Sustainability Circle 2012

The next of the Fall Sustainability Circle series was hosted by OSI today. Businesses from around the bay gathered to continue discussion on strategies for implementing sustainable business practices. Renewable energy and green waste management were naturally discussed. Most interesting was a presentation on innovation, which proposed that innovative solutions to sustainability requires rethinking standards. Sustainability best practices have touted the success of projects effectively implementing sustainable design. Yet these “best practices”, while tried and true, are still founded in current paradigms and technologies. To be truly innovative in creating sustainable design, attention should be given to “best possibilities” rather than only “best practices.” Several resources aid in green initiatives,, including the American Council for Energy Efficient Economy, Pacific Energy Resource and Energy Upgrade California. Additionally, green building design depends not only on the physical environment but also on behavioral design. Cliff Bar has demonstrated true innovation through the incentives they created to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles. Community collaboration is key to bringing about a new way of thinking and living harmoniously.