Mary Thompson
Mary Thompson
Trustee
National Trust for Historic Preservation
What is preservation's role in promoting sustainable development?
We have lots of roles. Some are offensive and some are defensive.
On offense, we need to make people aware that existing buildings account for a huge percentage of energy usage in this country, and that, as National Trust for Historic Preservation President Richard Moe says, we can’t build our way out of the problem with energy-efficient new construction alone. We must also play offense in terms of providing solutions, whether they are reevaluating the preservation standards we all live by and suggesting new ones around sustainability; finding new products that can be used for appropriate retrofits; supporting de-construction options when necessary; advocating for new policies around codes, design guidance, demolition; etc.
On defense, we need to be continually vigilant around changes to historic and contributing buildings in the name of energy efficiency. We do not want to go back to the 70’s and the age of dropped ceilings and vinyl windows. Preservationists have to be part of the larger conversation and make sure that we don’t marginalize ourselves by only saying “no." We’ll turn off those in the climate change world if we’re perceived as being “hysterical” preservationists.
What is your personal vision for the Preservation Green Lab?
My personal vision for the Preservation Green Lab is that it will be a place that is open to innovation and partnerships – a place that potentially changes preservation as we know it. Ambitious, huh? I see a new era in preservation, and this is its vanguard.
What do you hope the Preservation Green Lab will accomplish within its first year?
Accomplishments in the first year? Expectations should be managed and moderated. In one year, I would hope that it develops some good working relationships with key partners, gets an office established, and begins providing guidance and information to preservation partners around the country.
What lessons do you hope elected officials and local decision-makers will learn from the Preservation Green Lab and its initiatives? What about the general public?
I hope decision-makers will be provided with information that makes them stop and think more thoroughly about policy options around older neighborhoods, demolitions and code issues. The Preservation Green Lab could be the voice for existing buildings and older neighborhoods in the energy context. Nobody has really captured that ground yet, and it’s important that different perspectives on climate change be heard. For the public, I’d like them to see preservation as the ultimate in recycling – not only an environmentally-friendly pursuit, but also an economically-friendly one.
