BUCK MANAGEMENT GROUP LLC
GREEN TENANT GUIDE
Building Strength™
One North Wacker Drive, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60606
312.993.9800
www.tjbc.com
Buck Management Group LLC
Green Tenant Guide
Introduction
▪ The John Buck Company's Commitment to Sustainability
▪ What is the Green Tenant Guide?
▪ How is the Green Tenant Guide Used?
▪ Useful Resources
▪ Glossary of Terms
The John Buck Company's Commitment to Sustainability
As Chairman of the firm, John Buck has always expressed that it is not enough to view a property or development by itself, but to consider its surrounding area and connection to the community. This vision is shared throughout The
John Buck Company organization. Adhering to this policy and as an active member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC), The John Buck Company strives to design, construct and manage buildings that are environmentally
responsible, successful and healthy places to live and work.
Buck Management Group LLC, the management division of The John Buck Company, uses environmentally conscious practices in purchasing materials, managing building operations and educating our tenants. By incorporating
LEED® for Operations & Maintenance criteria in various service agreements, the management team ensures that services such as recycling, janitorial, pest control and landscaping are performed at levels that exceed the USGBC
requirements.
For more information on The John Buck Company's commitment to sustainability practices, please visit www.tjbc.com.
What is the Green Tenant Guide?
The Green Tenant Guide was developed to aid tenants in identifying and implementing environmentally aware practices within your organization. The suggestions and tips represent a voluntary program, but one that we feel will
strongly benefit your company and encourage your employees to get involved and make a difference. The Green Tenant Guide outlines ways to help limit negative environmental impact and provides a framework for managing green
operations within your space.
Five major categories have been identified as areas of focus for the Green Tenant Guide:
▪ Education - Highlighting the importance of educating employees and the benefits of becoming more "green" and implementing a sustainability task force.
▪ Utilities - Encouraging innovative solutions that set benchmarks for energy and water efficiency and reduction in usage.
▪ Travel - Offering suggestions on alternative transportation and positively impacting the environment through changes to employees' daily commutes.
▪ Waste - Monitoring and reducing the amount of waste we produce through implementing the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
▪ Purchasing - Sharing easy modifications to purchasing policies to reduce waste and to focus on recycled and recyclable materials.
How is the Green Tenant Guide Used?
The Green Tenant Guide is a resource for you to develop what changes you would like to implement for your company. It is a flexible resource that allows you to prioritize what Actions Items make sense for you based on levels of
difficulty for implementation and financial impact. Once the specific Action Items have been identified by you, the Green Tenant Guide can be used as a tool to track timelines, responsibilities and completion dates.
We have pre-populated the level of difficulty and the anticipated cost based on our experience implementing similar programs as part of the building operations to provide you a starting point. These items may vary based on specific
leasehold improvements, equipment and policies for your company, and we are available to assist you with refining these further based on your needs.
If you have any questions regarding the Green Office Tenant Handbook, please contact your Property Manager.
Useful Resources
The following books, publications, organizations and websites were used in putting together the Green Tenant Guide. We found these useful in our research and may be a helpful reference to you as you create your sustainability
policy.
BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS: ORGANIZATIONS AND WEBSITES:
Rory McMullan (2007). Chelsea Green Guides: Biking to Work U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) www.usgbc.org
Jon Clift & Amanda Cuthbert (2006). Chelsea Green Guides: Energy Use Less - Save More ENERGY STAR www.energystar.gov
Nicky Scott (2004). Chelsea Green Guides: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) www.greenguard.org
Jon Clift & Amanda Cuthbert (2007). Chelsea Green Guides: Greening Your Office by Green-E www.green-e.org
Investa Property Group (2006). Green Lease Guide for Commercial Office Tenants Green Seal www.greenseal.org
Resource NSW (2002). Waste Reduction in Office Buildings: A Guide for Tenants Chicago Green Office Challenge www.chicagogreenofficechallenge.org
Resource NSW (2002). Waste Reduction in Office Buildings: A Guide for Building Managers Chicago Climate Action Plan www.chicagoclimateactionplan.org
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability www.iclei.org
Introduction
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Buck Management Group LLC
Green Tenant Guide
Introduction
▪ The John Buck Company's Commitment to Sustainability
▪ What is the Green Tenant Guide?
