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(from Issue 2) |
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“Sustainability” is one of the more prominent catchwords we have all been hearing for the last year or so. Like most catchwords, it has many definitions. Developers, for example, use “sustainable” in the context of sustainable development to describe reuse of previously unusable properties. But even though the definitions are numerous, and sometimes nebulous, sustainability affects us all. Procedure Many of us have been practicing sustainability for some time by recycling household wastes and yard wastes, and by using recycled paper. But most don’t really think about sustainability in a programmatic way. Often the benefits of sustainability are not obvious and cost/benefit analyses are complicated. Resources Europe is ahead of the U.S. in understanding and implementing sustainability. So, when you look for information you’ll find that the Center for Economic and Social Studies on the Environment, which is a leader in sustainability technology and programs, is located at the University of Brussels. And there is an International Institute for Sustainable Development (www.iisd.org/default.asp) which also has interesting information and programs. There are other sources of information on the web, so give your browser a workout. Policy Gannett Fleming, Inc. has adopted as one of its corporate goals to “emphasize sustainability in all aspects of our operation." Our definition is as follows: “sustainability means minimizing the use of natural resources and maximizing reuse and recycling of materials, both in our internal practices and in the projects that we plan and design." Proactive We’re excited about taking a more deliberate course to include sustainability in our projects. Not only does it make economic sense to practice sustainability, but it is rewarding to know that we are taking positive action to preserve and improve our environment. |
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