Reflections on the Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainability of Industrial Heritage

This chapter explores the reuse and restoration of abandoned 20th-century industrial heritage as a strategy to achieve sustainability goals. It presents a comprehensive methodological process that balances energy performance improvement with the conservation of heritage values. This process is then used to critically analyse four case studies – Gibson Mill (GB), Former Gas Retort House (GB), Van Nelle Factory (NL), and ICO Centrale (IT) – which highlight valuable lessons learned. These insights guide interventions that effectively reconcile energy and regulatory requirements with cultural considerations, thereby enriching the ongoing sustainable development debate.