▪ How is the Green Tenant Guide Used?
▪ Useful Resources
▪ Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms
The ability of a material to decompose through natural processes and eventually be reabsorbed by the natural environment. Biodegradable products include all plant and animal material, paper, food waste and fibers.
Biodegradable
(Plastic, glass and metals are not biodegradable.)
Carbon Footprint A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels. A carbon footprint is often expressed as tons of carbon dioxide or tons of carbon emitted, usually on an annual basis.
CRI is a non-profit trade association representing the manufacturers of more than 95% of carpet made in the United States. By looking for the CRI's Green Label Plus or Seal of Approval, carpet will have low VOC emission
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
or your are purchasing effective cleaning products and solutions that are environmentally friendly.
CO2 Emissions Odorless gas commonly sourced by human respiration, and which has been used widely as a measure of the ventilation adequacy of a space.
Process whereby organic wastes, including food wastes, paper and yard wastes, decompose naturally, resulting in a product rich in minerals and ideal for gardening and farming as a soil conditioner, mulch, resurfacing
Compostable
material or landfill cover.
Conservation Practices that protect, preserve or renew natural resources in a manner that will ensure their highest economic or social benefits.
Eco-friendly Eco-friendly refers to goods and services that inflict minimal harm on the environment.
A program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that evaluates products based on their energy efficiency. Also a performance rating earned by buildings based on energy usage compared to
Energy Star
similar buildings in similar climates.
Fixture Sensors Motion sensors that automatically turn on/off lavatories, sinks, water closets, and urinals. Sensors may be hard wired or battery operated.
The FSC is a non-profit organization that sets standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally, socially beneficial and economically viable way. Products using wood from a certified well-managed forest will
Forest Steward Council (FSC)
bear the FSC logo.
Green A term used to describe people, behaviors, products, policies, standards, processes, places, movements or ideas that promote, protect, restore or minimize damage to the environment.
A building that minimizes impact on the environment through resource (energy, water, etc.) conservation and contributes to the health of its occupants. Green buildings are characterized by environments that are
Green Building
comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and healthful.
Green Design A design, usually architectural, conforming to environmentally sound principles of building, material and energy use.
Green-e Green-e is the nation's leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market.
GREENGUARD Environmental
GEI is a non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD certification program. The program establishes acceptable indoor air quality standards for indoor products, environments and buildings.
Institute (GEI)
Greenhouse gases are gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. The main greenhouse gases in the Earth's
Greenhouse Gases
atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment by promoting the manufacture, purchase and use of environmentally friendly products. Products that have been through
Green Seal
stringent evaluations to ensure its reduced impact on the environment will contain the Green Seal Certification Mark.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Indoor air that contains no known contaminants at harmful concentrations and with which a substantial majority of the people exposed to the air do not express dissatisfaction.
KPIs are important tools to measure the success of a sustainability program, especially for energy consumption. By initially establishing a baseline, the KPI will provide a matrix to measure the success of any efforts
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
implemented.
An acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED® is a point-based rating system developed by the US Green Building Council that evaluates the environmental performance from a “whole building”
LEED®
perspective over its life cycle.
Light-emitting Diode (LED) A long-lasting lighting technology requiring very little energy.
Occupancy Sensors Devices that shut off lights automatically when rooms are unoccupied.
Reclaimed Materials Materials destined for the garbage dump but instead, rescued and refurbished as a new product.
Materials taken from one product and made into a new product. Recycled content can be materials from recycling programs ("post-consumer") or waste materials from a production process or an industrial/agricultural
Recycled Content
source ("pre-consumer" or "post-industrial").
Renewable Resources Resources that can be replenished quickly after use so that they are not permanently diminished or depleted.
