True or False: Sustainable building practices can sometimes result in greater overall energy efficiency by preserving existing structures rather than demolishing them, even if the new construction appears to use less space.

True. Reusing an existing building keeps the energy that was spent to build the structure, which is called embodied energy, and avoids the waste of demolition. The interior can be retrofitted with efficient heating, lighting, and insulation, often making the whole building use less energy overall. Even if the new layout is smaller or uses less floor area, the savings from avoiding new construction outweigh the extra space. For example, converting an old factory into loft apartments preserves the steel frame and walls, while adding solar panels and high‑efficiency windows reduces the building’s yearly energy use.