We figured the best place to start making some changes was in our own backyard. Here are the programs that we're currently running internally. Many of them, but not all, have been initiated by yours truly but we're always looking to add more. Have any ideas or suggestions? I'd love to hear them.
In 2003, long before I stole all the disposable coffee cups, we started recognizing inefficiencies around our facility and a lighting audit was suggested. Don't worry; I didn't know what it was either.
Energy Industries came by and examined our buildings. Based on their recommendations, we installed T8 compact fluorescent bulbs that use less energy. The changes translated into energy savings with relatively no maintenance costs. We've continued to de-lamp in offices to improve employee comfort...now we don't have to wear sunglasses in the office.
In 2009, I installed light switch covers as a reminder to our staff and visitors, to turn off the lights whenever they leave a room. It took about 6 months of me following people around and making them walk back into conference rooms when they left the lights on - but eventually they caught on and the program worked. It also took me a while to make sure no one was in a room before I shut the lights off but I think we've all made the necessary adjustments. One thing's for sure, you won't see any empty rooms with lights on at HONBLUE – I guarantee it.
Given the solar opportunities available in Hawaii, we figured it was about time we installed a solar Photovoltaic (PV) System. The system has 312 individual 305-watt Sunpower modules that cover our entire rooftop. It's projected to generate over 135,000 kilowatt hours of solar power by the end of 2010. Have no idea what that means? Think about it like this – By the end of the year, it will have produced enough energy to power 1,834,239 32" LCD TVs for a full episode of LOST, including commercials. I'm no engineer but even I know that's a lot of energy.
In February of this year I passed the LEED Green Associate exam. Wasn't easy but it's an important step for me and for HONBLUE. My accreditation opens the door for us to implement more sustainability initiatives with less road blocks.
Now, if I ever have the chance to work on a LEED project, I'll have the privilege of studying for another impossible test. But in the meantime, I've laid a solid foundation and continue to learn something new every day. Want to pick my brain or talk shop? Give me a call.
Like having your morning coffee out of a Styrofoam cup? Guess what, that cup will be one of the things you pass on to your kids, their kids, and their kids and their kids. Nine of your future generations will be around to watch the decomposition of that cup. NINE!
In my humble opinion, coffee tastes better out of a mug anyway. This is why Styrofoam cups are no longer available at HONBLUE. One of the first things a new employee has the option to do is participate in our adopt-a-mug program. We've collected ceramic mugs and have them available for use. If you walk in here with a Styrofoam cup, you'll probably get what's commonly referred to around the office as "the lecture". Delivered by yours truly of course.