Refers to the concept that new development must meet the needs of the present without compromising those of the future. Sustainability also means that human practices do not result in the permanent damage,
Sustainability
alteration or depletion of the environment, ecosystems, species or natural resources.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions. The compounds vaporize (become a gas) at normal room temperatures.
(VOC's)
Introduction
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Education
▪ Communicating your sustainability program to everyone from senior management to all employees is essential to implementing a successful program. Education is the first step!
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Education - If not already in place, develop a sustainability task 1) Low 1) Low
force for your company.
Education - Train all staff on general environmental awareness 1) Low 1) Low
and how they can help implement your green program.
Education - Commence periodic brownbag sessions for staff to 1) Low 1) Low
learn about different sustainability initiatives.
Education - Display a copy of your sustainability policy in a 1) Low 1) Low
prominent location in the office.
Education - Incorporate a "green" bulletin board and encourage 1) Low 1) Low
sustainable suggestions from all employees. Discuss
implementation of suggestions at staff and company meetings.
Education - Include sustainable practices on company website. 1) Low 1) Low
Education - Include company's sustainability policy in all 1) Low 1) Low
employee orientation materials, in monthly and quarterly
newsletters, and in all marketing materials.
Education - Include awareness of sustainability issues in all job 1) Low 1) Low
descriptions.
Education - Include sustainability KPIs (key performance index) 1) Low 1) Low
in annual evaluations of applicable positions.
Education - Organize employees to participate in a 1) Low 1) Low
sustainability-focused community project once per year.
Education - Keep employees updated about green efforts, 1) Low 1) Low
achievements and future goals.
Education
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Education
▪ Communicating your sustainability program to everyone from senior management to all employees is essential to implementing a successful program. Education is the first step!
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Education
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Education
▪ Communicating your sustainability program to everyone from senior management to all employees is essential to implementing a successful program. Education is the first step!
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
1) Low Yes
2) Medium No
3) High
Education
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Utilities
▪ Office equipment accounts for approximately 31% of the average tenancy’s energy use, of which computers and monitors account for 85-95% of office equipment energy costs.
▪ When used efficiently, laptops use up to 98% less energy than a desktop computer.
▪ The use of energy efficient lighting has the potential to reduce lighting energy needs by 40% - 80%.
▪ Amenities such as toilets, kitchen taps, and showers account for 37% of the water used in a typical office building.
▪ Water leaks account for 26% of water used in a typical office building.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Undertake 1) Low 1) Low
regular audits of your office to see whether computers,
equipment and appliances are switched off at the end of each
day. Require all computers, office equipment, and non-essential
appliances (coffee makers, dishwasers, microwaves) to be
turned off after-hours.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Include energy 1) Low 1) Low
efficiency provisions in your purchasing policy to ensure all new
computers, appliances and equipment are energy efficient and
have the Energy Star seal.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Use energy 2) Medium 3) High
efficient laptops in lieu of desktop computers and monitors.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Set computers 1) Low 1) Low
to energy saving modes to reduce energy wasted when not in
use. Reduce the time delay before your computer equipment
reverts to a power saving mode. You can find these settings in
the Power Options menu in your PC's Control Panel.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Disable screen 1) Low 1) Low
savers on computers to reduce energy use.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Switch all 1) Low 1) Low
printers and photocopiers to Energy Saving mode.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Unplug 1) Low 1) Low
anything that does not require 24-hour power (such as toasters
and mobile phone chargers) to eliminate stand-by energy usage.
This includes unplugging power strips at the end of the day
because they consume energy even when the equipment is shut
down.
Utilities
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Utilities
▪ Office equipment accounts for approximately 31% of the average tenancy’s energy use, of which computers and monitors account for 85-95% of office equipment energy costs.
▪ When used efficiently, laptops use up to 98% less energy than a desktop computer.
▪ The use of energy efficient lighting has the potential to reduce lighting energy needs by 40% - 80%.
▪ Amenities such as toilets, kitchen taps, and showers account for 37% of the water used in a typical office building.
