| We are becoming increasingly aware of the impact | | | | reduce indoor pollution. Some recycled carpets are |
| our buildings and structures have on the environment. | | | | made out of yarn, wool and even recycled bottles. |
| Because of this, our way of constructing and | | | | While paper products are probably the easiest |
| managing buildings and properties has advanced. | | | | material to recycle, there are some recycling plants |
| Green building is the practice of using energy efficient | | | | that also accept materials such as bricks, oil, rubber, |
| materials to construct a sustainable structure that has | | | | latex paint, electronic scrap and other waste |
| a minimal negative impact on the environment. | | | | products that are common in building management. |
| There are many ways to implement an | | | | Make sure your building's waste materials go to the |
| environmentally conscious plan into your building | | | | proper outlet by implementing a comprehensive |
| management system, starting with recycling and | | | | recycling program at your facility. Some recycling |
| reducing waste products. The design of your | | | | plants will pay for specific materials as the demand |
| structure can be made to use natural energy more | | | | for recycled products grows. You can make money |
| efficiently, like solar or wind. If you are remodeling | | | | by taking advantage of your local recycling programs, |
| your existing building or constructing a new one, use | | | | all while ensuring that your harmful waste products |
| recycled construction materials that have a low | | | | won't end up in a landfill. |
| toxicity and are energy efficient. There is a lot more | | | | Another small step in working towards a greener |
| to going green than just recycling. It's about the | | | | facility is by choosing environmentally friendly cleaning |
| biodegradability of construction materials and the | | | | products. Some products contain toxins that will |
| healthy influence they have on the environment. | | | | increase indoor pollution and are harmful when |
| Replacing your existing incandescent lighting with | | | | disposed of. There is a wide array of natural and |
| energy efficient fluorescent bulbs may seem like a | | | | healthy cleaners, including oven, glass and wood |
| small step, but these compact bulbs can produce | | | | cleaning products that are capable of polishing the |
| 75% less heat than traditional lighting. Less heat | | | | grimiest of surfaces with industrial strength and won't |
| means lower bills on your summertime cooling | | | | have a lasting harmful impact on the ecosystem. |
| expenses. Fluorescent bulbs use far less energy, | | | | Being aware of environmental issues when managing |
| saving you money on your overall utility bills. The | | | | your building will allow you to keep the people in your |
| savings could be significant, especially if you are | | | | facility healthy and safe. Incorporate green building |
| managing a large building. | | | | technology into your structure for the sake of your |
| Consider your environmental options when choosing | | | | tenants or employees' health, as well as the health of |
| your flooring materials. Using recycled carpeting can | | | | our environment. |