Sustainability initiative

Some of the most commonly, frequently and universally used components of any of our built environments are its restrooms and their fixtures. Restroom amenities have significant impact on the cleanliness, health, well-being, comfort, self-image, convenience and productivity of all who use them. They may also reflect well or poorly on their owners, tenants, managers, operators and related business enterprises — indeed on the embracing society as a whole.

Given that transportation represents approximately 26 percent of CO2e emissions worldwide, telecommuting is potentially the most promising opportunity for businesses to capture significant CO2e reduction benefits in the near term, with a relatively minor investment in technology equipment and infrastructure that is either already in place or is readily accessible for immediate deployment.

In addition, the calculations for capturing the initial carbon benefits of eliminating commuting travel miles are relatively straightforward and verifiable. Beyond these technology requirements, of course, successful telecommuting programs also depend on investments in optimizing business processes and harmonizing workplace behavior to overcome potential cultural and managerial barriers.

After defining sustainability for your organization, the next important question to ask is, “Where does our company stand as it relates to our sustainability initiative?” Many companies are quick to react to new initiatives without assessing what it really means for their organization.

Same has held true for Environmental and Safety functions; once the regulatory requirements were understood, most effort is pushed down to appropriate organizational levels and embedded into operations. Sustainability is different in that drivers are not simply regulatory. They are not “command and control” like (U.S.-based) regulations. There are many more issues, drivers, stakeholders, requirements, conventional practices, risks, and opportunities – and moving parts for all of the above.

In addition to providing information about Topanga Canyon nature and wildlife initiatives, the Earth Day festival gave visitors the opportunity to sample eco-friendly food and health products, like Cliff Bars, Tyler Tolman’s “Abundance” Meal, and green energy drinks. Depending on their level of interest, visitors could learn a variety of relevant facts about the health and energy benefits of such products.

When most of us hear the term “wind energy” these days, we likely envision a large wind turbine atop a sizable mast, situated on a hilltop or in a broad field, its three large blades lazily rotating about the horizontally aligned axis of its nacelle, or housing.

In addition to energy, kitchens also often consume much of our daily water, whether for food preparation, dishwashing, hand washing or consumption. It therefore makes perfect sense to seek out the most water-efficient fixtures and fittings available. When equipped with appropriate aerators and nozzles, low flow faucets can serve us well.