GreenPSF Knowledge Center
September 30th, 2015 Energy Audits and How to Get One
In these days of uncertainty, it is important to keep operating expenses to a minimum. One difference between companies that weather these difficult times and those which do not, will be that the survivors will have reduced their unnecessary expenditures before it is too late. Unnecessary costs include costs for energy you don’t need to […]
Read this article Posted by GreenPSF in Sustainability EducationTags: Energy Audits, Operations & Maintenance
July 29th, 2014 Strategies for converting monocultures (turf lawns) to native plantings
Disadvantages of monocultures The corporate lawn is a term used to describe large, traditionally mowed grass lawns common in association with corporate headquarters, office buildings, schools, governmental building complexes and shared open space in large residential developments. These areas are usually comprised of cool season, non‐native grasses that require frequent inputs of water and fertilizer […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Landscaping, Operations & Maintenance, Procurement
July 29th, 2014 Paints and sealants: using third-party standards and certifications to identify sustainable alternatives
Introduction to VOCs In today’s more environmentally conscious society almost all products are being scrutinized for harmful effects, especially products that we are exposed to on a daily basis, like paints and sealants. Many paints and coatings emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are chemicals that offgas from common household materials, and can cause […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Operations & Maintenance, Procurement
July 29th, 2014 Sustainable snow removal: summary of best practices by climate zone
When it comes to snow removal safety is the number one concern for commercial property owners. However, safety does not need to be sacrificed to incorporate environmentally sustainable solutions. Snow removal services can happen with as little impact on the environment as possible. Companies can have a site specific plan to address snow and ice […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Operations & Maintenance
July 29th, 2014 Site and hardscape cleaning: sustainable best practice list
Introduction to hardscape cleaning Hardscape is referred to as the nonliving or man-made fixtures of a planned outdoor area. When cleaning hardscape there are 3 important tips to remember: ALWAYS TEST AN AREA FIRST Choose an inconspicuous spot to test before carrying out a full cleaning. ACT QUICKLY […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Operations & Maintenance
July 29th, 2014 Site maintenance equipment: best options for minimizing noise and air pollution
Minimizing noise and air pollution The equipment used to maintain your site also impacts the environment, specifically with noise and air pollution. To make these practices more sustainable, we have listed some options for minimizing the noise and air pollution from your maintenance equipment. Maintenance Equipment Use Cleaner Fuels. Minimize equipment emissions by selecting battery […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Operations & Maintenance
July 29th, 2014 Integrated pest management: summary of best practices, least toxic pesticides, and example plan
Introduction to IPM Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Operations & Maintenance, Procurement
July 29th, 2014 Optimizing soil and plant health to avoid the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides
Optimizing your soil and plant health without using fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides may sound like an impossible task, however it is achievable. We will discuss how you can accomplish this goal with organic gardening advice. Introduction to organic gardening Organic Gardening is a method of gardening that grows plants in a healthy, sustainable way. By […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Landscaping, Operations & Maintenance, Procurement
July 29th, 2014 Strategies for working with sustainable site management vendors
Before starting a partnership with sustainable site management vendors, ensure they abide by these besst practices, courtesy of Green Guide for Health Care “Ongoing exterior management of a facility’s hardscape is inextricably linked to occupant and community health and safety. Many detergents, window cleaning chemicals and snow removal chemicals commonly used on health care facility […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Operations & Maintenance, Procurement
July 29th, 2014 Energy efficiency training for the workplace
Check out these PowerPoints from our last training on Energy Efficiency. We uncovered common hidden energy drains in offices, learned about ComEd initiatives, and discovered how you can earn Green Office Challenge points by reducing your energy consumption! VOA Associates First we’ll hear from VOA Associates about how energy is used in a typical office. […]
Read this article Posted by Green Per Square Foot in Sustainability EducationTags: Education, Energy Management, Operations & Maintenance