Environmental Change

A key talking point in the past election focused on the importance of change. Now that the election is done let’s focus on environmental change by doing our part to become good stewards of the environment. One means of accomplishing this is by participation in the fundamentals of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in your existing office space, a new office location or your home. Positive environmental change can occur by reevaluating the criteria we use to select materials, our practices in what we send to the landfill and the inclusion of systems and methods which promote a healthier and more energy efficient environment. Change can be initiated by reevaluating our standard practices for consumption and selecting materials that are sustainable or rapidly sustainable, have recycled content, can be obtained or have been manufactured within a regional area or have low-emitting materials. Our industry has become a hotbed of new products and processes that are focused on sustainability. While we are evaluating the use of a particular product or process it is important that we look beyond the initial price. By evaluating the life-cycle costs and associated long term monetary savings a clearer picture emerges of what the long term cost is. As technology improves I anticipate that the cost difference may be minute, if at all. Consider the benefits of energy efficient appliances and office equipment. Look for the Energy Star label on products which will reduce energy costs and save money. Here’s a link to the Energy Star website which shows many products that meet their requirements.

Evaluate your practices towards what you send to the landfill and look for waste reduction strategies. A landfill requires an ever-increasing amount of natural resources to accommodate products that we no longer want or need. Research alternative methods which divert those materials by recycling, donation or repurposing. Look for strategies to make a healthier work and home environment. Examine alternatives which improve access to daylight and views, indoor air quality and systems that will provide user controllability. I’ve attached a link that illustrates how lower height workstations with translucent panels can improve the occupants view to the outside. The use of some of these strategies may lead to increased comfort and ultimately may result in greater productivity and decreased healthcare costs.

As we become more familiar with sustainable practices that place importance on caring for the environment it will positively enhance our spaces and impact our footprint on the world.