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Low carbon repair epitomises sustainable maintenance management for heritage buildings. However, there is little recognition of this aspect, coupled with impractical assessment of repair impact strategies. This paper aims to present a decision-making process based on life cycle assessment (LCA) approach of lime plaster repair options for heritage buildings.

Calculation procedures of LCA were carried out to enable sustainable maintenance management appraisal for heritage buildings upon embodied carbon expenditure expended from lime plaster repair during the maintenance phase.

Calculation procedures could be understood as a carbon LCA of lime plaster repair and recognised in reducing CO₂ emissions. This underpins low carbon of lime plaster repair in achieving sustainable maintenance management of heritage buildings.

It must be emphasised that the LCA approach is not limited to heritage buildings and can be applied to any repair types, materials used and building forms. This supports environmentally focused economies and promotes sustainable maintenance management solutions.

The LCA approach highlights the efficiency of repair impact strategies through evaluation of low carbon repairs options.

The LCA approach results show that low carbon repair, contextualised within maintenance management, relays the “true” embodied carbon expenditure and stimulates sustainable development of heritage buildings.

The Becker Group, the Swedish multi‐national paint company who took over Goodlass Wall & Co Ltd of Liverpool in 1984, have agreed to enter a joint venture in the field of consumer and trade paint operations with AB Alfort & Cronholm, another leading Swedish paint manufacturer. A joint venture company will be established under the name Alcro‐Becker AB. It will be jointly owned by Becker and Alfort & Cronholm on a 50/50 percentage basis.

Discusses the techniques of repair and conservation of early lime‐based plasterwork. Considers the problems of cracks in plaster, detachment of plates of plaster, the breaking up of plaster, and the stages in the repair of wall panels and overmantles and the re‐hanging of ceilings. Concludes that since old plaster cannot be reproduced, careful consideration procedures are necessary, although complete plasterwork is best left alone.

Advocates the use of lime in the repair of old buildings rather than the hard, but brittle, impervious materials used in cement mixes today. Points out the advantages of lime in indoor and outdoor repairs. Describes the natural cycle of lime production and gives general advice not only on how to use, store and identify the different types of lime on sale today, but also on the precautions to be taken when using lime.

The purpose of this research is to highlight issues relating to binder migration in traditional lime mortars and the potential consequences of this phenomenon. The paper focuses on traditional mass masonry construction and will be of special interest to those surveying, maintaining and repairing historic ruinous structures and heavily exposed masonry bridges.

The paper draws on literature pertaining to the repair of traditional mass masonry structures and the somewhat limited science of binder dissolution and migration in saturated conditions. The paper also draws on the author's practical and academic knowledge of writing specifications for the repair of mass masonry structures and utilises examples of binder migration from several case study buildings.

The degree to which binder migration in traditional mortars occurs is little understood. It is, however, evident that migration of the binder occurs when saturated conditions are present and is exacerbated by prolonged moisture ingress. The effect of binder migration on the stability and performance of mass masonry structures is also little understood and requires greater attention. In addition, the nature of the repair mortars specified and the degree to which these materials have set will have a bearing on the potential for binder migration.

An assessment of binder migration in traditional lime mortars and its effect on the stability and performance of mass masonry structures has never previously been undertaken. This paper is the first to highlight the problem.

Examines early time‐based ornamental plasterwork in the United Kingdom. Discusses the origins, methods, supporting structures, original finish and repairs and problems of this plasterwork. Concludes that plasterwork can be maintained no matter what condition it is in, so \ill\ action should be centred on helping later conservation by, for example, propping and padding vulnerable plasterwork.

Encourages the saving of distressed stucco and fibrous plaster ceilings of merit and shows that repairs are able to be carried out in nearly all cases by use of traditional materials, all of which are available in one form or another. These ceilings are able to be reinstated/ conserved using plaster firms and conservationists, with specialist advice available supported by many years of experience. Such ceilings are to be found throughout the UK, ranging from small residences to theatres, historic houses and palaces. It is indicated that repair of the ceilings must be carried out as soon as possible by the use of qualified artisans and conservators using methods, some being described, with emphasis on calling in experts at an early stage.

Discusses the identification, treatment and application of the right finishes to early buildings, with particular emphasis on lime‐based materials. Examines the role of lime in historical building construction and the lime cycle. Outlines limewash varieties and looks at its traditional use, mentioning its advantageous ability to breathe and cut down on condensation problems. Describes removing old paint and the appropriate use of distemper. Suggests that despite drawbacks, lime‐based materials are cheaper and more enjoyable to use than modern equivalents.

Practical conservation of heritage buildings in Kolkata started in the 1990s and the first restoration project was the Town Hall, a public building built by the British in 1813, in the central business district by a public‐private partnership. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the restoration process and adaptive reuse of the Town Hall as a case study.

A team of conservationists, architects and structural engineers worked during 1996‐1998. The methodology included surveying and documenting the existing structure; examining old materials and methods of construction, earlier repairs and the suitability of matching new materials; analysing the structure, defects and their causes; prescribing remedial measures; preparing items of work, estimating and tendering for appointment of contractors; allocating funds for restoration; supervision and monitoring of the works.

It was necessary to undertake structural strengthening and physical restoration through corrective measures, and reinstallation of all service systems, which resulted in the opening up of this edifice again for various kinds of public use, that included a museum.

This was a pilot project for the state administration and the people of Kolkata. After this project, the conservation of historic buildings became an agenda of government and civil society. The lessons learned here were applied to the restoration of other similar buildings in Kolkata.

Conservation‐researchers, academics and practitioners will gain from this paper an in‐depth understanding of the restoration process in Kolkata.

Sustainability is well understood to encapsulate economic, environmental and societal parameters. The efficiency of maintenance interventions for historic buildings is no exception and also conforms to these broad factors. Recently, environmental considerations for masonry repair have become increasingly important and this work supports this growing area. The purpose of this paper is to give insight on how an option appraisal approach of “Green Maintenance” modelling for historic masonry buildings repair practically determine and ultimately substantiate the decision-making process using a calculation procedures of life cycle assessment, within delineated boundaries.

Calculation procedures of the model enables an assessment of embodied carbon that is expended from different stone masonry wall repair techniques and scenarios for historic masonry buildings during the maintenance phase.

It recognises the importance roles Green Maintenance model can play in reducing carbon emissions and underpins rational decision making for repair selection.

It must be emphasised that the calculation procedures presented here, is not confined to historic masonry buildings and can be applied to any repair types and building form. The decisions made as a result of the utilisation of this model practically support environmentally focused conservation decisions.

The implementation of the model highlights the efficacy of repairs that may be adopted.

The paper is a rigorous application and testing of the Green Maintenance model. The model relays the “true” carbon cost of repairs contextualised within the longevity of the materials and its embodied carbon that consequently allows rational appraisal of repair and maintenance options.