All building consultants, including preservationists, need to address the current urgency of the environmental crisis. On April 29, 2021, Angel Ayón, principal of AYON Studio, moderated the “Sustainable Preservation” webinar hosted by the Preservation League of NY State.
Nakita Reed from Quinn Evans led off the discussion with a common statement: "Preservation is inherently sustainable." However, she emphasized the deeper and more critical impact preservation can have through a more holistic approach, with cutting-edge sustainability and resiliency strategies.
Evan Mason from Sustainable Homes + Yards and board member for the NY League of Conservation Voters further stresses that “Policy is being made now… and with a new call-to-action facing the industry, preservationists have an opportunity to get a seat at the table.”
Melissa Auf der Maur (yes, the former bassist of Hole) also participated in the conversation, as the Co-Founder and Director of Basilica Hudson and River House Project, which she used as a case study for “place-based, green historic preservation, and how the cultural sector can help amplify their stories.”
The lively discussion also delved into how we all can use the current challenges and opportunities of sustainability to address well-established inequalities.