1.1 There are three general principles of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. This guide covers application of the fundamental concepts and associated characteristics for each of the general principles of sustainability to the built environment.

1.2 This guide identifies general methodologies associated with the decision-making process used in pursuing sustainability.

1.3 The general principles identified in this guide are applicable to all life-cycle stages of design and construction within the built environment.

1.4 A variety of tools and standards exist that qualify and quantify impacts of the built environment in terms of the general principles of sustainability. It is not within the scope of this standard to recreate or replace these tools.

1.5 This guide does not provide direction as to the specific implementation of the general principles; nor does it provide direction as to the specific weighting of principles necessary for achieving balance between competing goals.

1.6 Applying the principles in this guide will require professional judgment. Such judgment should be informed by experience with environmental, economic, and social issues as appropriate to the use, type, scale, and location.

1.7 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options but does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education, experience, or community dialogue. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.