Sustainable Tourism through Environmental Energy Technologies in Buildings of High Architectural Int
active 1 day, 20 hours agoAdriatic-Ionian macroregion’s cultural heritage, encompassing traditional and monumental buildings, stands as one of our most invaluable assets. Historic buildings hold immense significance as symbols of A-I cities, towns, and villages, with entire districts serving as a testament to Europe’s rich cultural heritage. It is crucial to acknowledge that a significant portion of the EU’s building stock, approximately 35%, is over 50 years old, and a staggering 75% of these buildings lack energy efficiency.
These historic structures, which have withstood the test of time, contribute to the identity and distinctiveness of cities by serving as iconic landmarks. However, it is important to acknowledge that many of these buildings fail to meet modern standards of comfort and energy efficiency. As a result, they often consume significant amounts of energy and emit higher-than-average levels of greenhouse gases.
There exists a prevailing misconception in many countries that historic buildings, particularly those with special protection, should be exempt from incorporating new energy-efficient technologies, because they may inadvertently compromise the cultural and aesthetic qualities of these heritage buildings. While it is important to approach the renovation of historic buildings with caution, the argument that they cannot be adapted to integrate renewable energy installations without compromising their essence and appearance is not always a solid one in the context of societal sustainability. Alternative approaches must be explored to strike a balance between energy efficiency and the preservation of their cultural and aesthetic value. An effective approach to reducing the environmental impact of historic buildings involves improving the thermal transmittance of the building envelope without compromising the integrity of their façades, such as through the application of thermal insulation.
Beyond the opportunities for energy and carbon savings, the maintenance and improvement of energy performance in historic buildings are essential for preserving their functionality and preventing deterioration. Enhancing the energy performance of these buildings also leads to improved internal comfort conditions, reduced energy demand, and mitigates the risk of energy poverty. Providing occupants with contemporary standards of comfort is a critical requirement to ensure the continued use, conservation, and longevity of historic buildings.
The integration of energy-efficient technologies into historic buildings presents an opportunity to simultaneously preserve cultural heritage and contribute to sustainability goals. By carefully considering the specific characteristics of each building, it is possible to strike a balance between energy efficiency and the preservation of their historic integrity. This approach will not only yield environmental benefits but also improve comfort conditions and ensure the continued use and longevity of these valuable structures. Innovative and sensitive approaches to renovation must be developed to ensure the preservation of their cultural and aesthetic significance while simultaneously improving their energy performance.
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