From time to time, questions are raised about the concept of sustainability. Is it just the current fad? Is there any real substance to the argument in favor of utilizing sustainable development practices? If sustainable development incurs additional costs, why do it?
The real key is to look at the project from the perspective of its life cycle, not merely the cost of developing it. Life cycle costs include operational expenses over the life of the project in addition to development costs.
Hard and soft costs can be 15% to 20% of the overall life cycle costs of the project. Consequently, moving forward from the development stage through the operating stage, lowering the project's operating expenses will enhance the return on investment. Properly done, sustainable development practices will lower the project's OPEX during the operating stage.
