Sep 9, 2009

Increasingly, government and private entities are seeking to protect our nation’s overall health, natural environment and quality of life through strategies such as smart growth, new urbanism and green building.  Moreover, as society becomes more aware of the threat posed by global climate change, public and private leaders are developing systems to change business operations and development patterns to stabilize and reduce carbon emissions.  Collectively, these movements seek to promote the concept of "sustainability" – meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Though the phrase does not have a universally accepted definition, it is made up of three core principles:

1)  Developing in a targeted, compact, and balanced manner;
2)  Promoting energy and resource-efficient development and operations; and
3)  Preserving and protecting natural resources.

Learn more about sustainable development.

View all Green-house counsel tips