What is Sustainability? "Sustainability meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development "Then I say the earth belongs to each . . . generation during its course, fully and in its own right, no generation can contract debts greater than may be paid during the course of its own existence." Thomas Jefferson, September 6, 1789. "The word sustainable has roots in the Latin subtenir, meaning 'to hold up' or ‘to support from below.' A community must be supported from below by its inhabitants, present and future. Certain places, through the peculiar combination of physical, cultural, and, perhaps, spiritual characteristics, inspire people to care for their community .These are the places where sustainability has the best chance of taking hold." Muscoe Martin, " A Sustainable Community Profile," from Places, Winter 1995. Priority List for Sustainable Buildings DESIGN Smaller is better Design an energy-efficient building Design buildings to use renewable energy Optimize material use Design water-efficient, low-maintenance landscaping Make it easy for occupants to recycle waste Look into the feasibility of graywater Design for durability Design for future reuse and adaptability Avoid potential health hazards: radon, mold, pesticides SITE SELECTION & LAND USE Renovate older buildings Create community Encourage in-fill and mixed-use development Minimize automobile dependence Value site resources Locate buildings to minimize environmental impact Provide responsible on-site water management Situate buildings to benefit from existing vegetation MATERIALS Avoid ozone-depleting chemicals in mechanical equipment and insulation Use durable products and materials Choose low-maintenance building materials Choose building materials with low embodied energy Use building products made from recycled materials Buy locally produced building materials Use salvaged building materials when possible Seek responsible wood supplies Avoid materials that will off gas pollutants Minimize use of pressure-treated lumber Minimize packaging waste EQUIPMENT Install high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment Install high-efficiency lights and appliances Install water-efficient equipment Install mechanical ventilation equipment JOB SITE & BUSINESS Protect trees and topsoil during site work Avoid use of pesticides and other chemicals that may leach into the groundwater Minimize job-site waste Make your business operations more environmentally responsible Make education a part of your daily practice

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Web Resources:

ADVANCED BUILDINGS TECHNOLOGIES & PRACTICES
CALIFORNIA Integrated Waste Management Board - Green Building Design and Construction 
CALIFORNIA TITLE 24 LIGHTING
Center for Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST)
ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT
GREEN LA (LADWP)
Internet Directory for Specified Construction Products
LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY, CENTER FOR BUILDING SCIENCE
Santa Monica, CA Green Buildings Design and Construction Guidelines

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