Transcript Greening Your Business 101

Sustainability
“Green”
Health and
Safety
Greening Your
Business 101
Don Howerter, LEED AP O&M
Ruyle Mechanical Services, Inc
Turning your Business into
a High Performance
Green Machine
Ginger Johnson, LEED GA
TRICON / Simply Ag Services
DIOSH Day 2013
Ready to Go!
50 Minutes to Kick Start
Your Next Green Step
 Defining
“Green”
 Why it Matters
 Navigating Green
 Your Action Plan
 Opportunities and
Strategies
 Incentives
 Getting Buy-In
 More Resources
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Just Scratching the
Surface Today
DIOSH “Green” Participants
What Does Green Mean to You?
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Defining Green
Green ► Sustainability
Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Fuel-Efficient
Vehicles, Local Food, Reusing, Improved Air Quality, Low
Water Usage, Sustainable Development, Safe Buildings,
Social Equity, Reducing Waste, Local/Recycled Materials,
Efficient Appliances, Preserving Natural Resources, Walking,
Comfort, Fewer Employee Sick Days, Daylight,
Insulation, No or Few Toxins, CFL’s and LED’s,
Recycling, Saving Money, More Productivity,
Helping the Planet, Slowing Global
Warming, Being Responsible to
Future Generations . . .
It’s “indefinable”
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From Armory Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute
Defining Green
Sustainability
“Sustainable development is
development that meets the
needs of the present without
compromising the ability of
future generations to meet
their own needs.”
From the Brundtland Report1
It’s “improving the quality of life
for all within the capacity of
nature”
From Paul Hawken, renowned author, speaker, and
environmentalist
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1 World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED). Our common future. Oxford:
Oxford University Press, 1987 p. 43.
The Triple
Bottom Line
ENVIRONMENTAL
Natural Resource Use
Env. Management
Pollution Prevention
(air, water, land, waste)
“Bearable”
Justice
Stewardship
“Viable”
Energy Efficiency
Incentives
ECONOMIC
SOCIAL
Profit
Cost Savings
Economic Growth
R&D
Standard of Living
Education
Community
Equal Opportunity
“Equitable”
Ethics / Rights
Fair Trade
Adapted from University of
Michigan 2002 and others
Defining Green
What is a Green or
Sustainable Business?
Better People
Better Performance
Better Products
Better Environment
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Better Business
Defining Green
Delta Institute:
“Sustainability planning and related services are tools for
businesses, state and local governments, and communities
to reduce negative environmental impacts and improve
efficiency in their operations, programs, and products.
A sustainability program addresses energy, water, building
and construction, pollution prevention, waste management,
air quality, transportation, economic development, local
food policy, open space and conservation – setting
measurable goals for improvement in each area.
Sustainability ultimately saves money, conserves resources
and ensures that a business or community is “meeting its
present needs without compromising those of future
generations.” 1
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1 Delta Institute, Sustainability & Certification, http://www.delta-institute.org/content/sustainabilitycertification (2013).
Why it Matters
BIG Picture
 Climate
Change
 Resource Depletion
 Air / Water Pollution
 Wildlife Impact
 Green Jobs
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 Attitudes
have Changed
 Part of Something Bigger
 Part of the Solution
 Responsibility to Care for
our Planet – It’s Where
We Live, Work and Play!
Why it Matters
The American Dream
We spend on average 90% of our
time INDOORS, including time at
WORK, sharing our space, air, light,
germs, equipment, chemicals,
tools, dust and other stuff with fellow
humans.
At work, we want 72 degrees,
shorter commutes, more sunshine,
clean water, to lose a few pounds,
less stress, better relationships,
fewer illnesses, fresh air, safe
surroundings, more moolah, green
views, happiness . . .
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Hoax or not . . . Green is good for
YOU and BUSINESS and PLANET!
