Resources

The following information provides explanation and examples for the scorecard criteria.

Policies and Practices

  1. Educates employees on the benefits of waste reduction, energy conservation, storm water pollution prevention, and resource conservation.
  2. Community involvement or outreach efforts related to environment.
    • Education may include newsletters, product specifications, requirements for working onsite (training), environmental performance data posted on website, etc. about the organizations environmental programs and specifications.
  3. Employee incentive program to encourage suggestions for additional sustainable practices or programs from employees.
  4. Education for customers, clients, vendors, contractors (may include newsletters, product specifications).
    • Education may include newsletters, product specifications, requirements for working onsite (training), environmental performance data posted on website, etc. about the organizations environmental programs and specifications.
  5. Communicates accomplishments to employees.
  6. Establishes and posts goals for environmental improvement.
    • Goals are established at least annually and posted for employees. Employees participate in establishing goals. Goals could include volume of waste reduced, gallons of water saved, pounds of materials recycled, kilowatt hours of electricity saved, etc.
  7. Reviews new equipment before purchasing to encourage waste reduction, energy conservation and raw material conservation.
    • Personnel responsible for purchasing equipment first review the potential impacts on the environment (including energy consumption) of the equipment, and how it can be mitigated.
  8. Utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system.
    • An IPM is the process of controlling pests by using practices that cause the least harm to human health and the environment. This could include reducing the amount of chemicals used by efficient application methods, preventing food sources for pests or natural methods. The overall goal is to reduce the amount of harmful pesticides used to control pests.
  9. Monitor, record and post volumes of solid waste, hazardous waste, electricity, natural gas, recycled materials and water usage.
    • This requires the facility to determine a baseline for each category and post annual consumption for employees to see. This can help employees identify sources of high consumption and eventually reduction opportunities.

Waste Management

  1. Recycles food waste (i.e. composting).
  2. Recycles glass.
  3. Uses reusable dishes/food service containers.
    • The organization uses reusable plates, cups, silverware in break rooms or cafeterias. This may also include programs that encourage employees to use reusable containers and glasses in packed lunches.
  4. Conducted a pollution prevention assessment to identify opportunities for waste reduction and cost savings.
    • The organization has had an outside resource review the operations and provide recommendations for waste reduction and energy conservation opportunities. These recommendations should include the quantification of possible waste reduction and cost savings when possible. The Ozarks Center for Sustainable Solutions (OCSS) at Drury University can provide free onsite pollution prevention assessments for businesses.
  5. Identified all waste streams generated and identified sources by the operations performed at the facility.
    • The organization has formally identified all waste streams produced from the operations and the sources that generated the waste.
      • For example: Gallons of water used and waste water generated from washing operations.
  6. Reuses scrap/excess material back into process/service.
    • The organization has been able to segregate usable waste materials and reuse them in the process. Examples could include reusing paper, water, metals or other materials back into the original process.
  7. Recycles scrap material offsite (other than the basic recyclable materials described above).
    • This could include waste material from a manufacturing process, pallets, shrinkwrap, construction and demolition waste, or other materials.
  8. Conserves raw materials (describe program).
    • The organization has implemented programs that reduce the amount of raw materials needed in the process. Examples could include, Lean Manufacturing practices, improved janitorial practices to reduce the amount of chemicals used, reduced lawn watering, reduce paper use, conserving fuel, etc.
  9. Recycles construction and demolition waste.
    • Recycling construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, as well as, reduce consumption of raw materials. For more information about recycling C&D wastes go to http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/rrr/imr/cdm/index.htm
  10. Implements recycling program for off-site locations (i.e. job sites, satellite locations).
    • Businesses and organizations that perform operations or events offsite should implement recycling programs to reduce solid waste from those locations. Such site could include construction sites, golf outings, picnics, fund-raising events, etc. For assistance in coordinating a recycling program for special events, visit http://www.ozarksenvironment.com/ or call 417/864-2006.
  11. Replaced hazardous raw materials with less hazardous alternative(s).
    • The organization has replaced more hazardous products or chemicals with less hazardous options. Examples could include replacing solvent-based cleaners with water-based alternatives, or even using "natural" janitorial cleaners or lawncare chemicals.

