environmental impact. Construction projects and associated operations require massive amounts of energy, whereas retrofitting projects can reduce energy use by as much as 51% in the building sector.

Retrofitting also gives builders the option to select recyclable components when adding to the building, making it more sustainable in multiple ways.

More Job Creation

While an entirely new construction process creates many jobs, retrofitting a building often creates more employment opportunities.

Beyond just construction workers and architects needed for new buildings, environmental consultants and other professionals need to work together to examine the old building’s infrastructure and come up with viable solutions to retrofit it successfully. More jobs are created across various industries to accomplish the task.

Cost Savings 

The initial cost for retrofitting a building to make it more sustainable is steep, but the cost benefits once the job is done often make up for it. The retrofitted building will experience lower heating and cooling costs, as sustainable buildings naturally enhance energy efficiency.

Water costs will also decrease as the building uses it more efficiently. A retrofitted building that uses sustainable, efficient methods can significantly reduce long-term costs for building owners. 

Increased Property Value

As demand for more sustainable practices across industries grows, many companies are interested in setting up their offices in greener buildings. Since retrofitted buildings are more sustainable and cost-effective, companies will increasingly opt for these spaces. Buildings categorized as non-green will also decrease in value in the coming years, so retrofitting a building now prepares it for the new market.

Historical Preservation

Older buildings often represent a culture or a different time in the world. The value of these buildings is lost when they are demolished to make way for modern buildings. Restoring and salvaging the features of older buildings, rather than starting from scratch, preserves history and maintains the local identity of the area.

Projects should assess a building’s historical significance and take any necessary steps, such as conducting a building analysis to identify hazards and evaluate the structure’s essential systems —plumbing, HVAC, and electrical —before retrofitting.

Professionals should also be aware of any national or local regulations that impact their work. For example, buildings listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places are particularly likely to require specific processes and steps to ensure compliance.

Less Maintenance

Retrofitted buildings can be equipped with more efficient, sustainable systems that break down less frequently, eliminating the need for frequent repairs. Innovative sustainable systems can minimize weather-related damage by increasing insulation, enhancing cooling systems, and optimizing flood resistance. 

All buildings will need sustainable features in the future due to the impact of climate change on the weather. Retrofitting buildings makes them more resilient to future weather anomalies while reducing further environmental damage. 

Improved Human Health

Improving air quality, natural lighting, and comfortable temperatures while retrofitting can result in massive health benefits, including fewer sick days. Additionally, greener buildings can help reduce stress levels and improve productivity. When employees feel better in sustainable buildings, they work more efficiently.

Building a Greener Future With Existing Structures 

While green construction projects are an essential step toward reducing the industry’s carbon emissions, constructing green buildings from scratch actually causes more environmental harm than retrofitting existing ones. Recognizing the benefits and adapting approaches to sustainable buildings can lead to a more environmentally conscious future.