Sustainability and Capability: A Unified Approach for Future Resilience
The term "sustainability" holds various meanings for different stakeholders and is applied in diverse contexts. While some individuals dispute scientific consensus on climate change and its implications for our future sustainability, others who acknowledge the need for decarbonization often grapple with limited financial resources, leading them to delay addressing these critical needs.
At CASIS, we emphasize the importance of a shared understanding of sustainability. We facilitate this alignment through education and by integrating tools and processes that promote the economic and financial viability of investments over their lifecycle, including servicing, maintenance, and renewal.
Our educational initiatives aim to instill a consensus among leaders across public and private institutions and businesses, regardless of industry or location, on the imperative to protect and enhance their "Capability," which refers to their core reason for existence. Safeguarding and enhancing operational Capability is essential for achieving long-term viability. Given that buildings and the broader built environment significantly influence an organization’s ability to fulfill its core capabilities, it is crucial to prioritize their maintenance and decarbonization. Not only does decarbonizing buildings yield financial savings, but it also opens avenues for generating energy-related revenue that can offset other operational costs. For instance, many schools operate at a deficit; thus, regardless of their stance on decarbonization, the focus must be on achieving savings and identifying revenue-generating opportunities to sustain future operations. While "bailouts" may offer immediate relief, they do not address underlying issues.
Consequently, decisions regarding buildings are integral to sustaining and enhancing Capabilities. Failing to maintain and retrofit structures in response to evolving regulations, policies, market demands, and climate-related risks jeopardizes any organization’s future.
Therefore, we are shifting the conversation from debating the necessity of decarbonization to aligning on the fundamental principle: “Protect and Enhance Our Capability” to thrive in the future.
In their corporate planning, business leaders must recognize the crucial role of deep retrofit projects in mitigating risks, increasing building value, and ultimately enhancing the organization's core Capability.
CASIS is dedicated to advancing education in Capability-focused decision-making and has cultivated strong partnerships with academic institutions such as BCIT to support effective delivery and alignment. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more jackie.duarte@casis-acsid.ca