Why it Matters
For Business,
Sustainability Can:
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Enhance Comfort
Ensure Safety
Improve Health
Increase Productivity
Reduce Waste
Reduce Pollution, Green
House Gas Emissions
Conserve Energy, Water,
Natural Resources
Lower Operating Costs
Increase Asset Value
Reduce Risk
Get Incentives, Rebates
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Boost the Bottom Line
Generate Positive Image
Attract Tenants, Workers,
Customers
Beautify Building & Area
Spark Collaboration
Foster Happiness
Help the Planet
Why it Matters
Role of the Safety and Health
Professional in Sustainability
You Have Passion
and Expertise!
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Valuable to Planning
and Implementation
Process
Understand Needs of
Employees AND Need
for Cost Efficiency
Opportunity to Improve
Safety and Health for
Employees and Others
Contribute to:
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Comfort management
Proper illumination in and out
Clean water supply
Stormwater management
Materials and supplies
HAZMAT regulations, handling
IEQ standards, monitoring,
contaminants, etc.
Healthy environments
Pollution control
Ongoing monitoring and
maintenance of measures
Navigating Green
Navigating Ratings, Certifications,
Standards, Codes, Guidelines
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No Shortage of Models!
Name, Interests, Politics
Can be Difficult and
Time-Consuming for
Consumers to Find,
Learn, Implement
Still Sorting out Models,
but Emerging Leaders
Narrow Your Focus?
Need a Plaque?
Go Beyond Code?
Tips to Navigating:
 Don’t be Afraid to Ask!
 Look for State, Local and
Federal Government
Recommendations
 Look for Incentive & Code
Requirements
 Check Local and State
Training Entities
 Leverage Environmental
Organizations
 Read Reviews
 Ask for Credentials
Navigating Green
Rating Systems
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LEED® Rating System by U.S. Green Building
Council (www.usgbc.org)
ENERGY STAR® Buildings and Products by U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and Dept
of Energy (www.energystar.gov)
Green Globes™ by Green Building
Initiative™ (www.greenglobes.com,
www.thegbi.org)
Living Building Challenge by International
Living Future Institute™ (www.livingfuture.org)
BPI Rating System by Building Performance
Institute, Inc. (www.bpi.org)
BOMA 360 Performance Program® by BOMA
International (www.boma.org/360)
Navigating Green
Rating Systems
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GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality
Certified® program for low-emitting/lowVOC products (www.greenguard.org)
Forest Stewardship Council™ certifies
products from responsibly managed
forests (www.us.fsc.org)
Green Seal® certifies products, services,
companies (www.greenseal.org)
ACEEE’s Green Book® green car ratings
(www.greencars.org)
Pharos Project evaluates, certifies
materials (www.pharosproject.net)
Navigating Green
Codes, Standards, Guidelines
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International Energy Efficiency Code ® and
International Green Construction Code, plus
guides by International Code Council®
(www.iccsafe.org)
ASHRAE standards for indoor environments,
refrigeration plus guides (www.ashrae.org)
Building Energy Codes Program, U.S. Dept.
of Energy, codes and standards, assistance
to states (www.energycodes.gov)
ICC 700 National Green Building Standard™
by NAHB (www.nahb.org) and ICC
(www.iccsafe.org)
IL DECO Bureau of Energy & Recycling
(www.illinoisenergy.org)
ANSI (www.ansi.org) and ISO (www.iso.org)
Navigating to Planning
Take a Step
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Action!
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Company, Department, You,
Starting Small OK
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No Guilt – not all at same stage
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Choose Focus or Priorities Early
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Don’t have to Reinvent Wheel
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Do it Together
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Make it Fun
Go ahead, use your cell phone!
Check out these Apps:
iRecycle, Locavore, Good Guide,
Econo, Climate Eyes, OneSmallAct,
Go Green, 123 Zero Build,
JouleX Modbile, Sustainable
Facilities Mobile
YOUR ACTION PLAN
Action Plan
[1]
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Many Examples
Available – Based on
Strategic Business
Planning Models
 Use Continuous
Improvement Cycle
 Similar to Your Plans
for Safety and Health
 Common Strategic
Areas across Models
and Rating Systems
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1 United Nations, UN Global Compact Management Model,
http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/news_events/9.1_news_archives/2010_06_17/UN_Global_
Compact_Management_Model.pdf (Published 2010, Accessed 2013).
