Building Green: How Old Homes Can Be Made Eco‑Friendly

The study looks at ways to make historic buildings in Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia greener. Instead of tearing them down or rebuilding, the researchers test “retrofitting” – adding new materials that come from plants and other renewable sources. First, the team measures how much energy a building uses before any changes are made. They then try different plant‑based products, like bamboo panels or hemp insulation, and record how the energy use changes. The goal is to see which materials give the best protection against heat and cold while also being easy to replace or recycle later. The analysis goes beyond simple cost. It checks the full life cycle of each material: where it comes from, how much energy is needed to grow and process it, and what happens when the material reaches the end of its life. If a product can be composted or turned back into soil, it scores higher in the “circular economy” score.

Results show that some bio‑based options, such as cork tiles and straw‑bale walls, cut energy consumption by up to 30 %. In contrast, other products that look promising on paper actually use a lot of fossil fuel to produce. The study also notes that local availability matters; importing exotic materials can add extra emissions that negate the benefits. A key takeaway is that heritage buildings can stay true to their historic character while becoming greener. By selecting the right natural materials and designing for future reuse, cities in the Middle East can protect their cultural heritage and reduce climate impact at the same time.

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