A recent post by the Manhattan Contrarian argues for a pragmatic reexamination of New York’s mandates for a sustainable energy transition. It questions some of the aggressive provisions of NYC Local Law 97 aimed at “greening” NYC’s building stock—and it makes some valid points.

SUPERSTRUCTURES is attempting to remain above (or beside) the fray. We have long subscribed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s position that “the greenest building is one already built.” The concept of embodied energy in the built environment calls for a fundamental shift away from disposable structures toward a new model of adaptive reuse, one that honors embodied energy as an “unnatural resource” we can’t afford to waste.

SUPERSTRUCTURES’ growing list of Lucy G. Moses Preservation awards from the New York Landmarks Conservancy attests to the firm’s commitment to preservation that maintains the embodied energy of landmark buildings while often improving their future performance.

If you’re intrigued by our mission to preserve New York City’s landmarks using state-of-the-art tools and methods, consider joining our team of skilled, resourceful architects and engineers.