Improving places and improving lives means striving for a sustainable future for all. We therefore believe that a commitment to sustainable practices, both operationally and in the marketplace, must be inherent to our culture and is vital to our success. We understand that sustainability is not simply protecting natural areas, but addressing all of the three key elements: social progress, economic prosperity, and environmental protection.

We have examined how Bonestroo, as a builder of communities, a partner with industry, an employer, and a corporate citizen, impacts these elements. The following topic areas and associated philosophy define how Bonestroo understands the challenges we face, and how our creative staff can provide solutions.

Energy

Safe, clean, and affordable energy is necessary for maintaining healthy human and natural environments. Good choices regarding the sources and uses of energy can enable environmental protection, political stability, and economic progress. As we partner with our clients and operate our company, we are guided by two key objectives:

• Use energy as efficiently as possible
• Support the development of a mix of energy sources that collectively reduce negative impacts on our climate and environment, while supporting economic development

Ecology

Viable ecosystems with clean air, water, and soil are essential to health and quality of life for all. Responsible stewardship helps preserve clean and abundant natural resources for future generations. In our work, we seek to form synergies between built and natural environments, as well as to protect, enhance, and advocate for these resources.

Materials

Every day, decisions are made about materials used to operate our company and build communities. Uninformed choices can result in unnecessary waste, depletion of resources, and inefficient energy use. Our approach includes seeking to mitigate the life-cycle environmental, social, and economic impacts for material selections.

Climate

Land use, transportation, and the built environment are among the largest contributors to manmade greenhouse gas emissions that may affect the global climate. The way we operate and the decisions we help clients make affect these emissions. Using the tools of community and transportation planning, natural resources protection, and building design, we seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—while saving energy.

Social Capital

Social networks are valuable because they contribute to productivity and human well-being. Ensuring that the built environment strengthens and broadens these networks involves preserving human cultures and history, improving social interaction, providing a sense of place, and maintaining physical and mental health. In our projects and operations, we strive to maximize positive social interactions and provide equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Economic Decision-making

Monetary costs alone are not adequate to evaluate the effects of institutional decision-making. At Bonestroo, we make sound decisions by considering all costs and benefits—economic, environmental, and social. We challenge ourselves and others to adopt such a triple-bottom-line approach.

Implementing the Vision

We implement this philosophy through our three primary company functions:

• Internal operations
• Project work
• Influence in the community and marketplace

We have developed specific goals within each of these functional areas to guide and measure progress. This list will continue to evolve as some goals are met or new goals are developed. In striving for steady and meaningful progress toward more sustainable practices, we will:

Internal Operations

• Align our day-to-day operations with our desire to be stewards of the environment, socially responsible, and fiscally sound.
• Educate all employees about our commitment to sustainability, and provide them with tools to implement this commitment and educational opportunities to broaden their understanding.

Project Work

• Continuously deliver projects that emphasize reducing environmental impact, encouraging social responsibility, and maintaining cost-effectiveness by adhering to our philosophy on sustainability and best practices.
• Advocate the use of sustainable practices to clients by providing the full range of social, environmental and life cycle impacts for each alternative available.

Community and Marketplace Influence

• Strive to be leaders and trusted resources in sustainable planning and design.
• Work with partners who understand our commitment to sustainability.