YOUR ACTION PLAN
#1 Make a Commitment
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Usually Works Best “Top Down” (more on buy-in later)
Company, Department, Branch, Neighborhood, You?
Establish “Green Team” or “Sustainability Committee”
 Solicit volunteers, but include stakeholders like safety/health
manager, building operator, owner, employee(s) who spend
most of day on site, variety of ages/experience, maybe a client
 Identify primary contact person and location of information
 Establish regular meeting time
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Create Preliminary Action Steps, Timeline
Be Flexible, Expect Surprises, Challenges
Be Prepared to Narrow Focus to Fit Time
and Resources
Communicate your Commitment
Foster Collaboration, Innovation
Create a Buzz! Have Fun!
Good News . . . It Matters to CEOs
YOUR ACTION PLAN
#2 Know What You Have
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How can you fix what you don’t
know is broken?
CRITICAL to Plan!
Survey Employees, Owners,
Managers, Clients, for Example:
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What about your work area makes
you uncomfortable?
What is the biggest challenge on a hot
day to cool the building?
Can you easily access recycling bins?
Ask for Ideas, Desires, Interests
List Past Complaints, Known Problems
Conduct Walk-Thru with OPEN EYES!
YOUR ACTION PLAN
#2 Know What You Have
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Gather Information and Statistics
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Consumables and Cleaning Supplies
Other Furnishings, Equipment
Insurance, Other Expenses
Manufacturing Processes
Pests, Mold, Condensation, Ewww Stuff
Resources for Data Collection
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Utility Usage
Waste Stream
Employees
Mechanical Systems
Water, Stormwater
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Data Collection
Worksheet (www.energystar.gov)
Local/Regional Utility and Waste Companies
IL DCEO Bureau of Energy and Recycling
(www.illinoisenergy.org)
US Energy Information Administration, Commercial
Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (www.eia.gov)
AND Building Benchmarking (www.buildingbenchmarks.com)
YOUR ACTION PLAN
#2 Know What You Have
 Bring
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in the Professionals
Energy Audit
Waste Audit
IAQ Testing
Water Testing
Mechanical System
Assessment
Retro-Commissioning
 Compile
into Benchmark
Reference
 Note Emerging Priorities
 Update Statistics, Conduct Follow-Up Surveys
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YOUR ACTION PLAN
#3 Know Your Options
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How much Engagement and
Support from Employees,
Owners?
Initial Investment Availability
Look at Case Studies, Tour
Other Offices / Projects
Attend Introductory Seminars
Leverage Professional Results
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Consider Everything!
 Potential Savings
Over Life of Building
 Available Incentives
 Employee
Productivity and
Health Savings
 Waste Stream
Savings
 Product Cost Savings
 Marketing – Business
Seen as Part of the
Solution
YOUR ACTION PLAN
#4 Create the Plan
 Priorities
and Scope
 SMART Goals
 Timeline and Milestones
 Who is Doing What, When
and How?
 IMPORTANT: Communicate
the Plan and Engage
Everyone
 Include Continuous
Improvement Process
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Use professionals, rating systems, case studies, to
identify STRATEGIES to achieve goals. . .
Opportunities and Strategies
Sustainable
Sites
Water
Efficiency
Energy and
Atmosphere
Materials and
Resources
Indoor
Environmental
Quality
Innovation
and Regional
Priorities
Equity, Beauty,
Education and
Awareness
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Rating Systems and Guidelines for
Various Types: Existing Buildings, New
Construction, Schools, Homes,
Neighborhoods, Manufacturing . . .
Combined From LEED®, Living Building Challenge™, and Others
Sustainable Sites
Opportunities
Sustainable Sites
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Create/maintain safe building exterior
and property that preserves
surrounding ecosystem
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Reduce water consumption and runoff
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Reduce heat-island effect
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Reduce dependency on singleoccupancy autos
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Encourage outdoor human activity
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Reduce chemicals, control erosion,
use native plants in landscaping
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Reduce light pollution while
preserving safety and security
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Create areas for wildlife habitat
Novus International
Headquarters Campus, St.
