The story of the National Building Museum encapsulates what historic preservation is all about: When you strip away the rhetoric, preservation is simply having the good sense to hold on to things that are well designed, that link us with our past in a meaningful way, and that have plenty of good use left in them.

¿ Richard Moe, president, National Trust for Historic Preservation, December 13, 2007

A little while ago, led by an overseas "expert", Bermuda went through an exercise of sorts in defining "sustainability". Being interested in the sustainability of Bermudian culture, especially in its non-transient forms, such as historic buildings, a face to face meeting with the sustainability czar was politely requested, but just as graciously refused. Any remarks on the subject would have to be made at the public meetings, where, of course, by the nature of such gatherings, detailed discussions are difficult, if perhaps impossible to obtain, as all have the right to their say. At the end, it would seem that the subject of built-heritage and its retention received less than its due on the question of sustainability.

As expressed in this column a year or so ago, there are few things that can be more sustainable than our unique vernacular architecture, "Bermuda's only indigenous art form". The preservation and sustained reuse and renewing of the historic buildings that we have inherited is the personification of sustainability. Not only is it a "green" process for the environment, but the existence of these buildings sustains our identity as a unique people called Bermudians and indeed they sustain our very souls. That is unless you wish to deny your own in your imitation to be a version of less than the best that is, say, American.

A little over a month ago, a statement on heritage and sustainability was made by the president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the USA and here are some of his remarks, which are applicable to Bermuda or any other society that values its built-heritage.

"Around the middle of the 20th century, 'economic benefit' became preservation's new watchword. The National Trust's Main Street programme was created to restore economic vitality to deteriorated downtowns by emphasising the historical and architectural features that set them apart from the typical suburban strip mall. The concept of adaptive reuse came into prominence, and tax incentives were developed to encourage owners to renovate and reuse older buildings instead of demolishing them. It was all about dollars and cents.

"This trend led inevitably to an emphasis on preservation's role in supporting and enhancing social values. Today, we understand that maintaining tangible contact with our past strengthens the sense of stability and continuity that is essential in a healthy society, so we make the preservation of familiar landmarks a key component in the revitalisation of neighbourhoods and communities that are attractive and liveable. It's all about bringing us together, encouraging us to recognise the shared heritage that defines and unites us as a nation and a people.

"These shifts in focus over the past century-and-a-half show that preservation is a dynamic, vibrant movement. Some things haven't changed: We're still saving iconic buildings-including icons of modernism such as Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House and Philip Johnson's Glass House. Our work is still rooted in a respect for history. But today, more than ever before, it is as much concerned with building the future as with holding on to the past."

"This concern with the future is at the core of the new phase that preservation is entering right now: As growing numbers of people are worried about climate change, the degradation of the environment, and our relentless consumption of energy and irreplaceable natural resources, it is increasingly apparent that preservation has an essential role to play in any effort to deal with the environmental crisis that looms over us. Because it necessarily involves the conservation of energy and natural resources, historic preservation has always been the greenest of the building arts. Now it's time to make sure everyone knows it.

"It's all about sustainability.

"Up to now, our approach to life on this planet has been based on the assumption that 'there's plenty more where that came from.' With our environment in crisis, we have to face the fact that there may not be 'plenty more' of anything ¿ except trouble. In the face of that realisation, we're challenged to find a way of living that will ensure the longevity and health of our environmental, economic, and social resources."

Mr. Moe then discusses the possible world crisis due to climate change which we are creating and goes on to suggest that preservation and reuse is one significant answer to the problem.

"The connection between historic preservation and sustainability is not a new concept. It's something that many people in the preservation community have believed and talked about for many years. They understand that preservation is 'the ultimate recycling'. As long ago as 1980, before the word 'sustainability' came into widespread use, the National Trust issued a Preservation Week poster that featured an old building in the shape of a gas can ¿ a reminder that reusing an existing building, instead of demolishing it and replacing it with a new one, is one good way to conserve energy."

"The challenge is to help people understand that preservation, by its very nature, is sustainability. I intend to address that challenge this evening by sharing my views on what I believe is preservation's essential role in fostering development that is environmentally, as well as economically, sustainable."

The full text of this significant speech is available on the website of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.nationaltrust.org). The speech will naturally appeal not only to those who are already dedicated to the sustained preservation of that which is Bermudian, but also to those who respond best, or only, to the views of the outsider experts. Read it and be sustained.

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Dr. Edward Harris, MBE, JP, FSA, Bermudian, is the Executive Director of the Bermuda Maritime Museum. Comments can be sent to drharrislogic.bm or by telephone to 799-5480.