Corporate Sustainability
AUDITS:
SWA audits include visual inspections combined with interviews which reveal existing practices and opportunities for improvements. Simple and cost effective sustainability measures are possible in each of the key audit areas.
Some examples from SWA’s comprehensive auditing process and the related recommendations include the following:
- Lighting (install high efficiency lighting)
- Water devices (install low-flow devices)
- File storage (change from paper to electronic files)
- Hard to recycle materials (develop recycling programs for batteries, cell phones, toner/ink cartridges, glasses, and electronics, in addition to basic recyclables)
- Videoconferencing and telecommuting (install and approve systems)
- Janitorial products (change to green cleaning products)
- Paint (change to Low or No-VOC paints)
- Landscaping (change to Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies)
- Sourcing and procurement (change to recycled content products
- Electronics settings (change to energy savings settings)
- Training and participation opportunities
- Criteria for future build and/or renovate projects
This auditing tool is used to track a company's existing practices and to make recommendations for increasing sustainability.
Additionally, SWA works with clients to reach more difficult goals such as installing variable frequency drive pumps and motors; developing food donation systems for cafeteria and catering leftovers, and food composting systems for food scraps; installing EnergyStar dishwashers and using durable dishware instead of disposables; installing greywater systems for reuse of sink water for landscaping irrigation; and installing renewable energy systems like photovoltaics (solar panels), wind, wave, or ground source heat pumps (after energy loads have been reduced through conservation measures). These measures involve more significant capital investments and/or policy changes, and can often result in major environmental footprint reduction and cost savings.
Improving the built environment through research, sustainable design and technology. © 2008 Steven Winter Associates, Inc.