▪ Water leaks account for 26% of water used in a typical office building.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Unplug all 1) Low 1) Low
larger office equipment over weekends and holiday periods.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Email staff 1) Low 1) Low
over holiday periods to turn off computers at power point.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Place 1) Low 1) Low
equipment, such as copiers, well away from the location of area
thermostats, as it can cause a false temperature reference for
the thermostats.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Set your 1) Low 1) Low
refrigerator temperature no lower than 39 degrees.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Only run the 1) Low 1) Low
dishwasher when it is full.
Computers, Office Equipment & Appliances - Multi-function 2) Medium 3) High
equipment, such as a copy/printer/fax machine, is a good idea
when it saves you more energy than having separate machines.
Lighting - Prepare and put appropriate signage next to light 1) Low 1) Low
switches in meeting rooms to encourage users to turn off lights
after meeting.
Utilities
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Green Tenant Guide
Utilities
▪ Office equipment accounts for approximately 31% of the average tenancy’s energy use, of which computers and monitors account for 85-95% of office equipment energy costs.
▪ When used efficiently, laptops use up to 98% less energy than a desktop computer.
▪ The use of energy efficient lighting has the potential to reduce lighting energy needs by 40% - 80%.
▪ Amenities such as toilets, kitchen taps, and showers account for 37% of the water used in a typical office building.
▪ Water leaks account for 26% of water used in a typical office building.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Lighting - Install signs to remind staff and cleaners to switch off 1) Low 1) Low
lights at end of the day.
Lighting - Make the most of natural light and turn off lights 1) Low 1) Low
when possible.
Lighting - Turn off your overhead and task lights when you 1) Low 1) Low
leave the office, even for short periods of time.
Lighting - Schedule a lighting audit for your Premises. Building 1) Low 2) Medium
Management would be glad to coordinate a site visit for a
lighting consultant to perform a light-bulb audit and provide
energy savings alternatives and pay-back analysis.
Lighting - Use efficient fluorescent lights with specular 2) Medium 2) Medium
reflectors and electronic ballasts for general lights. Replace
incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Lighting - Use motion sensors in private offices, corridors, 2) Medium 3) High
restrooms and other low use areas to reduce lighting needs.
Lighting - Clean lights periodically to remove dust build up. 1) Low 1) Low
Utilities
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Utilities
▪ Office equipment accounts for approximately 31% of the average tenancy’s energy use, of which computers and monitors account for 85-95% of office equipment energy costs.
▪ When used efficiently, laptops use up to 98% less energy than a desktop computer.
▪ The use of energy efficient lighting has the potential to reduce lighting energy needs by 40% - 80%.
▪ Amenities such as toilets, kitchen taps, and showers account for 37% of the water used in a typical office building.
▪ Water leaks account for 26% of water used in a typical office building.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Lighting - Undertake regular audits of your office to see 1) Low 1) Low
whether lights are switched off at the end of each day. Speak
with the night janitorial staff person to ask that they turn off all
lights that are left on.
HVAC - Save energy by keeping the thermostat set point one or 1) Low 1) Low
two degrees higher in the summer and lower in the winter.
HVAC - Lower blinds in the summer and raise them in the winter 1) Low 1) Low
to save energy and reduce the burden on the HVAC system.
Water - Limit the number of water taps or water locations per 1) Low 1) Low
square feet of leased premises.
Water - Users should report known leaks and defective faucet 1) Low 1) Low
and toilet controls immediately.
Water -Investigate upgrading from single flush to dual flush 2) Medium 2) Medium
toilets in private restrooms.
Water - Investigate converting urinals to waterless fixtures in 2) Medium 2) Medium
private restrooms.
Utilities
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Green Tenant Guide
Utilities
▪ Office equipment accounts for approximately 31% of the average tenancy’s energy use, of which computers and monitors account for 85-95% of office equipment energy costs.
▪ When used efficiently, laptops use up to 98% less energy than a desktop computer.
▪ The use of energy efficient lighting has the potential to reduce lighting energy needs by 40% - 80%.
▪ Amenities such as toilets, kitchen taps, and showers account for 37% of the water used in a typical office building.
