Real Property Sustainable Development Guide

Sustainability is a concept that will direct the future of the business world. So how can it become a part of business planning? The U.S General Services Administration’s Office of Governmentwide Policy explains that optimizing site potential, minimizing nonrenewable energy consumption, using environmentally preferable products, protecting and conserving water, enhancing indoor environmental quality, and optimizing operational and maintenance practices are the necessary steps to sustainable organizations and businesses.

Although it was written for U.S. federal agencies, the “Real Property Sustainable Development Guide” has a place on every business executive’s desktop. Within the guide, the GSA makes “The Business Case for Sustainable Development” by describing how sustainable practices improve employee health and satisfaction and reduce waste-removal and maintenance costs. This is a thoughtful discussion of what sustainability means for businesses; it includes ideas and quotes from prominent thinkers including William McDonough and Ray Anderson. The guide also covers costs and lists design tools for getting started. The final sections present case studies and resources. Thorough, well-written, and attractive, this report is an informative and enjoyable read.