APPA Library

"Making the Case for Sustainability: It's Not Just About Getting Points"
Author: Hodges, Christopher P., P.E. CFM, and William W. Elvey, P.E.
Published In: Facilities Manager
Date: July/August 2005

Given that the operations, maintenance, and capital renewal portion of the facilty life cycle is the most costly and counts for more than 95 percent of the facility timeline, it is time for the facilities manager to have some influence over the design and construction of buildings. Most decisions that have an effect on sustainable and green practices are made with an eye toward reducing first costs without regard to life cycle costs. Making the case for sustainable business practices is an important skill for facilities managers, who can provide insights during the design process that can be invaluable in the safe and cost-effective operation of facilities. Discusses the LEED point system of the U.S. Green Building Council and energy management as the most important and difficult practice to implement.  Draws from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's experiences with energy management. Includes graphs.

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