Many companies are discovering that being environmentally friendly and economically viable are not mutually exclusive. In fact, owners and operators of environmentally responsible facilities have experienced reduced capital costs, reduced operating costs, improved worker health and productivity, free marketing and publicity, and new business opportunities. The establishment of a sustainable facility requires that the entire system be reviewed - building design, construction, and operations. Sustainable buildings are more resource efficient in that they use fewer resources to accomplish the same goals. Currently, there are many barriers to sustainable facility design.
More time is required up front for education, planning, and design.
Financing is often difficult because bankers are wary of new ideas. Builders lack information on efficient materials, systems, and technologies and may be hesitant to try new methods. Designing sustainable facilities requires systems thinking. To achieve the greatest gain, a building must be designed to be efficient which requires communication and cooperation among the various partners. Sustainable building design is more than a matter of environmental stewardship, it is smart business with significant benefits for individual companies including lower energy costs both in terms of construction and operations, and healthier and more productive work environments.