Energy Management

  1. Replaces at least 50% of T12 fluorescent lighting with T8 or T5 lamps and electronic ballasts.
    • Lighting is probably one of the most cost effective ways to reduce the energy consumption in a business. If you were to retrofit or replace T12 linear fluorescent lighting with T8 lamps and 1-electronic ballast or new T5 fixtures, you could reduce the energy consumption per fixture by almost half. Check with your local utility provider for rebate opportunities.
  2. Replaces incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
    • Replace all incandescent recessed lights, spotlights, floodlights and traditional 40-100 Watt bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL). Compact Fluorescent Lights last up to ten times longer, use 70% less energy and pay for themselves in just a few months. Plus, it is always a good idea to change a few of them to make sure the color and light output are sufficient, before replacing the rest.
  3. Uses motion sensors in restrooms, warehouses, and storage areas.
    • Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on and off as needed to prevent energy waste. They work well in areas where lights get left on but are not always occupied, such as restrooms, supply closets, maintenance rooms, mechanical rooms, warehouses and offices that are not occupied on a regular basis. Occupancy sensors are available in ultrasonic and infrared technologies. Ultrasonic sensors detect sound while infrared sensors detect temperature.
  4. Uses programmable Thermostats.
    • Properly controlling thermostat temperature settings can be an effective way to reduce heating and cooling costs. Programmable thermostats will help control the temperature when the building is unoccupied, usually during the nights and weekends. Older thermostats can be less accurate, causing incorrect temperature settings and unnecessary operation of the heating and cooling systems. Check with your local utility provider for rebate opportunities.
  5. Uses available ENERGY STAR electronics and appliances.
    • Electronics use energy when they're off to power features like clock displays and remote controls. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR use less energy to perform these functions, while providing the same performance and features as conventional models.
    • ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more efficient ENERGY STAR model.
    • Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy
  6. Energy audit performed with external service provider.
    • An energy audit is the first step understanding how much energy your business consumes and what measures you can take to make your business more energy efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save significant amounts of money over time. For businesses in Springfield, City Utilities offers its commercial and industrial customers free on-site energy audits performed by utility professionals. The customer is provided with an analysis of their historic usage, as well as a detailed report following the audit that identifies potential energy or water saving items. See http://www.cityutilities.net/conserve/com_pgms.htm for information regarding CU programs.
    • For businesses and organizations outside of Springfield, contact your electricity provider to determine if they offer any free energy audit services.
    • Manufacturing businesses may also contact Missouri Enterprise. Missouri Enterprise has a Lean, Clean and Green program that includes and energy assessment and waste assessment.
  7. Increase insulation to recommended levels in ceiling walls and floors.
    • Heat flows naturally from warmer to cooler spaces. Insulating ceiling, walls and floors decreases the heating or cooling needed by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat. Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance, called R-value, which indicates the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat flow. The effectiveness of insulation also depends on how and where the insulation is installed. For example, insulation that is compressed will not provide its full rated R-value. The overall R-value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself because some heat flows around the insulation through the studs and joists. Therefore, it's important to properly install insulation to achieve the maximum R-value.
  8. Purchase of renewable energy through local utility (wind, solar, etc.)
    • As our country's demand for electricity continues to grow, utilities search for environmentally friendly alternatives for producing energy. These alternatives are commonly referred to as "green power". Green power, in its simple form, is defined as electricity that is generated by using renewable energy sources that have minimal impact upon the earth. Two of the more commonly known renewable energy sources are wind and solar. Their popularity is based on the fact that they are naturally produced, have low operational costs, and that they produce electricity without emissions.
    • Businesses and organizations outside of Springfield should contact their own electricity provider for information about purchasing renewable energy. Empire District also provides renewable energy in its portfolio.
  9. Engineering-grade energy audit completed for the facility.
