Artworks at the Carver School

Current Sustainable Practices

Below are the initiatives Artworks has completed on the Green Check scorecard.

Sustainability Management and Green Team

• Developed a written Comprehensive Sustainability Plan
• Designated a Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.
• Provides time for quarterly updates from Sustainability Coordinator in management meetings.

Awareness, Education, and Outreach

• Includes sustainability tips in a monthly newsletter.
• Includes a sustainability statement and training in all new hire materials.
• Hosts annual trainings or workshops to educate employees about sustainability issues, policies and procedures.
• Promote sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials.
• Highlights sustainability efforts or initiatives at career fairs or career days.
• Created an annual green employee award to highlight employee sustainability efforts.
• Hosted an environmental event.
• Sponsored an environmental booth at an existing community event.
• Attended a sustainability workshop.

Energy Efficiency

• Assessed, tracked, and documented energy consumption using Energy Star Portfolio Manager or similar program.
• Established a power-down policy and checklist that includes items such as shutting off lights at night.
• Set water heater thermostats to a maximum of 120 degrees or install an inline water heater.
• Applied for energy credits, rebates or incentives.
• Replaced incandescent or CFL lights with LED lights – 76-100% replacement.
• Upgraded all Exit signs to LED.
• Delamped vending machines.
• Established a regular filter maintenance policy for your HVAC system.
• Has the HVAC system evaluated every 2 years by a certified service provider.
• Established a policy for purchasing that requires Energy Star rated appliances and electronics.
• Established a dress code that encourages employees to dress for thermal comfort.
• Installed power strips for computers and equipment to power down during non-business hours.
• Installed programmable thermostats and use them to adjust temperature during unoccupied hours.
• Conducted an energy audit or assessment (within the last three years).
• Installed energy efficient (i.e. Energy Star) rated windows in all conditioned spaces.
• Insulated roof to control energy loss.
• Installed efficiency-rated HVAC of minimum standard SEER rating of 14.0.
• Took measures to insulate HVAC system and ductwork to minimize heat loss.
• Assessed building envelope and address any leaks.
• Performed external lighting audit.
• Daylit work spaces wherever possible.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

• Implemented a basic recycling program.
• Provided clearly marked recycling bins at work stations and/or in common areas. Recycling bins are paired with a waste bin.
• Trained and requires staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
• Uses reusable mugs and dishware instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
• Established a policy for environmentally friendly printing such as two sided printing, reusing copy paper, and electronic document sharing.
• Established an electronic waste policy that diverts all e-waste away from landfill.
• Created a landfill diversion goal.
• Replaced at least 50% of paper stock with post-consumer recycled paper.
• Participated in a zero-waste event.

Water Conservation

• Assessed, tracked, and documented water consumption using Energy Star Portfolio Manager or similar program.
• Conducted a water audit within the last three years. Monitor and record water usage, check indoor and outdoor pipes and fixtures for drips and leaks.
• Established a policy for purchase of high efficiency (i.e. WaterSense) rated fixtures and appliances.
• Installed water efficient faucets in all of the restrooms.
• Installed water efficient toilets in all of the restrooms.

Water Quality

• Established a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
• Posted information in restrooms about proper disposal of flushable wipes and other items.

Urban Forestry & Landscapes

• Participated in a community reforestation project.
• Assessed the ecosystem services of trees on property using the National Tree Benefits Calculator.
• Removed all invasive species from property.
• Establish an Integrated Pest Management policy to reduce use of pesticides in the landscape.

Sustainable Purchasing

• Established a policy for reducing the toxic chemicals/materials in the workplace.
• Establish a policy to purchase non-Styrofoam cups and plates for use at the workplace or at events.
• Established a policy for purchasing locally, if available.

Transportation Efficiency

• Established an incentives or recognition program to encourage employees to use alternative transportation, such as carpooling, bicycling, or use of public transit.
• Established and implemented a no-idling policy.
• Conducted an employee transportation survey.
• Adopted a telecommuting option and make it available to employees.

Innovation

• Hosts art camp focus on making art from repurposed and upcycled items.
• Reuses props for multiple programs.
• Encourages participants to bring their own water bottles and use the bottle filling station.
• Hosts dance clothing and shoes swaps.
• Recycles clay in pottery studio.
• Uses donated and secondhand musical instruments.