A conference scheduled for January 24 at UConn Law School, and co-sponsored by Preservation Connecticut and the State Historic Preservation Office, aims to craft a statewide policy agenda that recognizes preservation as a fundamental environmental value.  Please join us!  

Why are we putting on this conference?  Historic preservation is, at its core, an exercise in sustainability. Buildings built before the 1950s are more energy-efficient than those built later. Many use renewable materials, including wood and brick. And, when properly maintained, historic buildings can last much longer than today’s buildings. Moreover, maintaining existing structures avoids the environmental costs of replacing them.

Beyond individual buildings, historic neighborhoods embody the goals of sustainability through their high-density populations, walkability, and proximity to transit systems. Promoting historic neighborhoods makes for sound environmental policy.

Despite their environmental benefits, Connecticut’s historic places face unprecedented threats, primarily from climate change and needless demolition. Preservationists must build consensus for changes to law and policy that protect historic places in service of environmental goals.  Registration information will be forthcoming soon.