    • An Engineering-grade energy audit goes beyond a conventional walk-through audit, requiring an outside professional company to perform a detailed energy assessment for significant energy consumption sources (i.e. boilers, chillers, refrigeration systems, air compressors, motors, pumps, etc.). These services may be provided by the respective equipment supplier or possible area energy consulting companies.
  10. Uses photo sensors on outdoor lighting.
    • Photocell sensors work by detecting the amount of light, and automatically turning on or off a switch. This capability allows a light to switch on automatically when the sensor detects additional lighting is required, then switch off automatically on when the light is no longer needed. This reduces the unnecessary on-hours of lighting when manual operation is required.
  11. Installed reflective roofing products or coating.
    • Reflective roofing products help reduce cooling loads because the roof is exposed to the sun for the entire operating day. Specify roofing products that carry the ENERGY STAR® roof label for low-slope roofing products, as these have an initial reflectivity of at least 65 percent. ENERGY STAR roof products are widely available with single-ply roofing, as well as various other roofing systems.
  12. Insulates hot water heater(s) and adjust temperature to 120-125 degrees F.
    • Recommended settings for your hot water heaters are about 120-125 degrees. This will help save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. Also, by wrapping your hot water heaters with insulation blankets, you can reduce the amount of heat loss through the tank walls. In addition, water heaters typically only have a useful life of 12-15 years. While they still may operate after this period, the efficiency of these appliances drastically reduces.
  13. Places labels over light switches reminding staff/people to turn them off when leaving a room.
    • By placing labels over light switches you hope two accomplish two things, catch someone's eye and develop a habit over time in your staff/people to turn the lights off when leaving a room.
    • Incandescent lights should be turned off whenever they are not needed. Only about 10%-15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light–the rest is turned into heat. Turning the light(s) off will keep a room cooler, an extra benefit in the summer.
    • A popularly held belief concerning fluorescent lighting is that they use a lot of energy to get started, and thus it is better not to turn them off for short periods. There is an increase in power demand when a light is switched on, however the relatively higher current required lasts for half a cycle, or 1/120th of a second. The amount of electricity consumed to supply the inrush current is equal to a few seconds or less of normal light operation.
    • However, there are other costs related to the frequent on & off operation of fluorescent lighting, such as the ballast and maintenance. The ballast (the part in the fixture that energizes the lights) degrades a bit every time the fixture is turned on. While this will take a long time to degrade and eventually fail, there is a point where the energy savings do not outweigh the maintenance costs.
    • With fluorescent lighting, a good rule of thumb for leaving the light switch on is: If you (or someone else) are going to be back in that room within 5 minutes, leave it on. Otherwise, turn it off.
  14. Annual maintenance performed on heating and cooling systems.
    • Annual maintenance allows your system to work at peak efficiency year in and year out. A system that is maintained annually experiences considerably fewer breakdowns. It virtually eliminates the need for costly repairs and saves your business money from less energy consumption. The savings as a result of annual maintenance can sometimes be enough to pay for the cost of the annual maintenance service.
  15. Effective use of weather stripping, caulk and door sweeps on doors and windows
    • Exterior doors and windows can be a major source of air infiltration. This occurs when outside air enters a building uncontrollably through cracks and openings. Properly sealing such cracks and openings with weatherstripping, caulking and door sweeps can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, improve building durability, and create a healthier indoor environment.
  16. Tracks energy usage and costs on a monthly basis and investigate excessive usage.
    • Tracking monthly energy usage is a great way to manage your energy costs. Plus, it may alert you to any potential problems such as water leaks or equipment being left on over nights and/or weekends. Contact your local utility provider and ask for a three year billing history report, this will help establish a baseline for you to gauge future energy usage.
  17. High bay lighting upgrades for efficiency (i.e. warehouses, gymnasium).
    • Lighting is probably one of the most cost effective ways to reduce the energy consumption in a business. You can typically reduce high bay lighting costs by almost half when replacing High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting fixtures with linear fluorescent fixtures. Check with your local utility provider for rebate opportunities.
  18. Enacts a company building efficiency plan or policy that outlines mandatory, ongoing strategies for controlling energy and water use.
    • Outline an overall building efficiency plan that clearly states your goals and estimated results. Consider involving employees in the process and creating a company- wide competition to help generate excitement and awareness.

