The Facility Manager’s Eco-Friendly Operations Checklist
Facility managers know that saving money is an important part of staying within an available budget. One way to save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars a year is to make sustainable, eco-friendly changes to everyday operations. From natural cleaning products to energy-efficient windows, there are countless ways to help your organization go green this year. Here are a few ways to get started.
Save Water
- Conduct a water audit to detect leaks and determine ways to decrease water usage
- Install faucets that automatically turn off water flow when not in use
- Use faucet aerators, which limit water flow but increase perceived water pressure
- Install dual-flush toilets, which give users the ability to control how much water is needed to flush waste
- Utilize energy-efficient washing machines for laundry services
- Reuse rainwater or treated gray water (i.e. non-sewage wastewater) for plants and landscaping
- Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with LEDs or other energy-efficient bulbs
- Take advantage of natural lighting by installing skylights in common areas
- Install occupancy sensors on overhead lights to reduce unnecessary lighting costs
- Heat your facility’s pool with a solar water-heating system
- Replace single pane windows with energy-efficient windows
- Promote clean power in your facility with solar panels
- Improve Efficiency
- Conduct an audit of your HVAC and water systems to determine repairs needed to avoid energy waste
- Inspect your facility’s duct system for drafts and apply sealant to any leaks you encounter
- Enhance heating systems by upgrading burners and insulating pipes, fittings and valves
- Maintain your HVAC system by changing out air filters, cleaning coils and lubricating motors
- Upgrade laundry machines, boilers, heat pumps, chillers and other assets to high-efficiency models
- Install hybrid resilient carpeting and flooring to reduce airborne allergens, staining and cleaning efforts
Reduce Waste
- Install bulk dispensers for soaps, shampoos, lotions and other toiletries to cut down on product packaging
- Place recycling bins next to trash bins throughout your facility
- Purchase compost bins for areas of your facility that create organic waste (i.e. kitchen and cafeterias)
- Recycle outdated carpeting instead of sending it to a landfill
- Place bulk orders of products and parts to save money and reduce excess packaging
- Give outdated furniture a new life by donating it to a non-profit organization like Habitat for Humanity
- Install high-density polyethylene bathroom stalls (this material is recyclable, mold-resistant and low maintenance)
- Use low-VOC or VOC-free paints to promote healthy indoor air quality
- Keep your team safe with eco-friendly cleaning products (avoid chlorine or petrochemical-based cleaners if possible)
- Purchase compostable, recyclable or post-consumer recycled trash bags (which can be as affordable as normal trash bags)
- Buy oscillating fans to keep occupants cool and discourage excessive air conditioner use
- Invest in water bottle filling stations to cut down on plastic bottle waste
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