Lexington Habitat for Humanity

Current Sustainable Practices

Below are the initiatives Habitat for Humanity has completed on the Green Check scorecard.

Sustainability Management and Green Team 

• Develop a written Comprehensive Sustainability Plan that includes goals in these categories: Sustainability Goals Roles and Responsibilities, Policies and Procedures, Activities and Impact, and Timelines
• Designate a Sustainability Coordinator or Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.

Awareness, Education, and Outreach

• Provide a sustainability information board in a common area such as a break room or kitchen.
• Include a sustainability statement and training in all new hire materials.
• Promote sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials (website, social media, newsletter, press releases, TV/radio ads).
• Provide volunteers for community environmental projects annually.
• Host an environmental event at your location.
• Sponsor an environmental booth at an existing community event.
• Participate in a present or attend sustainability workshop.

Energy Efficiency

• Assess, track, and document energy consumption using Energy Star Portfolio Manager or similar program
• Establish 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
• Apply for energy credits, rebates or incentives.
• Sign up for a green energy program with your electric provider.
• Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)- 75-100% replacement.
• Upgrade all Exit signs to LED.
• Achieve a year-over reduction in energy usage from the baseline of at least 5%.
• Establish a regular filter maintenance policy for your HVAC system.
• Have your HVAC system evaluated every 2 years by a certified service provider.
• Establish a policy for purchasing that requires Energy Star rated appliances and electronics.
• Install power strips for computers and equipment to power down during non-business hours.
• Install occupancy sensors in bathrooms, meeting room, and other infrequently used areas.
• Insulate roof to control energy loss.
• Take measures to insulate HVAC system and ductwork to minimize heat loss
• Perform external lighting audit.
• Daylight work spaces wherever possible.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

• Implement a basic recycling program.
• Conduct a waste audit (within the past two years).
• Provide clearly marked recycling bins at work stations and/or in common areas. Recycling bins must be paired with a waste bin
• Train and require janitorial service or staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
• Use reusable mugs and dishware instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
• Establish a policy for environmentally friendly printing such as twosided printing, reusing copy paper, and electronic document sharing.
• Establish an electronic waste policy that diverts all e-waste away from landfill.
• Create a landfill diversion goal.
• Replace at least 50% of paper stock with post-consumer recycled paper.
• Develop or participate in an existing composting program.

Water Conservation

• Assess, track, and document water consumption using Energy Star Portfolio Manager or similar program.
• Establish a policy for purchase of high efficiency (i.e. WaterSense) rated fixtures and appliances.
• Install water efficient faucets in all of the restrooms.
• Install water efficient toilets in all of the restrooms.
• Establish a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
• Establish a policy for proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease, distribute to staff, and post in key areas.
• Perform a stormwater pollution survey on your property with BGGS staff or other qualified professional.
• Post information in restrooms about proper disposal of flushable wipes and other items
• Coordinate or participate in a community litter clean-up.

Urban Forestry and Landscapes

• Establish a sustainability statement for landscape contracts.
• Remove all invasive species from property.
• Establish environmentally friendly lawn care policies to reduce chemical pesticide and fertilizer use.
• Plant a pollinator garden.
• Plant a rain garden.

Sustainable Purchasing

• Establish a policy for reducing the toxic chemicals/materials in your workplace.
• Establish a policy to purchase non-Styrofoam cups and plates for use at the workplace or at events.
• Establish a policy for purchasing locally, if available.
• Establish a policy to purchase/lease EPA SmartWay Certified fuel efficient vehicles.
• Establish a policy for purchasing environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

Transportation Efficiency

• Establish and implement a no-idling policy.
• Install a bike rack with sufficient space for at least 10% of your employees.
• Place bicycle storage closer than any other designated parking spot.

Innovation

• Become Energy Star certified.
• Install a permeable parking lot.
• Install a 300-gallon or above water catchment system.
• Generate energy from renewable resources such as solar or wind power on-site.
• Participate in LFUCG Citizens’ Environmental Academy.