Purchasing

  1. Preference given for products made from recycled materials.

    Companies and organizations make a strong effort to purchase supplies and products made from recycled materials (ex. paper, plastic, building materials, ink, carpet, etc.). This could include purchasing recycled content materials over other products when financially feasible, or even specifying to vendors the percent of recycled content per item to be purchased.

  2. Specifes use of non-toxic/organic products (ex. cleaning products).
  3. Specifying biodegradable or reusable products (ex: coffee cups, trash containers/bags, etc.)
    • The purchasing department specifies reusable items whenever possible to replace disposable products. It disposables must be used, the company provides biodegradable products.
  4. Requires use of environmentally responsible products and practices in any type of construction, renovation, expansion activities.
    • The organizations specifies the use of recycled construction materials, energy efficient equipment (lighting, HVAC, etc.), and water conservation measures (low flow toilets and faucets, rain water harvesting, etc. for all new construction.
  5. Specify reduced or reusable shipping containers, packaging, etc.
    • The company requires suppliers to provide reusable shipping containers when possible or at least specifies minimal amounts of packaging to reduce waste.
  6. Inventory tracking system to avoid leftover, expired or unused materials.
  7. Encourages suppliers to carry out environmental reviews of their own operations.
    • The organization encourages suppliers to review their own operations and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations, as well as, reducing waste and conserving energy. Requiring suppliers to be ISO 14001 certified would be an example of this requirement. It could also include organizations visiting their suppliers occasionally and reviewing operations to help ensure environmentally sound practices or other assurance methods from the suppliers that they are in compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations and continually pursue opportunities to reduce waste.
  8. Provides environmental criteria or standards to suppliers and make environmental quality a factor in supplier selection.
    • The organization provides the supplier with their environmental policy or other documents and requires supplier to meet certain standards (product specifications for reducing hazardous materials, recycled content, etc.). The organization places a high level on environmental quality of purchased products and will select suppliers based on the environmental quality criteria. Policy and standards are determined by the customer.

Product, Process, or Service Design

  1. Design products or services to reduce the need for filler and packaging.
    • During the product or service development process, the organization reviews packaging requirements and takes steps to reduce unnecessary use of filler materials or other packaging that would end up as waste by the user.
  2. Review constituents of new materials and products before approving final use.
    • This strategy includes reviewing new materials to determine the amount of environmental impact on the final product or process. This includes disposal requirements, energy demand, toxicity, raw material usage, etc.
  3. Have an internal system to promote communication between design/service, materials, manufacturing and environmental engineers to determine impacts/aspects or proposed designs.
    • This strategy requires departments to communicate during product or process design to try and reduce the environmental impacts of the operation before it is implemented. Essentially, design out as much waste, energy consumption, toxicity, etc. before approving the final design or service.
  4. Include environmental considerations early in the design of new processes, services, equipment and facilities to reduce future impacts on the environment.
    • Organizations performing this strategy are continuously working to reduce adverse environmental impacts when changing processes and purchasing new equipment. An example could include reviewing how much energy various equipment consume when comparing other characteristics such as cost prior to purchasing the equipment (i.e. air compressors, heating and ventilation, lighting, boilers, motors, pumps, etc.).
  5. During initial design stages, use life-cycle analysis to determine potential impacts of product or service from the origin of raw materials to ultimate disposal.
    • Life-cycle analysis reviews the impact of the product or service during its' useful life. This includes the amount of energy consumed, the amount of waste generated and the ultimate disposal or recycling method when its' life is over.

