Pocantico Proclamation on Sustainability and Historic Preservation

The Pocantico Proclamation on Sustainability and Historic Preservation is a document which declares: “Historic preservation must play a central role in efforts to make the built environment more sustainable.” The Proclamation was conceived by a group of 28 experts in sustainability, architecture, landscape architecture, green building design, and historic preservation at a two-day conference in November 2008 at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund’s Pocantico Conference Center in Tarrytown, N.Y. the conference was convened by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Friends of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.

The "Pocantico Proclamation", as it is generally known, focuses principally on providing tools for policymakers who wish to incorporate principles of sustainability into their guidelines, recommendations and regulations. The document articulates both broad underlying principles and specific action items. The proclamation also addresses the function of advocacy and education, the role of local organizations and commissions, energy management, green building rating systems, city and regional planning, economic investment, and rehabilitation.

Discussions at the Pocantico Symposium: Sustainability and Historic Preservation -- Making Policy, November 5-7, 2008 examined areas where sustainability and preservation align and, occasionally clash. The symposium resulted in two documents. The Pocantico Proclamation on Sustainability and Historic Preservation outlines the need for sustainable solutions and lays forth principles for a sustainable society. The Actions to Further the Pocantico Principles on Sustainability and Historic Preservation offers guidance on implementing sustainable solutions.