Louis, MO. Learn more about
this project and others at
www.sustainablesites.org
Image Source: Heat Island Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Heat Island Effect
According to the EPA/ENERGY STAR, “The term "heat island" describes built up areas that are
hotter than nearby rural areas. The annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people
or more can be 1.8–5.4°F (1–3°C) warmer than its surroundings. In the evening, the difference
can be as high as 22°F (12°C).
Heat islands can affect communities by increasing summertime peak energy demand, air
conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and
mortality, and water quality.”
Sustainable Sites
Strategies
Sustainable Sites
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Green Roof:
Reduce Heat
Island Effect
Eliminate and/or substitute harmful chemicals
in paints, sealants, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.
Manage Stormwater: install bioswales, use native
landscaping, erosion control, reduce runoff
Capture water (rainwater, gutters)
for irrigation; reuse grey water
Upgrade exterior illumination to limit
nighttime pollution, disruption of
wildlife, maintain safety and security
Implement car-pooling programs
Upgrade parking, walkways to
Xeriscaping
porous surfaces; reduce use of
landscaping that
traditional asphalt and concrete
reduces or eliminates
Install green roof
need for irrigation
The Peoria
Riverfront
Museum, Peoria, Illinois,
opened in 2012. It employed
several sustainable site strategies
and ultimately achieved LEED
Gold certification.
“Last week, Chicago officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on “the
greenest street in
America,” a two-mile stretch of Cermak Road and Blue Island Avenue in the city’s Pilsen
neighborhood. In addition to new pedestrian and bicycle features, the innovative new street
surface will filter stormwater, helping to prevent the city’s combined sewers from overflowing.
Most impressive of all, the cement used to pave the street cleans the surface of the roadway
and removes pollution from the air.”
“The new roadway uses photocatalytic cement, an innovative new paving surface that
contains nano particles of titanium dioxide, enabling it to literally “eat” smog and remove
nitrogen oxide gases from the surrounding air. Additionally, the sidewalks are paved with 30
percent recycled content, and more than 60 percent of all construction waste was recycled.”
Photo and Quote from Inhabit (www.inhabit.com) By Mark Boyer 10-15-2012
Water Efficiency
Opportunities
Water Efficiency
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Reduce indoor water
consumption
Reduce outdoor/irrigation
water consumption,
especially of potable
water
Capture and reuse “grey”
water when possible
Reduce “black” waste
water; reduce burden on
building, site, treatment,
and natural systems
Lower water bills
Are You Thirsty for More?
Q: How much water is saved per
flush with a high-efficiency toilet?
A: 2.2 to 5.7 gal
Q: Between 1950 and 2000, the US
population grew by 89%; how
much has our water use grown in
the same period?
A: 200%
www.epa.gov/watersense
Water Efficiency
Strategies
Water Efficiency
Install low-flow toilets, showers, appliances
 Manage cooling towers to reduce water use;
also relates to chemical and bacterial
contamination and control issues
 Capture rainwater and use for irrigation;
reuse grey water in toilets
 Monitor water usage regularly; upgrade meters
Occupant Behavior
 Provide training to occupants on ways to
reduce water consumption and why it matters
 Use leftover (from drinking) water for plants
instead of pouring down drain
 Turn off faucets while not in use
33  Report and fix leaking faucets, toilets immediately
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Energy and Atmosphere
Opportunities
Energy and Atmosphere
U.S. Buildings Use:
Energy Use in Commercial Buildings
 36 percent of total
energy use and 65
percent of electricity
consumption
 30 percent of
greenhouse gas
emissions
 30 percent of raw
materials use
 30 percent of waste
output (136 million
tons annually)
 12 percent of
potable water
consumption
34 U.S. Green Building
Source:
Council
Source: US DOE, 2010 Buildings Energy Data Book, Table 3.1.5
Energy and Atmosphere
Opportunities
Energy and Atmosphere
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Reduce energy consumption (lighting, equipment,
systems, phantom load, etc.)
