Bussiness 201 Fall 2015: Capital Budgeting Priorities, Achieving sustainability, Green building, Solar energy

Capital budgeting priorities
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Introduction
The proposed building extensions have environmental implications, and there is a need to consider energy usage, water usage and sustainability. The planning phase takes into account the energy usage, which has a long-term impact on the environment. Ideally the materials should be maximizing energy efficiency without worsening the air quality. Additionally, the designs take into account the construction practices likely to have a negative impact on the environment including noise, traffic and dust. Sustainable built environments integrate active measures in then building process and solar energy. The capital budgeting plan focuses on non-financial considerations necessary to ensure sustainability in the building extension of xxx University.
Achieving sustainability
The university is faced with the challenge of meeting sustainability goals, while having to convince the government officials on the viability of the proposed projects. The academic institutions have to balance the sustainability goals with the environmental impact of their activities, given the complex relationship between humans and nature [1]. Institutionalization of sustainability practice would go a long way in influencing the workplace culture at the university. Additionally, collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders are all crucial to the success of sustainability efforts. The Green building and renewable energy to be installed will then achieve the intended purpose when stakeholders are actively involved in implementing changes to ensure sustainability [2].
Green building
Energy efficiency is one of the factors to be considered in extending the buildings while also ensuring sustainability. Energy efficiency is related to reducing the energy efficiency without disrupting the constant supply of energy [3]. To achieve this, building will be fitted with automation systems that make it easier to regulate the lighting and heating system with the aim of reducing costs. Additionally the case for energy efficiency is to reduce the carbon foot print, the proposal seeks to have capacitor banks installed as this would improve energy efficiency, while it is expected that more efforts will be undertaken to measure energy consumption. This is also related to the need to install solar, which is the most practical source of renewable energy that can be utilized by xxx University. In any case, the sustainable building development requires collaborative efforts between the students and designers [4].
Solar energy
The rationale for choosing the solar energy is that it will provide unlimited energy and is suitable for the environment where sunlight is adequate. The solar energy not only satisfies the energy needs, but conserves the environment. The solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the green buildings. Renewable solar energy is useful and beneficial to the extent that there is optimized production and proper integration into the buildings. Investment in the solar energy panels is worthwhile, as they are replaced after years, while the maintenance costs are low. In any case, this would reduce overdependence on high cost electricity that reli...