Water Economics: Navigating the Challenges and Implications of Pricing a Vital Resource

Water is often dubbed the “elixir of life.” But as populations soar, climate patterns shift, and resources are strained, it has become an economic commodity. The economic principles that apply to goods and services in our market are, in many ways, applicable to water. However, given water’s irreplaceable nature and crucial role in sustaining life, its economic management poses unique challenges. Setting Water Prices: A Balancing Act Establishing the price of water is a challenging… Read more »


Exploring Regenerative Agriculture

In a world where sustainable agriculture is no longer a choice but a necessity, regenerative agriculture has become popular. This innovative approach to farming holds the promise of transforming how we produce food. In this article, we explore the core principles of regenerative agriculture, learn how growers benefit from these practices, and unravel the far-reaching effects on the quality and sustainability of our food. We also demystify the origin and utilization of microorganisms in agriculture… Read more »


Beginner’s Guide: Biodiversity in Agriculture

The vast assortment of life that graces our planet, from the tiniest microbes to the grandest trees, is a testament to biodiversity. This intricate web of living organisms, their interactions, and the ecosystems they collectively form holds immeasurable value for sustaining life as we know it. However, the importance of biodiversity extends beyond the realm of untouched wilderness; it’s also a vital asset in the world of agriculture. In this beginner’s guide, we dive into… Read more »


Drip Irrigation: Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture

In today’s world, sustainable agriculture is gaining increasing importance. As a result, farmers and agricultural experts continually explore innovative techniques and practices to optimize crop production while minimizing environmental impact. One such method emerging as a game-changer in water management is drip irrigation. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of drip irrigation, mainly focusing on drip tape, and discuss how it contributes to sustainable agriculture. When talking about sustainability in agriculture, several… Read more »


Four Ways Sustainability Improves Productivity

Imagine using things in your office in a different way. CBRE did when they created the “Workplace360” initiative.  “Workplace 360” is a strategy maximizing employee productivity through technology, space utilization, sustainability, mobility and enhanced flexibility.  I recently toured their first “Workplace360” location in downtown Los Angeles and have to say, this is an office I would want to work in everyday.

First WELL certified office space in the world

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Water Management 102

Each day I become more aware how important it is to educate customers about proper water management.  When customers understand the premises of water management, they value the benefits of certifications, case studies, and training a professional contractor provides through a team of expert water managers. Trilogy at Glen Ivy is a development that understands the value of proper water management.  It is located in the heart of Southern California’s Temescal Valley less than an… Read more »


A Little Louder Please

There is little doubt in my mind we are headed toward another drought in California.   If you look at the drought monitor for California we are quickly trending in the wrong direction.  It’s been a little over a year since Governor Jerry Brown declared the drought for California was officially over.  Many periodicals and headlines proclaim the same great news. At the time I couldn’t help but wonder if the news was… Read more »


The Future of Non-Potable Water Use

As potable water supplies dwindle and the cost per gallon rises, we have to be vigilant about how much we use and how we use it. One way to conserve potable water is to use non-potable water—rainwater, air conditioning condensate, stormwater run-off and treated wastewater—for purposes like landscape irrigation. Initiatives such as the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Program are driving the use of alternative water sources and the development of… Read more »


Are we all just moral hypocrites?

Happy tax day!  Thanks to Emancipation Day, the tax procrastinators of the Nation were given a couple extra days to file taxes this year.  April 15th fell on a Sunday so you would expect the deadline to move to Monday.  This year Monday is Emancipation Day so the deadline was pushed to Tuesday, April 17th. Emancipation Day, you ask?  It’s a local holiday in the District of Columbia and by law, District of Columbia holidays… Read more »


Wanted: You, For Sustainability Leader

Every kid in the universe knows what’s it’s like to want to grow up and change the world.  That innate desire to make a difference starts in us the moment we begin to figure out ambition, and sustainability puts that power into our hands. That’s the message I hope attendees walked away with this morning after my talk at the National Facilities Management and Technology Conference in Baltimore.  The power is in our… Read more »