Colorado-Real-Estate-Journal_345221

28 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / JUNE 2023 ELEMENTS Sustainability Sustainable Development is Just Plain Smart, Worth Cost T he definition of progress has evolved. It’s not just about eco- nomic development any lon- ger. Real progress means a thoughtful response to a spectrum of pressing challenges, such as loss of biodiversi- ty, shrinking water resources, climate change and lack of middle-income housing. There’s great value in sustainable development beyond simply doing the right thing. The initial cost can be higher. But development is an act of investment: not playing for narrow-focused, near-term profit but for a return that supports a range of stake- holders. Just the practical benefits of sustainable de- velopment – lower maintenance costs, higher property values and conserved resources – makes the upfront in- vestment more than worth it. And from a purely business-minded perspective, it helps to let stakeholders – homebuilders, homebuyers, commercial tenants and other interests – become part of your sustainability story. In fact, they can become your biggest advocates. So, out with the disconnected suburban model. In with smaller yards, bigger parks and better connectivity; wa- ter-wise, pollinator-friendly landscapes; and a greater va- riety and wider price range of beautiful, energy-efficient home designs. Here are a few of the things that developers can em- ploy to create a more sustainable future. n Pollinator district. At Baseline, McWhinney’s 1,1000- acre master planned community in Broomfield, we’re working with entomologists at Butterfly Pavilion (a fu- ture tenant) to plant native and xeric flora throughout our community, re-creating habitat that has been wiped out by traditional monoculture. The results have been astounding. In a recent census by citizen scientists, Baseline has more than doubled the number and species of resident pollinators compared to the census taken prior to begin- ning of development. n Water consumption. In addition to being pollina- tor-friendly, xeric and native landscaping conserves water, now a critically limited resource. It’s important to plant native grasses and use rock mulch instead of thirsty turf grass wherever possible. Use nonpotable wa- ter to irrigate common areas and plantings. The result: Communities can expect to use half as much water as those that are not following the same guidelines. n Water drainage. Putting water-wise, pollina- tor-friendly ideas into action is simpler than you might Kyle Harris Senior Vice President Master Planned Communities, McWhinney, and General Manager, Baseline Thoughtfully considered parks and open lands are even more important in higher-density communities.