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Sustainable Development was coined back in 1987 under the Brundtland Commission's report "Our Common Future". Development that is sustainable meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The environment is where we all live. Development is what we do in the attempts to improve our lot within our environment. Hence, environment & development are inseparable. Context of the Built Environment Sustainable development is a strategy that requires the integration of economic growth, social equity and environmental management. It is about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. Constructing buildings that use non-renewable materials or poorly uses energy continues to foster the unsustainable model we are living in. Arborus Consulting views sustainability as our ultimate goal. Every measure implemented which; reduces energy use, reduces waste, makes use of renewable resources contributes toward the goal of sustainability. We believe that every project should consider resource alternatives to the conventions of the past. Sustainable Development Pays for Itself There is widespread perception that sustainable or green development is expensive. On the contrary, it has been found that the capital cost premium to be paid is less than 5% (industry average of 3%). The resulting energy and resource savings amount to 40-60% over the conventional. The savings in long term operation of the building contribute to the owner's bottom line.
Furthermore, these buildings result in an improved indoor environment; a better place to live and work. Superior building envelope, more natural lighting, improved indoor air quality are all hallmarks of a green or sustainable building. These have the potential to improve productivity in the work environment and sustain property values.
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