As the planet faces a climate crisis that could dwarf the human impact of the collapse of Ancient Rome, these churches are getting another look: as a model of the sort of recycling that is key to a sustainable global economy and building sector, currently responsible for more than a third of all greenhouse gas emissions.In an extensive WashingtonPost article, Philip Kennicott and Naema Ahmed reflect on the San Giorgio in Velabro church inRome, whose "hodgepodge" of mismatched columns, capitals, and materials offer an insight into how the ancient Romans often used second-hand architectural elements when constructing new buildings."The churches manifested a new compelling aesthetic," the authors write. "Which is why they are particularly inspiring today, when architects arent just experimenting with radical new ways to do something old recycle buildings but seeking to make recycled structures just as delightful as newly built, high-design ones."Related on Archinect: Finding Value in Waste: Japans Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center is a Temple to Material Reuse.Photo credit: Koji Fujii / TOREALIn contrast to the Romans' frequent use of recycled materials, the authors note that less than 30% of building materials in the US today are recycled, while 40% of solid waste in landfills comes from the bui...