What is a key criterion set by the Secretary of Interior Standards?

The focus on historic integrity preservation is central to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, which are designed to guide the treatment of historic properties. These standards emphasize the importance of maintaining and protecting the historical and architectural significance of a structure during any rehabilitation or restoration efforts. By prioritizing the original materials, construction methods, and character-defining features, the standards ensure that the historical narrative and aesthetic of the property are preserved for future generations.

In contrast, while mechanical system design, construction material selection, and energy consumption reduction are important aspects of building practices and sustainability, they do not directly address the preservation of historic integrity. These elements can be incorporated into projects involving historic properties, but they must be balanced with the need to maintain the property's historical significance. The key criterion of historic integrity preservation is therefore essential in guiding how restoration efforts are carried out, ensuring that any changes respect the original character of the site.