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Task Force Activities

The task force held its first meeting in April 2010. A number of areas were identified as focal points for task force action.

• Guidance on Retrofitting Federal Historic Buildings. Section 2(g) of Executive Order 13514 calls on federal agencies to implement high performance sustainable building design, operation, and maintenance. In doing so, agencies are specifically directed that retrofitting of federally owned historic buildings should be done so as to promote the long-term viability of the structures. Under the leadership of the Task Force, the ACHP issued guidance in May 2011 on implementing this and other sections of the Executive Order.
• Guidance on Preservation and Federal Agency Sustainability Plans. Under Executive Order 13514, federal agencies also must develop Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans (SSPPs). The task force will seek ways to assist agencies in addressing preservation of historic properties in their SSPPs.
• Research Needs. Much of the research on sustainability done to date has focused on new buildings and materials, leaving a relative dearth of quantifiable evidence about the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings without compromising their historic character. The task force will be advocating for needed research with federal agencies.
• Energy Star. Energy Star is a joint program of EPA and DOE to promote energy efficient products and practices. The Energy Star Web site is a major source of public information on making buildings more energy efficient; however, there is no guidance on the site regarding retrofitting historic properties. The task force is working to facilitate ongoing discussions between EPA and the National Trust for Historic Preservation on addressing this omission.
• Weatherization Programs. Both DOE and HUD administer weatherization grant programs. The ACHP and DOE recently concluded a Programmatic Agreement for DOE weatherization programs that will streamline environmental reviews while safeguarding historic properties. The task force will be working with both DOE and HUD to explore further opportunities for ensuring their weatherization programs adequately address historic preservation concerns.
• HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Launched last year, this interagency partnership is working to coordinate federal housing, transportation, and other infrastructure investments to protect the environment, promote equitable development, and help to address the challenges of climate change. The partnership provides a framework within which the task force can coordinate with HUD, EPA, and DOT to ensure historic preservation is integral to their planning, investment, research, and outreach regarding community livability.

Task Force Overview

Composition of the Task Force

ACHP Guidance on Sustainability and Federal Historic Buildings

Sustainability and Historic Preservation Links

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