▪ Water leaks account for 26% of water used in a typical office building.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Water - Install automated water control/limiting sensors on 2) Medium 2) Medium
toilets, faucets, and showers in private restrooms, kitchens,
break rooms and fitness facilities.
Water - Consider installation of GPM metering equipment to 2) Medium 2) Medium
monitor usage of all equipment in private restrooms, kitchens,
break rooms, fitness facilities, IDF Rooms and Data Centers.
1) Low
2) Medium
3) High
Utilities
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Utilities
▪ Office equipment accounts for approximately 31% of the average tenancy’s energy use, of which computers and monitors account for 85-95% of office equipment energy costs.
▪ When used efficiently, laptops use up to 98% less energy than a desktop computer.
▪ The use of energy efficient lighting has the potential to reduce lighting energy needs by 40% - 80%.
▪ Amenities such as toilets, kitchen taps, and showers account for 37% of the water used in a typical office building.
▪ Water leaks account for 26% of water used in a typical office building.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
1) Low Yes
2) Medium No
3) High
Utilities
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Travel
▪ Transportation accounts for over 20% of CO2 emissions, more than half of which comes from private cars.
▪ On average flying contributes about 10 times as much carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as similar journey by train.
▪ Regular cyclists have the general health and fitness of noncyclists who are 10 years younger.
▪ Car occupants are exposed to 2-3 times more air pollution than cyclists.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Travel Smart - Conduct a commuter survey to understand how 1) Low 1) Low
employees get to work.
Travel Smart - Encourage alternative transportation to and 1) Low 1) Low
from work by providing employees with information regarding
available public transportation
Travel Smart - Establish a carpool program to help employees 1) Low 1) Low
find carpool partners.
Travel Smart - Establish an employee program, which 1) Low 2) Medium
encourages employees to bike to work. Coordinate with
property management a secure bike storage location, when
possible. Subsidize local gym memberships to allow bike
commuters a place to shower and change.
Travel Smart - Provide a transit benefit program to encourage 1) Low 1) Low
use of public transportation. Coordinate program to allow
employees to purchase mass transit tickets and passes using pre-
tax dollars.
Travel Smart - Provide other incentives, such as free parking or 1) Low 2) Medium
subsidize parking for employees who carpool to work.
Travel Smart - Provide information to staff on teleconferencing 1) Low 1) Low
and how to use conferencing features on their telephones
Travel Smart - Utilize technologies such as teleconferencing 2) Medium 3) High
and videoconferencing, if possible, to reduce travel to meetings.
Travel
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Travel
▪ Transportation accounts for over 20% of CO2 emissions, more than half of which comes from private cars.
▪ On average flying contributes about 10 times as much carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as similar journey by train.
▪ Regular cyclists have the general health and fitness of noncyclists who are 10 years younger.
▪ Car occupants are exposed to 2-3 times more air pollution than cyclists.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Travel Smart - Partner with "green" rental car companies. 1) Low 1) Low
Implement a policy which requires that employees request a fuel
efficient car or hybrid car when traveling for business.
Travel Smart - Monitor reduction of air or gas mileage by using 2) Medium 1) Low
tele and video conferencing.
Travel Smart - When staying at a hotel, encourage employees 1) Low 1) Low
to turn off lights, television, and air conditioning when not in the
room.
Travel Smart - Employees should take advantage of the 1) Low 1) Low
"green" programs offered by hotels, such as getting towels and
sheets washed only as necessary instead of daily.
Travel
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Travel
▪ Transportation accounts for over 20% of CO2 emissions, more than half of which comes from private cars.
▪ On average flying contributes about 10 times as much carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as similar journey by train.
▪ Regular cyclists have the general health and fitness of noncyclists who are 10 years younger.
▪ Car occupants are exposed to 2-3 times more air pollution than cyclists.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
1) Low
Travel
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Travel
▪ Transportation accounts for over 20% of CO2 emissions, more than half of which comes from private cars.
▪ On average flying contributes about 10 times as much carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as similar journey by train.
