Project Decisions to Reflect Values

John McFarland April 5, 2018

What we build should be a reflection of our values. In addition to interior and exterior design aesthetics, these values need to include the environmental cost of the building. When we follow this philosophy, the payback discussion can be reframed so that it’s based on impact and available budget. In so many instances when making “sustainable” choices on a building project, the focus is typically on economic payback—operating costs versus first cost. The assumption is that all “costs” are accounted for in the operating cost of the building. But we know that many macro costs are not considered, especially in utility rates. Utilities, for example, have environmental damage costs and human health costs (due to pollution and climate change) that should be included in the cost of producing electricity and the price of fuel for transportation. The cost extends beyond the monthly power bill, and it’s more important now than ever to consider these additional costs.

We can and should take a proactive approach to make better decisions. The reality is budgets will always be a factor, but they don’t need to be the single guiding factor. The sweet spot is finding cost-effective solutions that have a low environmental impact. At the intersection of the built environment and sustainability, the challenge will be for each of us to shape our buildings to reflect what we value. These values are aesthetic innovation, cost-consciousness (in the macro sense), function, and comfort. We want a legacy of buildings that meet the needs of the people who occupy them for generations to come.