Water Conservation

  1. Replace toilets manufactured before 1994 with ultra low-flow or high efficiency toilets.
    • Ultra Low-Flow Toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf) - and is the standard for all toilets manufactured since 1994. High Efficiency Toilets with the WaterSense label use 1.28 gpf or less. Toilets manufactured earlier than January 1, 1994, use 3.5 to 7 gpf. Replacing your older toilets could save approximately 9,000 gallons of water per year. Check with your local water provider for rebate opportunities.
  2. Install motion sensing bathroom faucets.
    • By installing motion sensing bathroom faucets you can minimize the amount of water that would normally be wasted while people are soaping, lathering, scrubbing and drying their hands. These faucets eliminate unnecessary and unattended water flow by using infrared sensors to detect movement, which turns the water on and off without you touching anything. They also help prevent the spreading of flu or other infectious diseases through touching the faucets' handles.
  3. Reuse water in processes where possible .
    • This strategy considers the reusing of some of the water in your facility. Water reuse is using reclaimed water from one application for use in another. Non-contact cooling water is ideal for water reuse if process demands match supply. Water recycling, using water again for the application that it was originally used in, is also a good option. Before reusing or recycling water, be sure it meets your water quality requirements and identify any treatment steps that may be needed.
  4. Use flow restrictors or any applicable processes.
    • A flow restrictor reduces the amount of water that gets through a faucet or showerhead by up to 60 percent and increases the pressure of the flow. Flow restrictors are disks with holes in the center that are typically made of metal or plastic. Make sure that is the same diameter as the shower or faucet water pipe.
  5. Use high efficiency or waterless urinals.
    • Urinals manufactured prior to 1992 use as much as 3 gallons of water per flush (gpf), newer high efficiency models use 1 gallon per flush or even less when considering waterless urinals. A waterless urinal uses a chemical trap with a low specific gravity chemical. This allows waste to flow down the discharge pipe without permitting sewer gases to escape. Daily maintenance of these urinals is important for odor control. Costs of chemicals and traps need to be compared with water cost savings.

Transportation

  1. Participate in Ozarks Commute or implement other methods to encourage carpooling.
  2. Provide incentives for employees to bike, walk, or use mass transit to get to work.
  3. Provide employee teleworking options.
    • Teleworking offers another solution to your employees to minimize their commute and your parking and office space needs. Teleworking does not have to be everyday, or all day. It should not be used as a substitute for childcare. Contracts could be put into place to designate what hours and days the employees should be available as well as the work that the employee should be sure to complete. If the terms are not met, the employer could ask the employee to return to come back to the office. Certain hours of the day can be flexed outside of the set core hours of availability.
    • http://www.teleworkingusa.com/implement.html
    • http://www.hr-guide.com/data/011.htm
  4. Institute and enforce a no-idle policy.
    • Reducing vehicle idling saves money and fuel while reducing harmful air emissions. Many businesses and municipalities have implemented idle reduction policies throughout the region to protect the environment and reduce costs. A sample policy can be found at http://www.showmecleanair.com/idle_reduction.php.
  5. Utilize alternative fuels in company owned or manged vehicles.
  6. Secure bike rake to support employee and customer biking.
    • Proper placement of a secure bike rack is important in order to promote use by employees and customers. Ozark Greenways provides guidance on proper placement of bike racks for optimum use.
  7. Provide preferential parking for bikes, highly fuel efficient vehicles, and carpool vehicles.
  8. Implement "trip chaining" program for employees driving vehicles to run company errands.
    • Trip chaining means combining several errands into one trip. This effort saves time and money. Employers can establish a policy promoting this program for employees that use company vehicles to run errands on behalf of the organization.
  9. Use fuel efficient company vehicles (>30 mpg.)

Fleet Management

  1. Recycle motor oil, filters, fluids.
    • Collect used oil, antifreeze, hydraulic oil and filters for recycling. Materials can be recycled through companies such as Safety-Kleen, Crystal Clean, or other service providers.
  2. Implement an ongoing, regularly scheduled maintainance program that includes: tire pressure checks, air filter replacement, load guidelines, and fluid changes.
  3. Recycle used tires.

