A goal of any project should be saving operating dollars without a major investment of capital. Bragging rights are given to those who achieve that goal while saving non-renewable resources. WPA staff continues to make energy conservation and use of alternative energy sources a priority objective for all projects. The key to being successful is incorporating green design as an objective at the onset of a project.

Great strides in energy conservation can be made at little or only modest costs increases through planning, coordination, and materials selection. Non-profits often are more successful raising monies for new construction and renovations than for operating costs making energy conservation even more important.

David Hill spent thirty five years as the Director of Capital Assets and Planning for the Massachusetts Audubon Society and led that Society's efforts to stay on the cutting of edge of affordable sustainable or green design. His projects ranged from early use of composting toilets and active solar gain and collection, to a recent project incorporating geothermal wells.