Energy Efficiency and Historic Preservation, October 8-9,2025
This overnight retreat offers a unique opportunity for stewards of historic buildings to come together and explore the dynamic intersection of historic preservation and modern energy efficiency. Over a twenty-four-hour period, across two days, participants will hear from experts in the fields of building science, energy efficiency, and historic preservation along with potential project funders. Participants will engage in guided collaborative discussions that highlight innovative approaches to retrofitting historic structures for high performance without compromising their architectural integrity.
Central to the retreat’s programming is the concept of balance — between interior building health, occupant comfort, and energy performance on one hand, and the safeguarding of character-defining historic features on the other. Discussion and presentations will focus on practical methods for accessing thermal performance and moisture management in older buildings, all while respecting original materials, finishes, and design elements. Case studies will demonstrate how thoughtful interventions, such as discreet insulation upgrades, restoration-grade window retrofits, and reversible HVAC strategies, can achieve sustainability goals without erasing the cultural and aesthetic significance of heritage architecture.
PTV’s retreats employ a unique structure that allows each group to present a summary of their project and a specific challenge or opportunity their project is facing, followed by group discussion and troubleshooting. We allot 5-7 minutes for each group to present (which is not a lot of time – be prepared with a concise summary and challenge/opportunity to present), followed by up to 20 minutes of group discussion. While there will not be time for PowerPoint presentations, hardcopy photographs or project brochures are useful in sharing your project with the group, but are not required. These project presentations will be interspersed with presentations by a certified building science and energy efficiency specialist, representatives from the Preservation Trust of Vermont and VT Division for Historic Preservation, as well as from the Vermont Arts Council.
Over the course of the 24-hour retreat, you will be introduced to technical service providers and potential funders who can help you along the way. And it will be a great chance to network, meet other folks doing similar work in other parts of the state, eat some great food, and spend time on the shores of Lake Champlain.
This retreat is not only an educational experience but a call to stewardship, inviting attendees to reimagine what it means to preserve history while ensuring buildings remain livable, healthy, and climate-ready for generations to come.
Presenters:
Nate Gusakov, BPI, CxA+BE, BECxP, Green Mountain Enclosure Consulting LLC
Staff from the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation
Michele Bailey, Senior Program Manager/Cultural Facilities Grants Administrator/ADA Coordinator, Vermont Arts Council
