Sustainable Land Development Today - January 2009 - (Page 14)

“ Many readers continue to have the same misunderstanding of sustainability that is held by the general public. Too many still equate the word “sustainable” with “environment.” While nobody could have predicted the circumstances that have led us to how bad this past 12 months have been, the reality has certainly changed the tone for next year. In a late November poll, SLDT readers illustrated their lack of confidence. Over 63 percent expect 2009 to be “bad,” “very bad,” or “one of the worst ever” for their respective business. So is this relevant? Well, it does indicate that it will take a monumental change of circumstance and perception to turn the psyche of industry participants around. And, since our industry is comprised of many risk-averse professionals (i.e. financial experts, technical professionals) as well as those accustomed to taking on multiple financial risks (land developers), it will likely strain some relationships as skepticism and cautiousness increase. But this also provides many opportunities. cerned with those issues. Reality, albeit now outdated, has fulfilled a perception. ” Optimism to Pessimism Well-regarded polling organizations have told us that the general public has become more wary of the economy throughout this past year. Measurements from virtually every poll show that consumer confidence in our economy has been on a steady and sometimes drastic decline since the summer of 2007. Yet, when land development professionals who read Sustainable Land Development Today (SLDT) were polled last year, only a little over 11.5 percent thought that 2008 would be “slightly worse” or “much worse” in 2008 than 2007. In fact, 58 percent believed that this year would be slightly or much better! Preaching and Practicing The first opportunity in front of our industry is the broader communication of what “sustainability” truly means. While it is encouraging that 85 percent of Sustainable Land Development Today readers understand that sustainability requires a triple-bottom-line approach, it is somewhat distressing that some do not believe there are advantages and/or that it is not possible to succeed by incorporating sustainability into the land development process. Then, a closer review of the results and the comments provides understanding. Many readers continue to have the same misunderstanding of sustainability Does the Cold and Wet Season Put Your Projects Behind Schedule? Mar 3 Mar 5 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 26 Apr 14 Greenville, SC Richmond, VA Cleveland, OH Chicago/Schaumburg, IL Omaha, NE Baton Rouge, LA SITE SOIL MANAGEMENT Excessively wet soils are a costly setback in land development especially during cold and wet seasons. Industry specialists who do the work will educate developers, builders, contractors, engineers and project managers on the use of lime to dry and improve construction site soil. Learn how to avoid missed construction schedules and rectify budget overruns by pre-registering for this 1/2-day workshop. BEFORE | AFTER SPONSORED BY this is a free workshop Pre-register now by calling 888-388-8787 or going to www.LDBreakthroughs.com www.LDBreakthroughs.com 14 January 2009 Sustainable Land Development Today http://www.LDBreakthroughs.com http://www.LDBreakthroughs.com http://www.LDBreakthroughs.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Land Development Today - January 2009

Sustainable Land Development Today - January 2009 Contents Our Voice Your Voice The BottomLine SLDI in Focus Calendar Industry Rebound Will Require Balanced Approach What Happened to Fannie and Freddie? Added Value in Entitlements Industry Spotlights Technology Wastewater Innovation Classifieds Advertiser Index Editorial Board SLDT Resources Last Word

Sustainable Land Development Today - January 2009

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