Got questions? We’ve got the answers. Each issue oOur team of experts weighs in on a variety of topical issues relevant to public sector digital design. The summer 2008 issueWe’ve asked our experts about what it takes to support “green” mandates in digital design. “What three things should I take into consideration before embarking on digital design initiatives in support of green / sustainability mandates and regulations?”

So you always wanted to be a forest ranger, but can’t imagine life without take-out food and lattes? One way to live out your fantasy is to care for an urban forest. Though it sounds like an oxymoron, urban forestry is a serious science. Urban foresters plant, maintain and care for street and median trees, making sure they survive and thrive. City trees must cope with a daily onslaught of car exhaust and dog visits, sidewalk encroachments and the occasional parking mishap. Through it all, urban trees deliver substantial economic, environmental and aesthetic benefits.

Building information Modeling (BIM) adoption plays a significant part in supporting the creation and maintenance of green buildings. [acronym] shows how three examples highlight where BIM can help you design greener buildings today. For several reasons, not the least of which is global climate change, sustainable building has become a practice of critical interest. ‘Sustainable’ buildings minimize the use of resources such as energy, water, materials and land through optimal design. Green buildings are designed and operated to create healthier and more productive work and living environments through natural light and improved air quality. Sustainable buildings can also reduce long-term operations and maintenance expenses.