In the heart of Barcelona, a groundbreaking study is challenging the way we think about the environmental impact of historic architecture. Belén Onecha, a researcher from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, has developed a methodology to quantify the carbon footprint of historic buildings, not just during their restoration, but also at the time of their original construction. This research, published in the Vitruvio: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability (which translates to “Vitruvius: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability”), is a significant step towards understanding and reducing the environmental impact of our built heritage.
Onecha’s study focuses on three iconic Catalan Modernist buildings, a style that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Antoni Gaudí being one of its most renowned practitioners. The researcher meticulously analyzed the materials used in these buildings, their extraction, transportation, and manufacturing methods at the time of their construction. “We had to delve into historical records and archives to understand the processes and materials used back then,” Onecha explains. This painstaking research ensures methodological consistency between historical and modern datasets, providing a robust basis for comparison.
The study reveals that the embodied carbon of these historic buildings is significantly lower than that of modern buildings. This is a surprising finding, given the advancements in construction technology and materials over the past century. “This research challenges the common perception that older buildings are less environmentally friendly,” Onecha notes. However, the study also highlights the importance of considering the total carbon footprint, including that of restoration works.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector. As the world grapples with the need to reduce carbon emissions, understanding the environmental impact of historic buildings is crucial. This knowledge can guide future restoration projects, helping to minimize their carbon footprint and make them more sustainable. Moreover, it can inform the development of new buildings, encouraging designers and architects to consider the long-term environmental impact of their choices.
Onecha’s methodology is a significant advancement in the field of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for historic buildings. It provides a comprehensive approach to quantifying their environmental impact, from construction to restoration. However, the study is not without its limitations. As Onecha acknowledges, “Only one of the three case studies has been retrofitted so far, so further research is needed to validate our findings.”
Despite this, the study is a significant step forward in our understanding of the environmental impact of historic buildings. It provides a robust methodology for quantifying their carbon footprint, which can guide future restoration projects and inform the development of new buildings. As the world seeks to reduce its carbon emissions, this research is a timely reminder of the importance of considering the total environmental impact of our built heritage.