Hemp Advocacy

DEFINITIONS of SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability means meeting our needs in the present without compromising the potential of future generations meeting their needs.

Sustainable building practices consider environmental and human health and well-being, in addition to the traditional criteria of function, cost and aesthetics. Conservation and continuous cyclic use of materials, methods, water, natural resources and energy are major considerations when designing and building sustainably.



MISSION STATEMENT

The Sustainable Building Coalition exists to facilitate the organization and education of the building and design community and the general public to foster:



Healthy and ecologically-sound, built environments

Sustainable, cyclic use of resources

Responsible and healthy businesses



ORIGINS

In 1990, through the combined efforts of The City of Austin`s Environmental and Conservation Services Department [ECSD] and The Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems ["Max`s Pot"], the Austin Green Building Program [GBP] was created. This unique program received the United Nations Earth Summit award in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the only recipient from the United States.

Several professionals from the building and design community who were brought together as advisors to the GBP joined with other like-minded individuals for informal meetings to further explore the spiritual as well as building aspects of sustainability. As the group grew, the need for a more formal association was indicated. During the summer of 1992, the Sustainable Building Coalition was organized.



ACTIVITIES

The Sustainable Building Coalition provides educational services through programs, site visits, media, exhibits, video showings, and special events. Members frequently conduct workshops on various aspects of the built environment and its design. SBC encourages members as well as specialists to share their wisdom with one another. See our Events page for current activities.