What Qualifies as Sustainable?
Architects proclaim sustainable design. Manufacturers promote sustainable products. But, what does it mean to be
sustainable
?
The words
sustainable, green,
and
eco-friendly
are used loosely and way too often. In fact, architects, builders, and manufacturers who take some “green” actions may not deliver a truly sustainable project.
Green does not always translate into sustainable.
By definition,
sustainable
means the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level. When it comes to building or manufacturing, that level needs definition.
Following is a guideline for what qualifies a building project as sustainable.