▪ Regular cyclists have the general health and fitness of noncyclists who are 10 years younger.
▪ Car occupants are exposed to 2-3 times more air pollution than cyclists.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
1) Low Yes
2) Medium No
3) High
Travel
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Waste
▪ Paper makes up 55% of waste in a typical office tower.
▪ A ton of paper made from 100 percent recycled paper, as compared to new paper, saves the equivalent of 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions,
and 3 cubic yards of landfill.
▪ Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60 watt light bulb for up to 6 hours.
▪ In the United States, over 150 million mobile phones are purchased every year, and over 425,000 are thrown away every day.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Reduce - Support a "paperless" office philosophy. Don't print e- 1) Low 1) Low
mails and circulate a document in the office rather than making
several copies. Encourage employees to reduce printing and
paper by minimizing handouts at meetings and circulating
documents electronically instead of paper-based memos. Think
before your print!
Reduce - Convert paper forms to an electronic format to reduce 1) Low 1) Low
paper usage. File documents electronically.
Reduce - Set up and use an electronic filing rather than paper 1) Low 1) Low
filing system.
Reduce - Standardize duplex printing for any document 2) Medium 1) Low
exceeding one page. (May need to engage your office
equipment vendor for assistance.)
Reduce - Review documents on the computer screen using print 1) Low 1) Low
preview before printing.
Reduce - Set character spacing to single space and widen 1) Low 1) Low
margins on documents. Eliminate cover pages when possible.
This can reduce document length and potentially the number of
pages of the overall document.
Reduce - Scan Documents to other users rather than faxing 1) Low 1) Low
documents.
Waste
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Waste
▪ Paper makes up 55% of waste in a typical office tower.
▪ A ton of paper made from 100 percent recycled paper, as compared to new paper, saves the equivalent of 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions,
and 3 cubic yards of landfill.
▪ Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60 watt light bulb for up to 6 hours.
▪ In the United States, over 150 million mobile phones are purchased every year, and over 425,000 are thrown away every day.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Reduce - Buy in bulk. Encourage employees to order 1) Low 1) Low
equipment and supplies on a set schedule, i.e. monthly. This
step will reduce packaging waste and carbon emissions from
deliveries.
Reduce - Implement electronic payment of invoices. Update 2) Medium 2) Medium
service contracts and purchase order terms to require electronic
submittal of invoices. Implement an electronic / on-line bill
payment system. Make payments electronically. The process
will reduce mail and copy waste.
Reduce - Say "no" to junk mail. Unsubscribe to all junk mail 1) Low 1) Low
and reduce the number of catalogs and newspapers sent to your
office.
Reduce - Transition from petroleum-based or non-compostable 1) Low 2) Medium
products (such as Styrofoam) to biodegradable paper products
or compostable corn-based products.
Reuse - Provide a tray next to the printer and copier to store 1) Low 1) Low
unused one-sided paper. Encourage employees to use the back
side of scrap paper as notepaper or message logs.
Reuse - Use single-sided waste paper to print out draft 1) Low 1) Low
documents. Not all printing needs to be on a new sheet of
paper.
Reuse - Distribute refillable water bottles and / or travel mugs 1) Low 2) Medium
to all employees. Eliminate the use of single-serve bottled water
in the office.
Waste
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Waste
▪ Paper makes up 55% of waste in a typical office tower.
▪ A ton of paper made from 100 percent recycled paper, as compared to new paper, saves the equivalent of 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions,
and 3 cubic yards of landfill.
▪ Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60 watt light bulb for up to 6 hours.
▪ In the United States, over 150 million mobile phones are purchased every year, and over 425,000 are thrown away every day.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Reuse - Eliminate the use of disposable cups, plates, bowls, and 2) Medium 2) Medium
utensils and purchase re-useable kitchen-ware for office use.
Reuse - Request that a "take-back" option for packaging 1) Low 1) Low
materials, especially packing peanuts or bubble wrap (most UPS
stores take packing peanuts back).
