Facility E Connect


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

Reduce Energy Costs

  • 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  • Recycle outdated carpeting instead of sending it to a landfill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

Use Eco-Friendly Products

  • 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

Source: Eco-Friendly Operations Checklist | AkitaBox

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