Business Issues Forums

Sustainabilty/Green

Sustainable development does not focus solely on environmental issues. In 1987, the United Nations released the Brundtland Report, which included what is now one of the most widely recognized definitions:

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.

Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener structures, the common objective is that green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:

• Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
• Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
• Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation

Past topics discussed include:

the LEED rating system
• using the highest standards of green technology available
• how to help owners and managers of income-producing properties use enhanced energy fficiency to support higher net operating income and asset value
• institutional investments
• explore cost/value/benefit issues
• discuss the creation of new financing vehicles to address this trend

There are no Sustainability/Green Business Issues Forums scheduled at this time.

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