The social registries that are the origin of the term “Who’s Who” were known for publishing the names of people in high positions, if not those with high accomplishments. This was useful information for a wide range of social climbers and political types.
Our cover article this month, “Who’s Who 2009: Leaders in Energy Management and Sustainability,” serves a different purpose. In a search for accomplishments and best practices, the Buildings editors investigated a varied number of organizations. Ultimately we selected a dozen whose energy and green practices seem to have the right stuff that others can learn from. These organizations range from private real estate firms to federal and county agencies, from a defense contractor to a major university and a 40-bed community hospital.
The organizations have practices in place that are methodical and meticulous; they make use of every available resource, including people; they share every idea, every success, and every disappointment. They develop measurement tools and then return to them often to gauge their progress, brainstorm new ideas, and keep the momentum rolling forward. It’s hard work, but the organizations are building cultures that allow everyone to celebrate the successes.
In short, the high-achieving organizations mount energy and sustainability efforts that focus on teamwork rather than on the roles of single individuals. As Buildings editors talked with them about their practices, the discussion inevitably led to the contributions of large numbers of people, and the need to increase awareness and participation even more widely and deeply.
So you will find no Donald Trumps exalted in the Buildings Who’s Who, but you will find organizations with practices worth emulating. Let us know what you think – and what your organization’s best practices are.
Chris Olson
Editor in Chief