Going to Work Green April 15

Filed under Environment, Technology, Economics by Omnipotent Poobah | 3 comments

 

Solar EnergyI went to work in a new building this morning. American companies constantly move employees in some sort of large-scale Three-card Monte game, so changing buildings isn’t all that remarkable. However, this building is different from any I’ve ever worked in. My employer made this building green, very green.

For example:

  • Solar panels on the roof generate enough electricity to power the 800 workstations in the building. The company also offered seminars and employee discounts to entice employees into installing solar panels.
  • Smart water fixtures like low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets reduce water consumption by 30%. Waterless urinals that return waste water cleaner than it left you and motion sensor controlled sinks, soap dispensers, and toilets do their part too.
  • The building was constructed with a high percentage of recycled material:
    • The carpet is 37% post consumer content.
    • Doors have 12% post consumer and 31% post industrial content.
    • Our structural steel is 80% post consumer and 15% post industrial.
    • More than 75% of the construction waste was recycled, reused, or diverted from landfill.
  • Workstations and chairs are certified low-chemical and particle emitting and indoor construction materials like paints, sealants, and carpets are low in volatile organic compounds. All those changes are not only green but also improve air quality in the building.
  • Desk lights dim and brighten as the ambient light changes. Overhead and decorative lighting are highly efficienct.
  • The floorplan makes the best use of natural light and the building’s reflective glass facade improves heating and cooling efficiency.
  • All the refrigerators and dishwashers are Energy Star-compliant.
  • Even the cafeteria must use biodegradable paper materials and all the styrofoam cups are removed from break areas.

I’m sure my employer looked at the numbers and California state “encouragements” to go green, but I think they actually did it - at least partially - because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t suppose it makes much difference whether the decision was imposed or freely chosen, because it’s a good thing all around.

Now, if only I can do as good a job at home and more companies do their part, we’ll all be better off.

 

The Poobah is a featured contributor at Bring It On!

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3 comments

  1. Westcoast Walker Apr 16

    I am so jealous. I work in a poorly insulated petrie dish with non existent ventilation… once someone begins to cough everyone else is infected faster than you can say “sick building syndrome”. It is inspiring to hear some of the changes to work environments though, and perhaps my employer will catch on one day (at least before the sun goes supernova anyways.)

    Westcoast Walker’s last blog post..SOME LATE NIGHT MEANDERING

  2. daveawayfromhome Apr 17

    Sounds like a very cool building. If only the money spent in our recent housing “boom” had been spent on energy efficient homes (which cost more to build but save money in the long run) rather than on marble counters and two-story entryways.

    daveawayfromhome’s last blog post..anti-tax?

  3. Omnipotent Poobah Apr 17

    Walker,
    Trust me, I’ve worked in some shitholes over the years and I know EXACTLY how lucky I am to be working in a place like this.

    Dave,
    See Dave, that’s the problem. You’re the visionary and no one listens.

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