The Facility Management Handbook, 4th Edition

8

Definitions, Background, and Applications of Sustainability

Pulse Points

• Sustainability is not a new concept, but it is now becoming a new marketing, management, and operational tool in business and society.
• There are multiple sustainability guidelines worldwide. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one popular U.S.–based rating system for designing, building, and operating buildings.
• Facility management is a natural initiator of sustainable practices since it has long promoted the use of life-cycle assessment for decision making.
• Sustainable practices apply not only to design and construction of new buildings, but also to ongoing operations of buildings. These are all within the purview of the facility manager.
• Regardless ...