ABSTRACT
This article examines the relationship between cultural heritage and environmental impact in building adaptations through a proposed matrix combining SAVE (Survey of Architectural Values in the Environment) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodologies. It indicates that a direct methodological merge of the systems increases the awareness of both ecological and cultural values and sharpens priorities and approaches when adapting existing structures for new use. Initial case studies suggest that buildings with high preservation values tend to achieve lower environmental impacts when adapted, while buildings with low preservation values, despite offering greater adaptation potential, often lead to more extensive interventions with higher environmental impacts. The study reveals a significant correlation between the systems, suggesting that traditional building approaches and restrained intervention strategies may offer valuable insights for more thoughtful and ethical solutions. The proposed matrix serves as an analytical benchmarking tool for integrating cultural and ecological values in early-stage architectural design decisions.
