What’s our Value +
Our Value+ is our unique perspective and collaborative, holistic and proactive approach to risk management. We leverage our experience to identify, categorize and analyze the risks associated with innovation, and we break these risks down so they can be managed in a reasonable and balanced way.
As experienced educators we provide engaging and comprehensive trainings based on the latest research and content that resonates with diverse audiences – so developers, designers, property managers, brokers and others can get the most value out of sustainable projects.
We only use Prezi presentation software (no death by Power Point), and we harness the power of storytelling to deepen engagement and strengthen knowledge retention.
We Add Value To:
Developers and Project Teams
Understand the demand for - and value of - sustainable projects, including the costs (long and short term, internal and external) and the true value of sustainable attributes.
Identify and manage the risks of deeply sustainable, innovative projects - from start to finish - by leveraging comprehensive risk management strategies designed to identify and resolve issues.
Preserve the ability to innovate while reducing the risk of unexpected challenges.
Market sustainable projects in an authentic and transparent way, to help minimize consumer confusion and the risks associated with misleading claims.
Analyze the regulatory landscape to get and stay ahead of future regulation, and reduce the risk of fines, penalties or subsequent upgrades.
As government entities continue to increase regulation related to achieving climate change objectives, we help project teams develop effective pathways to compliance.
Investigate incentives and other regulatory tools that could support project goals, and identify and manage potential issues.
Property Managers and Real Estate Brokers
Engage tenants and purchasers to interact and utilize sustainable aspects in meaningful, cost-efficient ways that increase value.
Leverage the psychology of sustainable (and unsustainable) behavior to get the most out of sustainable attributes.
Analyze issues and strategies associated with “green” lease provisions and explain how sustainable features (like the split incentive, here) tie in with sustainable goals.
Support buyers and sellers with valuing sustainable attributes of commercial and residential properties.
Help brokers market sustainable attributes in ways that are authentic, fact-based and resonate with consumers whose values are in alignment.
Architecture Firms
Education and trainings on a variety of topics including the standard of care on sustainable projects, how ethical requirements translate to actual practice, insurance issues and materials transparency. We’ve worked with groups like AIA Seattle on issues related to the evolving practice of architecture (more here).
Develop strategies to help clients understand the business case for sustainable design and “healthier” indoor spaces.
Investigate incentives and other regulatory tools that align with project goals and help manage potential risks.
Leverage risk management strategies to identify and manage the risks of deeply sustainable, innovative projects, products and processes.
Law Firms
Identify and analyze risks to firm clients (designers, developers, contractors) performing work on sustainable projects.
Review contracts, Requests for Proposals and other documents for projects pursuing sustainable objectives.
We bring a legal perspective to sustainability consulting and can help bridge communication gaps.
Litigation consultant and expert witness services to help lawyers, judges and jurors understand the complex issues germane to sustainable design, construction and operations.
Practical presentations and continuing education (CLEs) on the legal issues that intersect with sustainable design, including recent judicial opinions, regulatory guidance, the standard of care, ethics and insurance.
Support law firms as they work to identify and implement pathways to achieve CSR and ESG goals. Many clients are now requesting or requiring that their outside counsel share these values. In this increasingly competitive market for legal services, we help law firms work towards alignment.
Representative Projects
Educational Content: Invited to develop innovative content for the Washington State Bar Association’s 2019 Environmental and Land Use Law Midyear on the topic of Emerging Legal and Ethical Issues in Sustainable Design and Development (more here). The four emerging issues we identified were:
1. Health and wellness;
2. The importance of clear terminology (including “green” and “healthy”);
3. Misleading marketing of sustainable attributes; and
4. Ethical obligations, comparison with other licensed professions and resilient design.
Strategy Development: Developed set of best practices for owners and contractors to manage the risks of chemicals found in common building materials, published in the Daily Journal of Commerce (available here)
Risk Assessment / Strategy Development and Implementation: Assessed potential risks and developed comprehensive management and workflow plans for insurance and technology issues at a leading, mid-size law firm. Developed and implemented reasonable, research-based strategies for managing the risks associated with complicated projects, and created educational materials to ensure robust compliance with reasonable, defensible protocols.
Strategy Development: Developed set of best practices for marketing “green” attributes of projects and products, as published in the Puget Sound Business Journal. Key takeaways include:
1. Explanation of unqualified environmental claims, and importance of avoiding these types of claims;
2. Analysis of issues related to seals and certifications; and
3. Importance of reviewing marketing materials at regular intervals, including websites.