Paint repair appraisal for heritage buildings: the adoption of green maintenance model in Banda Aceh and Melaka

PurposeThis paper is an appraisal using the life cycle assessment (LCA) of paint repair for heritage buildings based on the green maintenance model.Design/methodology/approachCalculation procedures of green maintenance model within cradle-to-site boundaries of LCA approach were undertaken. The calculations evaluate embodied carbon expended from paint repair of Gunongan, Banda Aceh and Melaka Stamp Museum, Melaka.FindingsThe findings show that the type and number of coats applied will determine the lifespan of the paint. The lifespan of paint influences the frequency of its repair, thus affecting environmental maintenance impact (EMI).Practical implicationsGreen maintenance model is not confined to heritage buildings and can be applied to any repair types, materials used and building forms. The model supports and stimulates research dedicated to the sustainable development of cultural heritage. This results in the attainment of environmentally focused conservation, promoting sustainable repair approach and inculcating sustainable development of the historic environment.Social implicationsGreen maintenance model highlights the efficiency of repair options that may be adopted for heritage buildings, thus cultivating skills and knowledge in cultural heritage and sustainable development.Originality/value The paint repair appraisal of heritage buildings in different countries and localities, which share similar tropical climate, can be undertaken. It demonstrates how different approaches by relevant agencies to the paint repair of heritage buildings impact on embodied carbon expenditure.