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In this way, sustainability becomes the boundary between efficient and inefficient systems and processes. Just one inefficient system can have significant operational and financial consequences, indicating that the introduction of a structured sustainability management strategy at an early stage helps add value and improve returns. Factors that influence this approach, such as client direction, regulatory compliance and industry current practice, need to be considered. Sustainability management aligns a projects sustainability objectives with cost benefit and life-cycle cost analysis to direct the project towards the most efficient outcome. This is especially true for key objectives relating to energy, water and waste. In terms of energy, the priority should be to reduce demand. This can involve passive measures, such as optimal site selection and orientation, which significantly impact load requirements without major cost outlay. Energy reduction measures that affect the building appearance, such as solar shading or reduced glazing ratios, can then be considered before the more expensive options of renewable technologies are investigated. This approach affects the cost, project and facilities management of projects directly. A value-based approach can be applied to the energy efficiency objectives within a project and translated to other key elements such as waste and water
Cost impact Cost impact Building form and orientation Exposed mass Reduced air leakage Active Lighting controls (electrics) Water efficiency (plumbing) Energy efficiency (HVAC) Renewable Energy Absorption chillers Solar hot water heaters Photovoltaics Return on investment

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