Embodied Energy of Historic Buildings: Physical and Metaphysical

"In the early days of green technology, it was not uncommon — especially as it relates to marketing — to focus solely on post-construction or post-install performance. Over time, however, such claims have been taken to task, especially as it relates to the expenditure of energy. Bamboo flooring, for example, performs a lot differently if you factor in the cost of shipping it from Asia. It may still prove to be a decent environmental choice, but it’s not necessarily a simple calculation."

"This more nuanced reality eventually became the basis of what I’ve found to be the preservation movement’s most compelling point of advocacy to-date: the greenest home is the one already built."

Scott Doyon goes on to contemplate the embodied metaphysical energy of beloved buildings.