The United Nations recognizes three pillars of sustainability: economic development, social equity, and environmental protection. One of the major hurdles for implementing sustainable practices are the perceived costs involved. Switching to environmentally positive fuel sources, improved management of toxic emissions, waste management and recycling, and the reduction of water usage typically requires a significant investment.
Grants are important tools for implementing sustainability strategies. Naturally the most common grant categories grab the most attention and receive the most applications. Some others are important, yet less conspicuous. The United States Government is the biggest grantor of all, allocating over $4 billion in grants for environmental and sustainable projects alone.
It is no secret that sustainable programs are most successful when everyone participates. However, immediate buy-in from employees is not always a sure thing. How do companies incentivize employees to support corporate social responsibility?
Possibly the most profound statement that succinctly describes environmental responsibility is the phrase “pack it in, pack it out.” This message appears on campground signs throughout the country asking visitors to eliminate any trace of their presence as they leave. Sustainability may be defined with a similar message, but on a more global scale. We have a responsibility to preserve and protect vital resources so they may be enjoyed by future generations. But, unless the damaging activity of humanity reverses, this mission could become impossible.
Facilities and maintenance managers are faced with finding ways to do more with less. Cost reduction is a never-ending goal. In addition to these fundamentals objectives, many are challenged to adopt sustainable practices like reducing water usage, creating an efficient energy plan, eliminating harmful chemicals, reducing waste and developing practical recycling programs.
As companies and architects embrace the long-term benefits of sustainable construction and developing technology, more energy efficient buildings are being constructed to diminish the carbon footprint and significantly reduce energy and water consumption. The US Green Building Council is issuing a growing number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications, a sign that building designs are moving toward more sustainability in construction. The trend is not only in the United States as new construction in the rest of the world is following a similar path.
Colleges and universities are the laboratories for sustainability practices. In recent decades, words like “sustainable” and “renewable” have found their way into the mission statements of most institutions. Whole departments and many courses of study focus on environmentally positive activity and resource management.
