Guide to Building Reuse for Climate Action

Sustainable design strategies for building reuse

About half of the U.S. building stock is over 40 years old and an estimated 28% of global emissions come from the fuel and electricity consumed by existing buildings. Simply put, there is no path to zero emissions without zeroing out emissions from America’s 325 billion square feet of existing buildings.

Today's Buildings for Tomorrow: Guide to Building Reuse for Climate Action is a resource for architects engaged in renovating and adapting existing buildings to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Its primary goal is to equip architects with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions that promote sustainability and resilience while minimizing costs.

Use this guide to:

• Learn the right questions architects should consider when approaching and designing a project
• Identify valuable resources to help with site planning, building systems, sustainable materials, and more
• Understand seven real-world case studies that illustrate practical strategies for climate action