We need to builld GREEN!!?

Question

So, the compnay I work for is relocating, and we are trying to go green in the new building. I need ideas that we can implement in the new building to protect the environment.
We already have.
1.low energy hand dryers
2. Natural or flourescent compact light bulbs
3. Low water use toilets
4. Motion sensor light switches
5.Timers for lights
Now I need your ideas!!

Answer 1

There are architectural firms that specialize in this. Yahoo answers is a really strange place to come for this question.

But things that are being used include "green roofs", enhanced natural lighting by office layout, and even mirrors, careful use of windows and systems to improve solar heating in winter and blocking sunlight in summer. High efficiency HVAC systems are a given.

Really, go elsewhere for this. Here's a start:

http://www.usgbc.org/Default.aspx
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=76
http://www.constructionbook.com/green-office-building-0-87420-937-4/sustainable-development/?CMP=KNC-Google

Answer 2

First off, the low energy hand dryers are a really BAD idea. During cold and flu season, nearly everyone will become ill, because of them.

Sure they would work, if people REALLY washed their hands. Many of them however are just bairly wetting their fingertips, and then drying them....great way to spread the cold/flu, as well as a few other nasties.

I see nothing on you list about recycling spots. Especially for aluminum cans.

Having a really decent lunch room area so people can bring lunches, heat them up, and wash dishes if needed is a good idea. This of course cuts down on trash the company disposes of from people buying fast food and bringing it in. It also cuts down on the plastics used....encourage real dishes/silverware.

Promote tap water! Do no provide bottled water. Do give everyone in the company a nice insulated mug with a lid. That way they can drink a hot or cold drink at their desk with less chance of spilling.

Ask for employee ideas. For ideas that REALLY work, and actually save the company money, figure out the savings to the company. Cut the employee a check worth 1/2 the savings the company is going to see in the first year.

What sort of company or business is it, and and I probably have more ideas?

~Garnet
Homesteading/Farming over 20 years

Answer 3

Solar tube lighting, sky lights, open air ventilation system, recycled carpeting, increased insulation in walls and ceilings, off-set heating and ac thermostats, build up or down but not out, capture rain water, irrigate with gray water, automate to go paperless, offer incentives to buy hybrid cars, carpool, or use mass transit...

You should come up with a list of at least 100 things that could be done, every phase of the construction process has a green alternative... make contact with a green LEED builder in your area

DO NOT TAKE BIDS FROM NON-GREEN ARCHITECTS OR BUILDERS, CHECK THEIR CREDENTIALS CAREFULLY< AND DO FEILD VISITS TO SEE WORK PREVIOUSLY DONE !!!

There are lots of green washer BS artists out there, so be carefull, you'll know you've found the right sources by the work they have already done.

Answer 4

Buildings have 2 functions related to energy use, heat loss and heat gain. The bad part is that function couldn't be seen.

Go to http://www.thermoguy.com/globalwarming-heatgain.html and see the energy you can save by knowing how the building is functioning. At the bottom of the page is a heat loss link, follow it and your company can have a very safe, energy efficient building.

Even if you are going to work out of your home, that building needs to be safe as well.

Good for you and congrats on looking out for the environment, we can't live without it.

Answer 5

natural daylighting
operable insulated windows for climate control
proper drainage from roofs & parking lots
green space
green building materials (there's a *wide* variety)
insulation
build with the smallest footprint possible--2 stories with the same sq footage is better than one story

Answer 6

An in-house reverse osmosis water system will make bottled water unnecessary. Don't use hot water tanks, use 'on demand' water heaters.

Answer 7

I would recommend checking out http://www.greenandsave.com they have over 50 suggestions to help you build green.

Answer 8

How about building geodesic domes?

Answer 9

Going Green is just a mythological construct used by liberals to control the way other people live.

Answer 10

low energy had dryers, ha, the high energy ones don't work. low energy ones would be called pants. I agree with person above me, telecomuting is the way to go.