WHY THE PRESERVATION OF OLD MATERIAL IS A BETTER WAY OF MANAGING RESOURCES

Preservation is the protection of cultural property through activities that minimize chemical and physical deterioration and damage and that prevent loss of informational content. The primary goal of preservation is to prolong the existence of cultural property. Cultural property can include historic buildings, monuments, artifacts, documents, photographs, audiovisual materials, and digital media.

Preservation of old material is not only a way of honoring the past, but also a way of managing resources for the future. Old material can have intrinsic value, economic value, environmental value, and social value. In this blog post, I will discuss some of the benefits of preserving old material in each of these aspects.

Intrinsic value: Old material can have intrinsic value because it represents the history and authenticity of a place, a people, or a culture. Old material can commemorate the past and provide a sense of identity and continuity for the present and future generations. Old material can also have aesthetic value, as it can showcase the texture, craftsmanship, style, and quality of materials that are not affordable or readily available today .

Economic value: Old material can have economic value because it can attract new businesses, tourists, and investors. Old material can provide a unique and distinctive character for a neighborhood or a city, and create a pedestrian and visitor appeal. Old material can also offer opportunities for adaptive reuse, which can save costs and generate income. Old material can also stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and supporting heritage tourism .

Environmental value: Old material can have environmental value because it can reduce waste and conserve energy. Old material can prevent the need for new construction, which can consume natural resources and produce greenhouse gas emissions. Old material can also utilize durable and high-quality materials that can last longer and require less maintenance than new materials. Old material can also incorporate passive design features that can enhance natural ventilation, lighting, and insulation .

Social value: Old material can have social value because it can foster community engagement, education, and diversity. Old material can provide opportunities for people to participate in preservation activities, such as surveys, advocacy, fundraising, and volunteering. Old material can also provide educational resources for students, researchers, and the general public to learn about the history and culture of a place or a group. Old material can also promote diversity and inclusion by respecting and celebrating the heritage of different communities .

In conclusion, preservation of old material is a better way of managing resources because it can provide multiple benefits for the society and the environment. Preservation of old material can protect the cultural property that represents our past, present, and future. Preservation of old material can also support the economic development, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion of our communities.