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Green Around The Globe continued

Implications For U.S. Corporations

The above examples indicate that sustainability has already become a global phenomenon. Corporations and facilities managers in the U.S. would be wise to create their own long-term sustainable strategy now. Such plans would be beneficial for several reasons.

First, a growing number of federal, state, and local governments in the U.S. are beginning to mandate energy and environmental standards on building construction. For instance, most federal agencies, including the General Services Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Navy, Army, and Air Force, are already requiring LEED guidelines and certification on all new construction.

The Dollars And Sense Of Sustainability

In 2001, the U.S. federal government bowed out of the Kyoto Protocol, quoting “excessive cost to the U.S. economy” and declined to participate in an international agreement among 122 countries to reduce global warming by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2012.

However, about 130 U.S. cities in 35 states are actively supporting and implementing the Protocol on a local level. Cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York are among the supporters. Such cities have embraced sustainability for a simple reason: it is the way of the future and it makes financial sense.

Recently, the City of Chicago developed a policy that effectively requires publicly funded structures to install green roofs and other sustainable technologies. Currently, leaders are considering making these requirements a part of the local building code. When that happens, facility professionals that turned down sustainable options during current construction will have to pay more to retrofit in the future.

Another reason that sustainability is a smart investment is the skyrocketing cost of energy. This year, winter heating bills of small business owners are expected to rise as much as 40%. Some are starting to ponder what increases lay ahead five or 10 years from now. Facility professionals who still specify “cheap” energy guzzling systems today may face economic hardships tomorrow.

Finally, developing a corporate sustainable action plan positions organizations to profit in a less direct way. It prepares an organization for ongoing changes at home while potential foreign partners that place a high value on sustainable principles will look to form partnerships with like minded U.S. organizations. Those who do not adopt sustainable practices may be perceived as outdated and inefficient in their approach and operation.

Combating The Myth

Some still see energy efficient technologies and sustainable building design as exotic, but impractical novelties. They continue to clutch the myth that sustainability is merely a passing fad and an unjustified way to increase costs that produces little benefit.

However, mounting global evidence suggests the opposite. Entire societies are changing their course toward a more environmentally conscious, efficient, and profitable future. Sustainability is already reshaping domestic markets; so, it is important to understand this phenomenon and embrace sustainability before falling too far behind.

Vujovic, LEED AP is director of sustainable design at Legat Architects, Inc., a Chicago, IL-based full service architecture firm. He is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Healthy and High Performing Schools Task Force. Ogurek is a member of the sustainable team at Legat Architects. They can be reached by e-mail at vvujovic@legat.com or by phone at (312) 756-1266.

Hear Vujovic speak in Chicago, IL at The TFM Show, April 10-12, 2006. For more on the show, visit www.TFMShow.com.

How Sustainable Facilities Bring Money Back To The Organization

• Decrease facility operation costs by reducing demands for energy

• Decrease maintenance costs as a result of staff members’ ability to spend more time on other tasks

• Increase opportunities to conduct international business with economies that place a high value on energy efficiency and conservation

• Reduce employee absenteeism and enhance productivity

• Convey a message to building occupants and the surrounding community: “we care about your perception and your future.”

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