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We are pleased to profile the companies and organizations that lead by example in operating their businesses and organizations. The “Lead by Example” profile series is focused on sharing information to inspire and empower decision makers to take action in their own facilities. The information in profiles like this one have come from research and survey outreach focused on four primary areas of sustainability measures:
#1: Waste Removal – (e.g. Recycling)
#2: Climate Control – (e.g. Programmable Thermostats)
#3: Illumination – (e.g. Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology)
#4: Renewable Power – (e.g. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels)
#5: Other Measures: …
The intention of the four primary areas of focus is to start with the easiest and lowest cost initiatives and move towards the higher level of commitment and larger impact energy and CO2 savings measures.
Company/Organization Highlights:
The Western Regional Climate Center (http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/), a NOAA-administered facility housed at DRI, is dedicated to delivering information about the climate to the American public. Its mission is to “act as a repository of historical climate data and information; disseminate high quality climate data and information pertaining to the western United States; engage in applied research related to climate issues; and improve the coordination of climate-related activities at state, regional and national scales.” With its focus on climate issues, the WRCC is making the effort to decrease its impact on the environment and climate change.
Lead by Example Initiatives:
#1: Waste Removal – Recycling: YES
#2: Climate Control – Programmable Thermostats: YES
#3: Illumination – Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology: NOT YET
#4: Renewable Power – Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: YES – Thousands of solar panels.
Please note that for #3: Illumination, organizations are now beginning to review the savings benefits of LED tubes and fixtures over traditional fluorescent tubes and other types of lighting. Challenges to date have included the reliability of imported products, and some U.S. LED manufacturers, such as Independence LED (www.IndependenceLED.com), have proactively developed educational “LED Boot Camp” programs and provided samples and cost-effective financing programs.
Overall, the “Green” mantra of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle holds true after multiple decades, and new trends towards “Buy Local” are also gaining traction. Domestic and regional purchasing helps reduce the carbon footprint of transportation and also helps create more American jobs. Learn more through the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies - BALLE - (www.bealocalist.org)
