When sustainability is discussed in the built environment it is often limited to environmental sustainability, however, there are many other values that should be considered. The field of historic preservation offers ways to incorporate social and cultural sustainability into the built fabric of cities and communities, but is often misrepresented or viewed as a niche field. This thesis explored how historic preservation can learn from the ‘green building’ movement which has risen to prominence to become a large part of the building culture in a relatively short period of time.

As the concept of sustainability evolves, other areas of sustainability should be consciously incorporated in the built environment. Social and cultural sustainability are playing an increasingly large role in the evolution of cities, and having direct impact on the quality of life for residents and workers. Historic preservation offers a way to incorporate the values of a place, even, if not especially as they evolve. Preservation tools focus on identifying, protecting, and appropriately reusing historically significant structures. Designated buildings that deserve protection are important to the continuation of significant cultural resources.

https://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1618&context=hp_theses