Increase on-site renewable energy generation
Increase demand for off-site renewable energy
generation
Reduce harmful “green house” gas emmissions
Manage refrigerants
Develop HVAC maintenance program to monitor and
optimize energy use; add control system
Ensure occupant comfort (temperature)
Provide proper ventilation and fresh air for occupants;
reduce/eliminate poor air quality
Energy and Atmosphere
Strategies
Energy and
Atmosphere
Envelope
 Air sealing to reduce
leakage in building
envelope
 Roof replacement,
attic repairs
 Insulation – roof, walls,
choose quality based
on science
 Upgrade and/or air
seal windows and
doors, can lights
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Energy and Atmosphere
Strategies
Energy and Atmosphere
Lighting
 Upgrade to efficient indoor
lighting and controls
 Provide zone lighting and
task lighting ; add motion
sensors
 Increase daylighting;
add windows; reconfigure
Before and after LED lighting upgrade
offices for more daylight
 Upgrade to efficient outdoor lighting; choose
long life products; control for security and time
 Explore local alternative electricity suppliers
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∆ T (Delta T) = temp 1 - temp 2
1 therm = 100,000 BTU
1 watt = 1 ampere (amp) under
a pressure of 1 volt
Foot-Candle = how much light
a candle generates 1 foot away
Lumen = amount of brightness
coming from a light source
1 horsepower = power needed
to lift 550 lbs 1 foot in 1 second
Ton of cooling = amount of cooling that would be
provided by melting a ton of ice
Phantom load = electricity consumed by a device
when it is turned off or in standby mode
Energy and Atmosphere
Strategies
Energy and Atmosphere
Mechanical Systems (HVAC, Boilers, Hot Water)
 Retro-Commission – Make sure systems are
working like they are intended to work!
 Set back temperatures for low occupancy times
and locations
 Provide occupant-based controls (window, zoned
thermostat)
 Use or update to programmable or automated
control systems
 Upgrade to high-efficiency heating and cooling
equipment (and/or boilers), if needed; “right-size”
equipment to building and occupants
 Upgrade chillers, if needed; right-size
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Energy and Atmosphere
Strategies
Energy and Atmosphere
Don has more stories:
Meat Processing Plant
4-year College
School Boiler
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Mechanical Systems
 Use electric motor
controls
 Upgrade hot water
equipment, if needed;
right-size
 Install/upgrade proper
ventilation system;
include heat recovery
 IMPORTANT - Train
building operators!
Building automation software
Source: Ruyle Mechanical
Energy and Atmosphere
Strategies
Energy and Atmosphere
CAT, Peoria – PJ Star
Eureka, IL – PJ Star
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London, England
Renewables
 Install on-site renewable
energy sources, like
wind turbines and
photovoltaic systems
 Install solar hot water
system
 Purchase renewable
energy credits (RECs),
available online
 Purchase products
produced with
renewable energy and
recycled content
Energy and Atmosphere
Strategies
Energy and
Atmosphere
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Occupant Behavior
 Host training for employees on how
to reduce energy consumption
and why it matters
 Provide occupant-controlled
temperature zones and windows
 Provide occupant-controlled task
lighting
 Turn off lights when not needed
 Unplug unused electronics
 Turn off computers while
away/overnight
 Use stairs vs. elevators and
automatic doors
Solar Gain: The increase in
temperature in a space,
object or structure resulting
from solar radiation
Net Zero Energy Buildings
A “Net Zero” building has a net annual energy consumption of zero, measured by
cost, energy, and/or carbon emissions. It may use off-site, conventional energy at
times when it can’t produce enough on-site (off-the-grid) energy. It returns to the
grid at least as much energy as it borrowed during a year.
Designers are already working on “Energy Plus” buildings that produce a surplus of
energy (and can return it to the grid).
University of Illinois is constructing a new home for the Department of Electrical
and Computer Engineering . The project is anticipated to achieve LEED Platinum
certification and officials are striving for a net zero energy building. For more
information, visit www.ece.illinois.edu.
