Eco/Historic Districts: A Model for Protecting our Past from Climate Change

Historic places across the globe are experiencing the effects of climate change, particularly those within close proximity to coastal plains. Sea level rise, increased storm surge height and frequency, and unstable landmass are urgent threats to built environments; yet, where many communities can rebuild, historic neighborhoods and districts are irreplaceable. Due to integrity issues surrounding historic buildings, streets, and designated areas, contemporary innovations – ones that create sustainable efficiencies as well as protect heritage assets – are difficult to implement as they can damage both the materials as well as the character of a site or structure. This paper is an examination of the role of historic districts and ecodistricts in three cities, and how two generally separate ideas – heritage and climate change – can effectively intersect to create historic, environmentally friendly, and climate-change-ready places, to be called Eco/Historic Districts. This paper also gives recommendations for creating a base-model Eco/Historic District.