Sustainable Real Estate - The Big Payback : Creating Synergy and Balance with the Natural World

This book details a new paradigm in real estate management and development, creating a more symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the natural world. Working with, not against the forces of nature opens up a plethora of creative, profitable and efficient solutions to common problems, while retaining the balance and integrity of the surrounding landscape. In most cases the net results include reduced operating/building costs, healthier environments, and increased property values. The 207 pages of comprehensive information includes case studies and financial analyses demonstrating the pros and cons of building/design technologies, and integrated methods of land, water, and building management. The book also discusses false belief systems that may go to the root of our environmental degradation, and outlines current legislation affording protection and legal rights to ecosystems worldwide. This is an antidote to mainstream real estate management and development practices of conformity, inefficiency, and disregard for living systems. It is the means by which people can profit by creating more ecological balance in the world, while using their real estate to do so. Owners, renters, property managers, or anyone involved with real estate on any level can help create a major shift in our relation to the world-from wasteful consumption, to regeneration. Don Kulak witnessed numerous cash flow, health, and environmental problems during his 13-plus years in real estate management and publishing. Having participated in countless planning and zoning board meetings, he came to realize peoples' real concerns are being neglected in favor of larger corporate interests. He developed a more integrated way to solve these issues, while helping people become more self-reliant and less dependent on wasteful and polluting modalities.