Buildings: Sustainability Principles
The built environment has an enormous impact on our health, environment, and economy. By adopting practices that are environmentally responsible throughout a building's life-span, we can increase both environmental and economic performance. Sustainable construction can be integrated at any stage, from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.
Consider Green Building Standards
Local governments should first focus on greening all existing municipal facilities, then assess the need for community-wide green building standards. Further, governments should consider mandated efficiency upgrades to existing buildings undergoing addition or renovation.
Utility Rate Structures
Where municipalities control or influence utilities (electricity, water, gas, etc) they should link rate structures to efficiency. This will incentivize more effective tracking and reporting, leading to improved maintenance programs, and reduced energy and water usage.
Building Performance Disclosure
Local governments should require building performance disclosure as part of real estate transactions, starting with commercial and then moving to residential buildings.