Materials and Resources
Opportunities
Materials and Resources
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Reduce waste from everyday
operations, maintenance, and
manufacturing processes
Reduce waste from
construction/deconstruction
Divert waste from landfills
Reduce energy used to produce
products
Establish recycling program
Choose local food sources
Manage waste stream
Choose non-toxic materials
Reduce disposal, supply costs
and overall cost to do business
REDUCE
REUSE
RECYCLE
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Materials and Resources
Strategies
Materials and Resources
Develop waste stream
management plan
Train building operators and
employees
Provide convenient access to
recycling instructions and bins;
consider co-mingled recycling
Use “eco-friendly” cleaning
procedures and products
Compost food scraps
Develop policy to purchase
Source: www.epa.gov
only (when possible) materials,
foods, cleaning supplies that are: locally sourced, made
RED LIST
with recycled content, made from rapidly renewable
Living Building
sources, and contain low or no VOCs or toxins
Challenge
Materials and Resources
Materials and Resources
Recycling
 Recycling
Works: A Toolkit
for Reducing Waste in the
Workplace
(http://www2.illinois.gov/go
v/green/documents/workr
ecyclingtoolkit.pdf)
 Illinois Recycling
Association
(www.illinoisrecycles.org)
 County/City Recycling
Programs
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Materials and Resources
Occupant Behavior
 Use recycling bins at desk or near work
Strategies
Materials
and
Resources
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Reduce printing volume; duplex
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Use intranet, email, electronic media to
distribute news, presentations, etc.
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Reuse backside of paper for “scratch”
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Purchase supplies in bulk and according
to policy (local, renewable content, low
VOCs, etc)
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Evaluate processes to eliminate waste
(by department, location, manufactured
product, etc.)
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Choose reusable water bottles, coffee
mugs, plates, utensils, office supplies
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Put food scraps in compost bin
Indoor Environmental Quality
Opportunities
Indoor Environmental Quality
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Improve occupant health and safety
Prevent
Provide occupants with fresh, clean air
Legionnaire’s
Reduce or eliminate use of chemical
Disease. ASHRAE
pollutants, VOCs, toxins
Legionella
No stinky stuff! – human, VOC, biological
Standard188 in 3rd
Reduce or eliminate air-borne particulates,
draft right now
contaminants, disease
Prevent moisture, humidity, condensation issues
Reduce incidence of pests, mold, etc.
Ensure occupants’ thermal comfort
Increase occupant access to daylight and views
Develop mechanical system monitoring program
Improve productivity (and alertness)
Give clients “eco-friendly” products and services
Reduce costs (insurance, absenteeism, mechanical)
Strategies
Indoor Environmental Quality
Indoor Environmental Quality
Mechanical Systems
 Develop/Maintain System Management
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Preventative maintenance – Continuous Monitoring!
Replacement, upgrades
Upgrade for automation and control systems
IECC 2010 as of January 1, 2013
Proper temperature control; occupant controls
Provide Proper Ventilation
Control Air Flow, Pressures, Humidity,
CO2 Levels
Maintain / Upgrade Filtration
Air Seal Envelope to Improve
Mechanical Performance and Keep Out
Critters, Allergens, etc.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Air Quality
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Develop Indoor Air Quality
Management Plan
Flush Out and/or Air Testing
Limits of toxicology
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Radon mitigation
Resources:
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Most studies done on animals
Occupational exposure
Acute exposure
Little known about chemical “soups”
Toxicology for Non-Toxicologist by
Mark Stelljes
Healthy Building Network
(www.healthybuilding.net)
Pharos Project (www.pharosproject.net)
Indoor Environmental Quality
Strategies
Indoor Environmental Quality
Cleaning and Purchasing
 Develop and use “green” cleaning procedures and
products
 Establish purchasing policy that restricts products
with known contaminants, VOCs, toxins – applies to
office supplies, equipment, product parts,
furnishings, anything that comes in the door!
