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Preserving the past and building the future: Green heritage buildings in Paramaribo

March 4, 2024 por Alexandra Alvear - Tatiana Kopelman Leave a Comment

Este artículo está también disponible en / This post is also available in: Spanish


Suriname can be considered a privileged country. It does not only host great biodiversity, but it also has a vibrant and diverse population as a result of multiple waves of immigration throughout the centuries. Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, is home to 44% of the national population and holds the historical and cultural wealth of the country. Walking through its streets is an explosion of mestizaje, aromas, and languages that enchant everyone who visits the country.

The historic center of Paramaribo, from the 17th century, is a true gem. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 and is an exceptional example of the fusion of European and South American indigenous culture, architecture, and building techniques. Its urban fabric is composed of the typical colonial street plan, an almost intact urban pattern, authentic monumental ensembles, and traditional functions.

As is the case in cities with a well-preserved historic center, this cultural heritage can be a critical driver of sustainable development. In this article, you will learn how the IDB is working to preserve the historic center of Paramaribo, incorporating principles of universal accessibility, resilience, and climate change considerations to achieve a truly sustainable development.

Keep reading and discover all the benefits of embracing sustainability to preserve Suriname’s urban heritage.

IDB’s commitment to Suriname’s development

For more than a decade, the IDB has supported the recovery and improvement of multiple historic centers in the region through various programs and technical support. Some of these include the “Support for the Conservation and Management of Cultural and Natural Heritage” in Panama and the “Investment Program to Improve the Historic Heritage of Lima, Arequipa, Trujillo, and Ayacucho” in Peru.

The historic center of Paramaribo could not be an exception. For this reason, the IDB, in its commitment to Suriname’s development, approved the Paramaribo Urban Rehabilitation Program (PURP I) in 2017 with the aim of supporting the Suriname government in the socio-economic revitalization of the historic center.

Source:  PURP II

A transformative journey towards sustainability: when heritage preservation connects with innovation

Paramaribo’s climate is warm and humid. This requires constructions to have proper insulation adapted to local meteorology. In the case of historic buildings, their wooden brick masonry walls and high ceilings were initially designed to provide comfort in this extremely hot climate. However, these traditional materials, while effective in providing thermal mass, can sometimes contribute to heat retention. Nevertheless, heritage buildings present unique opportunities to overcome environmental sustainability challenges.

Preservation efforts of colonial buildings must carefully balance the need to maintain historical authenticity with the implementation of modern strategies to improve heat dissipation. Some of these strategies include proper insulation, ventilation systems, reflective roofing materials, and energy-efficient systems. Many conservationists and architects are embracing the challenge, finding innovative ways to blend tradition with technology.

Key aspects to embrace sustainable buildings while preserving heritage:

Would you like to know how buildings in Paramaribo are adopting environmentally friendly practices to obtain prestigious green certifications, marking the beginning of a new era of environmental responsibility without compromising their historical integrity? Here are some of the most important aspects to consider:

1. Energy efficiency in historical architecture:

Updating insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and integrating smart climate control systems are some of the measures employed to improve energy performance without compromising the historical character of the building. These are some of the strategies used in Paramaribo’s heritage buildings, which will achieve over 20% gains in operational energy use by applying EDGE certification. If renewable energy were used, gains would increase by over 40% on average.

2. Adaptive reuse and sustainable practices:

Adaptive reuse is a key strategy for heritage buildings seeking green certifications. Converting these structures into spaces that meet modern needs while preserving their historical significance reduces the environmental impact of new construction. This approach not only revitalizes aging buildings but also minimizes waste and promotes sustainable land use.

3. Conservation of materials and responsible sourcing:

Preserving original construction materials is essential for maintaining historical authenticity. Green certifications encourage the use of sustainably sourced materials when replacing or adding elements. This commitment to preserving the past for the future contributes to a more sustainable construction industry. Using EDGE, we demonstrate a reduction of over 50% in the buildings’ carbon footprint.

