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Extracted Content

Once the team understands current practices in place, identify goals for each operational element. The goals identified will reflect sustainable best practices that align with how the building operates, where it is located, and the function that the building serves.

These goals should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the project’s long-term sustainability targets. As appropriate for each of the Operational Elements, establish a baseline measurement to assess the current performance in relation to identified goals. Establishing a baseline allows facility managers to identify how the building and site are currently performing in relation to sustainability objectives and also provides a benchmark for future improvements. Establishing clear baselines and goals provides a direct path to achieve long-term objectives and quantitative metrics for comparison. For example, the team could aim to divert 30% of organic waste from landfills by implementing more effective waste sorting or composting.

Identify operational practices that will be implemented and maintained to assist the project in achieving stated goals. These are the strategies and practices that will be maintained or adopted to move the project toward desired sustainable operations.

Develop a Sustainable Operations Policy

Building on the operational practices identified, develop, implement, and/or update a sustainable operations policy (or combination of policies). The sustainable operations policy communicates identified processes, procedures, and actions to all operating within the project. The policy(ies) must, at a minimum, cover the operational elements within the scope of the project and site management control.

Policy implementation and communication Identify the individual(s) responsible for implementing each element of the policy. This could be identifying a specific individual or the role responsible such as Assistant Facilities Manager or Groundskeeper, for example. Communicate or share the policy with the building manager so they are abreast of the policy and can facilitate the implementation of the policy. The policy must be made available to all occupants to ensure transparency and collective commitment to sustainable practices.

Operational Elements

At a minimum the following elements must be assessed onsite but may be expanded to address additional elements reflecting project priorities. These operational elements reflect areas of building operations that address decarbonization, quality of life, and ecosystem conservation and restoration, and are critical elements of a holistic approach to sustainable building operations.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, April 2025 Launch Edition 35