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Occupant Behavior
 Reduce use of perfumes and lotions
that could trigger allergies
 Purchase “greener” office and
cleaning supplies according to policy
 Stay home when acutely ill; cover
mouth and nose
 Report comfort issues immediately
Innovation / Priorities
Opportunities
and Strategies
Innovation in
Design or
Operation and
Regional Priorities
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UT Dallas won the Innovation in Green Building
Award for its LEED platinum Student Services
building. Source: www.thebuilderbuzz.com
Spark collaboration among employees to develop
innovative solutions
Address regional issues and priorities,
like preserving Illinois River
Research new technologies; attend
training; network with businesses on
regional concerns
Share innovative solutions with others
Beauty, Equity, Education
Opportunities and
Strategies
Beauty, Equity,
Education and
Awareness
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Add native landscaping,
green areas, rain gardens
(bioswales), and “eco” art to beautify the site and
surrounding area
Beautify the work atmosphere with added daylight, task
lighting, eco-friendly products and art
Provide access to all employees to sustainability initiatives
and programs; share knowledge, experiences with others
Spark collaboration to develop innovative solutions
Develop education and awareness programs for employees,
clients, community, schools
YOUR ACTION PLAN
#4 Implement
 Make
sure everyone understands the plan
before starting
 Incentives for participation, reaching goals
Impact
Area
Current
Baseline
Objective Strategies
Dept or
Team
Project
Start / End
Dates
#5 Measure and Monitor
 Remember:
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Continuous Improvement Cycle!
 Foster and find new opportunities, ideas,
innovations
 Continue research; watch for best practices
 Document, document, document!
 Compare to benchmarks
Results
Future
YOUR ACTION PLAN
#5 Communicate Results
 Tell
everyone!
 Post throughout business
 Include in Annual Report to
investors, public
 Press Releases, news
coverage
 Incorporate into marketing
materials
 Add to packaging but be
wary of “green washing” and over-promising
 Present at conferences; share case study
55  Celebrate!
Incentives
Incentives and Rebates
www.dsireusa.gov
www.actonenergy.com
www.illinoisenergy.com
www.irs.gov
www.illinoiscleanenergy.org
www.sedac.org
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Sustainable Buy-In
Getting Buy-In
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Good news: More people on board, including building
operators and CEOs; and there are many resources to help
Engage the owner/manager from the start
Start small or choose low-hanging fruits that
give big bang for buck, demonstrate success
Building the Case:
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What are the things that create value to business? Align those
things with sustainability measures
Prove potential value; estimate, if needed, but use your
research and data
Leverage the “neighbor’s” experience; use case studies,
published articles, etc.
Reduce risk for owner/manager
Present incentive and rebate options plus
costs over life of building/project
Tell a good story!
Sustainable Buy-In
Address Hurdles,
Barriers, Challenges
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Complexity of implementing measures companywide and across business activities
Still some uncertainty of ROI
Lack of funding is misconception
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58 
How can you afford NOT to implement sustainability
measures?
Costs should be applied to lifecycle of building or item,
not just immediate payback.
Other benefits . . . insurance, health, productivity
Lack of education and awareness still out there
Lack of time and human resources
Lack of skills to address sustainability issues
More Resources
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Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of
Energy and Recycling (www.illinoisenergy.org)
US Green Building Council – Illinois Chapter (www.usgbcillinois.org)
Illinois Green Economy Network (www.igencc.org)
Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (www.sedac.org)
ActOnEnergy® (www.actonenergy.com)
Global Warming Solutions Group of Central IL
(www.gwsolutionsgroup.org)
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.state.il.us)
Illinois Recycling Association (
American Institute of Architects, Central IL Chapter
(www.aiaci.org)
Illinois Solar Energy Association (www.illinoissolar.org)
Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs – Illinois Wind
(www.illinoiswind.org)
Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
(www.illinoiscleanenergy.org)
More Resources
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Green Mechanical Association
(www.greenmechanical.org)
EPA Water Sense (www.epa.gov/watersense)
Healthy Building Network (www.healthbuilding.net)
Green For All (www.greenforall.org)
U.S. DOE EnergyPlus Simulation Software
(http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/)
Green Biz (www.greenbiz.com)
Advocacy organization for sustainability leadership
(www.ceres.org)
Bob Willard author, speaker
(www.sustainabilityadvantage.com)
Many, many more!
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Thank You! Take that Step!