Retrofitting existing buildings help can help increase energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions. But what do these retrofits look like in a place like Manhattan, where almost one-third of total floor area has landmark status and is, therefore, energy code-exempt? In this conversation, Dr. Erica Avrami, Nate Rogers and Kate Reggev discuss these energy code waivers and how despite them, new greenhouse gas legislation could necessitate energy retrofits in historic buildings. This new era of regulation marks a momentous shift in preservation practices and signals a need for significant reforms to preservation policies in light of climate change. This interview expands on Dr. Avrami’s previous research, including her paper, “Energy and Historic Buildings: Toward Evidence-Based Policy Reform,” which examines the implications of a changing legislative landscape on historic preservation in NYC.