4. Innovative water conservation technologies:

Water conservation is a critical aspect of green building certifications. Heritage buildings are integrating innovative technologies, such as water-efficient plumbing fixtures, to reduce their water footprint while ensuring the longevity of architectural features that rely on adequate moisture levels. Over 60% average gains in operational water use have been recorded by applying efficient water-consuming faucets and toilets.

5. Climate adaptation:

Vulnerability to natural, climatic, and anthropogenic hazards exacerbates the deterioration of heritage assets and surrounding urban sites. The historic center is located about two meters above sea level, making it particularly vulnerable to coastal and internal flooding caused by high precipitation. Implementing climate adaptation measures, such as rainwater harvesting in outdoor gardens or flood vents, will increase resilience, not only of the building itself but also of the city, reducing the impact of material and economic losses.

6. Capacity development:

A critical aspect of incorporating environmentally friendly strategies in historic buildings is capacity development. This process involves equipping professionals such as architects, engineers, contractors, and policymakers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively design, build, preserve, and manage green buildings. Training programs and educational initiatives play a crucial role in disseminating information and extend beyond technical expertise to encompass an understanding of the economic, social, and environmental benefits associated with green building initiatives.

Two days Green Buildings Workshop and EDGE Introduction for Public Works members, Education Ministry members and local design firms and contractors (November 2023).

By investing in capacity development, we can create a group of experts capable of driving innovation, implementing best practices, and influencing policies that promote widespread adoption of green building principles. As part of the preparatory activities for PURP II, the IDB has begun to create a well-informed and trained workforce, considering it essential to reach the full potential of green buildings in mitigating climate change, reducing resource consumption, protecting historical assets, and creating healthier and more resilient built environments.

What are the benefits of green buildings beyond preservation?

Achieving green building certifications not only improves the environmental sustainability of heritage buildings but also brings many additional benefits. These certifications are a testimony to the commitment of conservationists, architects, policymakers, and building owners to responsible care. Additionally, they open doors to financing opportunities, increase public support, and generate a greater sense of community pride.

In conclusion, the convergence of heritage preservation and green building certifications is a testament to sustainable architecture. The harmonious blend of tradition and innovation exemplified in Paramaribo’s efforts serves as a powerful reminder that our architectural heritage can indeed be a driving force in the pursuit of environmental responsibility.


Editor: Daniel Pecina-Lopez


Related content:

IDB´s role revitalizing heritage housing in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo
International World Heritage Day: The role of the IDB Group revitalizing Panama´s Historic District

Filed Under: Sustainable development, Urban heritage Tagged With: adaptation climate change, green cities, Urban heritage, World Heritage

Alexandra Alvear

Alexandra Alvear es ingeniera civil con un máster en Ciencias y Gestión de Proyectos en Ingeniería Ambiental y Energía de la École des Mines de Nantes, Francia. Cuenta con 10 años de experiencia en la gestión de proyectos de sostenibilidad ambiental y cambio climático, trabajando con organizaciones internacionales y gobiernos en más de 24 países emergentes y en desarrollo, impulsando estrategias de mitigación, descarbonización, adaptación y resiliencia; ha ejercido como profesora asociada e investigadora científica en Ecuador. Alexandra formó parte del Grupo de Infraestructura Social (GIS) del BID, como consultora especialista en infraestructura sostenible y edificios verdes, brindando asesoría y soporte técnico para la incorporación e implementación de edificaciones bajas en carbono y resilientes, destacando programas de vivienda social, infraestructura educativa y hospitalaria bajo estándares de certificación verde.

Tatiana Kopelman

Tatiana Kopelman es especialista en la División de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano del BID en Surinam.

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Este es el blog de la División de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD) del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo. Súmate a la conversación sobre cómo mejorar la sostenibilidad y calidad de vida en ciudades de América Latina y el Caribe.

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