Sustainability


Green Building Report Shows Industrial Sector Prioritizes Sustainability

LEED in Motion: Industrial Facilities report from USGBC highlights facilities incorporating LEED and green practices.

The New Balance World Headquarters in Boston has earned LEED Platinum certification under the U.S. Green Building Council

New Balance World Headquarters Earns LEED Platinum Certification

"We are extremely pleased to be able to call our new world headquarters a truly global leader in sustainability," said Rob DeMartini, New Balance's president and CEO.

Boeing reports that its 787 Dreamliner family of aircraft improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 20-25 percent compared to the airplanes they are replacing. (Boeing photo)

Boeing 2016 Environmental Report Tracks Progress

The company reported that its operations reduced greenhouse gas emissions, solid waste to landfill, water intake, and hazardous waste generation by between 6 and 11 percent in 2015.

Mutual Housing California and the City of Woodland Win Green Leadership Award for Mutual Housing at Spring Lake

A financial contributor to the development, Woodland was chosen out of nearly 500 cities and 58 counties in the state. Mutual Housing at Spring Lake received the award because it was the first multi-family, rental-housing development in the nation to receive Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home certification.

Applications Open for Companies Seeking to Win $4 Million Zayed Future Energy Prize

Prestigious global award recognizes companies, non-profits, and schools contributing to clean energy and sustainability.

Many people are looking for ways to improve the efficiency and appeal of their homes and businesses. Window film can be the perfect long-term and cost-effective solution for improvement. (International Window Film Association photo)

Green Building: Why Waste a Window?

Window film reduces energy consumption by reducing solar heat gain. It can reduce the homeowner's carbon footprint. And it can allow you to enjoy natural light without the negative impact of UV exposure.

DFW International Airport Wins Greenhouse Gas Management Award

The airport management indicated it plans to achieve additional reduction goals by increasing renewable energy and alternative fuel use; by integrating best available energy-efficient technology; and by expanding partnerships with airlines, regulatory agencies, academia, nongovernmental organizations, business associations, and other stakeholders.

Building managers are encouraged to select what are called "high-performance" mats. (Crown Matting Technologies photo)

Mats and Sustainability: The Connection Is Closer Than You May Think

If entry mats help keep hard-surface floors and carpets cleaner, longer, then it can be assumed that not only are fewer cleaning solutions needed, but there is also less need for heavier cleaning equipment such as floor machines and carpet extractors.



General Motors is turning its employees

GM Turns Recycled Water Bottles Into Engine Insulation

"Recycling is good, but viewing waste as a valuable resource that can be plugged into your operations or products is even better," said John Bradburn, GM's global manager of waste reduction. "It's about rethinking the process and finding more sustainable ways to manufacture products and contribute to our communities."

Through Fannie Mae, green financing allows borrowers to fund smart, energy-efficient improvements or reward investments for refinance, acquisition, or supplemental financing. These programs are the first of their kind available to not only affordable, but also market-rate multifamily properties.

Better Financing Options Make Green Multifamily Development Affordable

Through Fannie Mae, green financing allows borrowers to fund smart, energy-efficient improvements or reward investments for refinance, acquisition, or supplemental financing. These programs are the first of their kind available to not only affordable, but also market-rate multifamily properties.

greenwashed?

A CEO's Seven Personal Inputs for Making an Environmentally Sustainable Business

Employees need a leader who integrates sustainable solutions into the company's mindset, focus, and strategy and every-day culture with consistent, coherent actions. Staff members want to work for a leader with a personal commitment to making the company eco-friendly.

Lead used in a battery in the United States will continue in the manufacture-recycle-manufacture loop for nearly 280 years.

This Earth Day, Do Your Part and Recycle Your Old Vehicle Batteries

It's possible that cars on the road today are being powered by the same materials that were in a battery used in a vehicle from decades ago. In fact, lead used in a battery in the United States will continue in the manufacture-recycle-manufacture loop for nearly 280 years.

New Edition of National Green Building Standard Available

A significant change in the 2015 edition is the Energy Efficiency chapter's referencing the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and there are revamped stormwater management options that focus on low-impact development.

China's Vessel Pollution Requirements Taking Effect May 1

These provisions contain five requirements prohibiting discharges into inland waters.

Mutual Housing California Receives Large Grant from NeighborWorks America

Mutual Housing California receives nearly half a million from NeighborWorks America for building affordable, energy-efficient housing.

By going green, business owners can obtain the same energy from renewables for half the cost and can avoid future rate hikes.

Earth Day Goes Corporate

When put into hard numbers, the financial benefits of a project that optimally combines solar and efficiency can seem too good to be true.

This photo is a complete view of the DFTO system. (Dürr Systems, Inc. photo)

How Thermal Oxidation Can Increase the Sustainability of a Chemical Plant

For this manufacturer of organic chemicals operating many smaller processes, a single centralized thermal oxidizer system was the most cost-effective path to expand production while meeting new emission controls requirements.

This article originally appeared in the April 2016 issue of Environmental Protection.

Great Lakes States Receive Grant for Pollution Prevention

The EPA will be awarding $1 million to help combat pollution in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Regional Conservation Programs Receives $260 Million in USDA Funding

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the USDA will be providing $260 million for conservation partnership programs that will help improve water quality, support wildlife, protect agriculture, and more. Applications are now being accepted for 2017 funding.

Global Power Generation Could be Severely Affected by Global Water Shortfall in 2030

Global Power Generation Could be Severely Affected by Global Water Shortfall in 2030

A 2016 research paper in the Journal Nature predicts a 40 percent shortfall of available water across the globe by 2030 with effects not just for drinking, food production, hygiene and public health, but also for 98 percent of global electric power generation.