Recycle - Conduct a waste stream audit to establish a baseline 1) Low 1) Low
for current procedures and to establish goals for waste
reduction. Assess progress against goals every 6 months.
Educate your employees regarding your goals.
Recycle - Arrange for a presentation by recycling contractor 1) Low 1) Low
through property management to demonstrate final destination
of collected recyclables and importance of recycling program.
Recycle - Participate in your building's paper recycling program, 1) Low 1) Low
including office paper, paper products and cardboard.
Recycle - Post signs in production rooms/kitchens as a reminder 1) Low 1) Low
to recycle. Put signage next to photocopiers reminding staff of
ways to reduce paper usage.
Recycle - Place a bin for aluminum, plastic and glass in your 1) Low 1) Low
kitchen areas.
Waste
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Waste
▪ Paper makes up 55% of waste in a typical office tower.
▪ A ton of paper made from 100 percent recycled paper, as compared to new paper, saves the equivalent of 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions,
and 3 cubic yards of landfill.
▪ Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60 watt light bulb for up to 6 hours.
▪ In the United States, over 150 million mobile phones are purchased every year, and over 425,000 are thrown away every day.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Recycle - Recycle toner cartridges from copiers and fax 1) Low 1) Low
machines. Office equipment supplier can assist.
Recycle - Donate or recycle old computers and other large 2) Medium 1) Low
computer equipment. Consider donating unwanted or unused
office furniture.
Recycle - Work with property management to ensure proper 1) Low 1) Low
disposal of harmful materials, including batteries, light bulbs, cell
phones and computer equipment not donated.
Recycle - Re-use shipping boxes for storage 1) Low 1) Low
Recycle - Support vendors who make or support the use of 1) Low 1) Low
recycled products.
Waste
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Waste
▪ Paper makes up 55% of waste in a typical office tower.
▪ A ton of paper made from 100 percent recycled paper, as compared to new paper, saves the equivalent of 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions,
and 3 cubic yards of landfill.
▪ Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60 watt light bulb for up to 6 hours.
▪ In the United States, over 150 million mobile phones are purchased every year, and over 425,000 are thrown away every day.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
1) Low
2) Medium
3) High
Waste
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Buck Management Group LLC
Green Tenant Guide
Waste
▪ Paper makes up 55% of waste in a typical office tower.
▪ A ton of paper made from 100 percent recycled paper, as compared to new paper, saves the equivalent of 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions,
and 3 cubic yards of landfill.
▪ Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60 watt light bulb for up to 6 hours.
▪ In the United States, over 150 million mobile phones are purchased every year, and over 425,000 are thrown away every day.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
1) Low Yes
2) Medium No
3) High
Waste
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Buck Management Group LLC
Green Tenant Guide
Purchasing
▪ 96% of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in a large office building following construction resulted from the materials used to construct and furnish the building flooring and
paints.
▪ Our consumption of paper in the United States continues to rise by about 20% every year.
▪ Americans use more than 67 million tons of paper per year, or 400 pounds per person.
▪ 80% of our plastic waste ends up in a landfill.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Purchasing - Purchase in bulk or consolidate orders over time 1) Low 1) Low
to eliminate extra packaging & shipping.
Purchasing - Establish relationships with vendors who have 1) Low 1) Low
sustainable products and missions. Focus your search for
“greener” products and services in your local community. The
further your supplies or service providers need to travel, the
more energy is used to deliver them to you.
Purchasing - Use cups, mugs and glasses that can be washed 1) Low 2) Medium
rather than disposable ones.
Purchasing - Purchase biodegradable products such as paper if 1) Low 2) Medium
disposable plates, cups, etc are necessary. When possible,
transition from paper products to compostable products such as
corn-based or potato-based products.
Purchasing - When purchasing for a canteen or boardroom 1) Low 1) Low
lunch, try to purchase locally grown, organic produce where
possible. Avoid highly packaged food.
Purchasing - Do not order bottled water. Procure bottle-less 1) Low 1) Low
water coolers to provide cool and hot filtered municipal water
Purchasing - Try to buy 100% recycled paper wherever 1) Low 1) Low
possible, depending on your printing requirements. At
minimum, purchase paper containing at least 30% post-
consumer recycled content.
