When it comes to sustainable practices, having LEED credentials and helping clients reduce their carbon footprints are not enough for architectural, engineering and construction firms. Sustainable practices also involve considering soaring fuel prices when dealing with employees and clients, and looking at the sustainability of all areas of internal business operations.

In an Engineering News-Record report, Betsy del Monte outlines the steps necessary to sustainable practices.

Take care of your people. Knowing what attracts and retains qualified personnel is essential in an environment where companies scramble to keep valuable employees, and attract new talent.

Take care of your clients. As the market changes, the better a company knows its customers, the more successful they will be. Rising fuel prices have accelerated the demand for anything energy-efficient. This is not just a niche market. When clients request our services, do we know the bottom-line construction and operating savings/cost of sustainable structures?

Take care of your business. Every day we work on sustainable projects, but do our own businesses behave in a sustainable manner? Public criticism has been levied against those who merely give lip service to sustainability. Consider three aspects of the issue: internal business operations, external products and services, and personal choices. Each must receive specific focus in a truly sustainable organization. 

Click here to read this full article.