RossTarrant Architects

Current Sustainable Practices

Below are the initiatives Ross Tarrant has completed on the Green Check scorecard.

Sustainability Management and the Green Team

• Develop a written comprehensive sustainability plan.
• Designate a Sustainability Coordinator or Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.
• Hold quarterly Green Team meetings.
• Provide time for quarterly updates from Sustainability Coordinator in upper management meetings.

Awareness, Education, and Outreach

• Display sustainability information in a common area such as a break room or kitchen.
• Include a sustainability statement and training in new hire materials or at employee orientation.
• Offer trainings or workshops to educate employees about sustainability issues, policies and procedures.
• Promote sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials.
• Highlight sustainability efforts or initiatives at career fairs or career days.
• Host an environmental event for public or employees.
• Attend a sustainability workshop, tour or event.

Energy Efficiency

• 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.
• Upgrade all Exit signs to LED.
• Delamp vending machines.
• 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.
• Utilize power management features of operating system to turn off non-essential lights and equipment during non-business hours.
• Install programmable thermostats and use them to adjust temperature during unoccupied 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.

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 two-sided printing, reusing copy paper, and electronic document sharing.

Water Conservation

• Assess, track, and document water consumption.
• Conduct a water audit within the last three years. Monitor and record water usage, check indoor and outdoor pipes and fixtures for drips and leaks.
• 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.

Water Quality

• Establish a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
• Post information in restrooms about proper disposal of flushable wipes and other items.
• Install outdoor ash trays to prevent cigarette litter, and make pocket ash trays available to staff who smoke.
• Before washing parking lots, sweep debris/litter and do not use cleaners.

Urban Forestry and Landscapes

• Establish a native species-only plant replacement policy for tree and shrub planting, where applicable.
• Establish environmentally friendly lawn care policies to reduce chemical pesticide and fertilizer use.
• Plant a pollinator 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 for purchasing environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

Transportation Efficiency

• Establish and implement a no-idling policy.
• Conduct a commuter or employee transportation survey.
• Adopt a telecommuting option and make it available to employees.
• Install a bike rack with sufficient space for at least 10% of your employees.
• Install weather-protected bike storage (indoor or outdoor).
• Place bicycle storage closer than any other designated parking spot.
• Provide employee shower and dressing room facility.

Innovation

• Become LEED certified.
• Obtain other sustainable certifications.
• Offer employees paid time off to volunteer.
• Install a permeable parking lot.
• Install a 300-gallon or above water catchment system.
• Generate energy from renewable resources.
• Carpool spaces located closer than any other vehicle spot.