Purchasing - Establish an account with an office supply vendor 1) Low 1) Low
to create a "greener office supply" list to order from. Purchase
at least 50% of office supplies from that list.
Purchasing
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Buck Management Group LLC
Green Tenant Guide
Purchasing
▪ 96% of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in a large office building following construction resulted from the materials used to construct and furnish the building flooring and
paints.
▪ Our consumption of paper in the United States continues to rise by about 20% every year.
▪ Americans use more than 67 million tons of paper per year, or 400 pounds per person.
▪ 80% of our plastic waste ends up in a landfill.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Purchasing - Analyze current paper purchases/recycling efforts 1) Low 1) Low
and monitor future activity as you implement to above
suggestions in order to document cost savings and "trees
saved".
Purchasing - Choose suppliers who take back packaging for re- 1) Low 1) Low
use if not delivered in recycleable containers.
Purchasing - Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified copiers, printers 1) Low 1) Low
and appliances.
Purchasing - When possible, purchase rechargeable batteries. 1) Low 1) Low
Purchasing - Switch to refillable pens & pencils made from 1) Low 1) Low
recycled material.
Purchasing - Purchase 75% of cleaning supplies in your break 1) Low 1) Low
room to products certified to safeguard the environment and/or
indoor air quality by an independent organization such as Green
Seal or Environmental Choice.
Purchasing - Purchase paper products for kitchen, break room 1) Low 1) Low
or private restrooms that contain a minimum of 30% post-
consumer recycled content. Give preference to paper processed
without chlorine and packaged in bulk.
Purchasing - Include the use of water efficient appliances only 1) Low 1) Low
in corporate procurement policy.
Purchasing
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Buck Management Group LLC
Green Tenant Guide
Purchasing
▪ 96% of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in a large office building following construction resulted from the materials used to construct and furnish the building flooring and
paints.
▪ Our consumption of paper in the United States continues to rise by about 20% every year.
▪ Americans use more than 67 million tons of paper per year, or 400 pounds per person.
▪ 80% of our plastic waste ends up in a landfill.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
Purchasing - Use interior paints that have low or no VOCs 2) Medium 2) Medium
during regular maintenance of your space for the comfort and
well-being of the installers and occupants.
Purchasing - When purchasing furniture, natural timber is 2) Medium 2) Medium
preferred over chipboard. Ensure timber comes from a
sustainable source containing the FSC (Forest Stewardship
Council) symbol. Consider buying secondhand or refurbishing
existing furniture when possible.
Purchasing - Procure only Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) 2) Medium 2) Medium
certified carpet and rug pad that meet or exceed the CRI's
Green Label Plus testing and products requirements. When
installing carpet systems, use low-VOC adhesives.
Purchasing - Improve indoor air quality by implementing a 1) Low 2) Medium
indoor plant program. Plants improve the well-being of
occupants by reducing airborne contaminant levels. Buy plants
that have been grown locally.
Purchasing
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Buck Management Group LLC
Green Tenant Guide
Purchasing
▪ 96% of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in a large office building following construction resulted from the materials used to construct and furnish the building flooring and
paints.
▪ Our consumption of paper in the United States continues to rise by about 20% every year.
▪ Americans use more than 67 million tons of paper per year, or 400 pounds per person.
▪ 80% of our plastic waste ends up in a landfill.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
1) Low
2) Medium
3) High
Purchasing
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Buck Management Group LLC
Green Tenant Guide
Purchasing
▪ 96% of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in a large office building following construction resulted from the materials used to construct and furnish the building flooring and
paints.
▪ Our consumption of paper in the United States continues to rise by about 20% every year.
▪ Americans use more than 67 million tons of paper per year, or 400 pounds per person.
▪ 80% of our plastic waste ends up in a landfill.
Level of
Action Items Cost Priority Timeframe Responsibility Complete
Difficulty
1) Low Yes
2) Medium No
3) High
Purchasing
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