Which Building is Greenest?

We are all becoming increasingly “green” minded – we recycle, reuse and buy local. Yet, when it comes to the built environment many believe that building new is a better alternative than the adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of historic buildings.  So, which building is greenest?

A new documentary, “The Greenest Building,” seeks to answer that question by exposing the flaws in the argument that building new is the best way to go green. The documentary producer, Jane Turville, examines how adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of historic built fabric is not only a better choice in terms of environmental sustainability but also how reinvestment in the existing built fabric helps foster economically strong communities. Exploring a holistic view of sustainability, the documentary will also address the value of sense of place and collective memory in maintaining social capital.

Funded in part by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “The Greenest Building,” will air this Saturday, April 30 at 3:00 p.m. on the PBS station, WLIW-TV, channel 21, so be sure to tune in!