Community Involvement

  1. Underwrite or sponsor an environmental or conservation special event.
    • Your organization can gain points in many different ways, from Adopting a Highway for trash removal, to sponsoring a special event like the Ozarks One Conference.
    • Ozarks Environment (http://www.ozarksenvironment.com/calendar.html) is a website dedicated to advancing and promoting conservation and environmental activities, events, and initiatives in the Southwest Missouri region. The site is designed for use by organizations, community members, educators, students, and businesses who have an interest in the environmental integrity of our Earth as a whole. Refer to this site for a calendar of events to become involved with. The website is maintained by Choose Environmental Excellence, one of the partners of Ozarks Green Score.
  2. Join or support an environmental (conservation/advocacy/education) organization.
  3. Provide incentives to employees who volunteer for service projects or special events.
    • Providing incentives to employees, even small ones, sometimes is the encouragement needed to spur environmental excellence. Sometimes an inter-office competition can be helpful as well. As an example, an inter-office competition may encourage more employees than originally intended to participate in walk to work or bike to work weeks.

Landscaping and Maintainance

  1. Qualify for the Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods designation.
    • "Available to residential or business lawns, SMY&N offers alternatives to the traditional lawn care practices that contribute to runoff of contaminants and excess nutrients."
    • Practices to consider include: installing a rain garden, using a rain barrel, mowing your grass taller (3.5 to 4 inches), allowing clover to "fix" nitrogen in your lawn, and getting a soil test before you apply unnecessary fertilizers which may wash into the streams.
  2. Install rain sensors on in-ground irrigation systems, or verify that existing sensors are operating.
    • Simple, effective way to prevent sprinklers from coming on during or after precipitation. It easily installs on any automatic irrigation system, then shuts sprinklers off during a storm and keeps them off, automatically compensating for the amount of rainfall produced by the storm.
  3. Install soil moisture sensors on in-ground irrigation systems.
    • The sensor, buried ideally in the driest part of the lawn, overrides the automatic irrigation system if the lawn doesn't need water. This can have the potential to save gallons of unneeded water as well as save money on utilities bills.
  4. Facility has staff certified under the Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods program (professional landscaping companies only.)

Storm Water Management

  1. Establish a protocol to regularly inspect, and clean and maintain grounds and any on-site storm water facilities.
    • Most on-site storm water facilities are the maintenance responsibility of the property owner (either an individual property owner or property owners association). Examples include detention basins, drainageways, and inlets. This does not include street inlets or certain storm water facilities which are maintained by the City. Cleaning and maintenance includes removing trash/sediment/debris, repairing eroded areas, re-vegetating bare areas, and other maintenance as needed to ensure full functionality of the storm water drainage system and reduce pollutant wash-off. Check your city or county codes for guidelines. The following is an example from the City of Springfield Draft Storm Water Design Criteria Manual, see Chapter 12 http://www.springfieldmo.gov/egov/publicworks/storm_water/manual.html
  2. Have one or more trees to increase tree canopy proportionate to the site.
    • Trees can help to significantly reduce storm water runoff volume, which helps protect area waterways from pollution and physical degradation. It is recommended to consult an arborist for recommendations on tree species and location, taking into consideration native species with characteristics that maximize canopy interception (broadleaf evergreens and conifers) and have a high growth rate where appropriate. Using trees for stormwater management can help save taxpayer dollars. American Forests found that in Fayetteville, AR, increasing tree canopy from 27% to 40% would reduce stormwater runoff by 31%, valued at an additional $43 million in capital improvement savings (http://www.irwp.org/rbuffer.html). For more information, visit http://www.forestsforwatersheds.org
  3. Replace a portion of existing lawn with native landscaping to improve the absorption and infiltration of rainwater.
  4. Improve storm water management onsite through practices that reduce runoff or improve storm water quality.

Wastewater Mangement

  1. The facility has a program to properly manage and reduce discharge of fats, oil and grease in waste water.
  2. Proper inspection and maintenance of waste water treatment system (industrial pre-treatment, septic tanks, grease traps, solids filters/settling, etc.)
    • Proper maintenance of commercial septic tanks is very important. Depending on the business operation, the discharge could be similar to that or residential systems, or contain more hazardous chemicals such as cleaners and degreasers. Preventing discharge of untreated wastewater into ground water or surface water can be accomplished through proper use and maintenance of treatment systems. Here is some information about maintaining large capacity septic systems: http://www.deq.state.mt.us/wqinfo/swp/Factsheet_105_LCSS.pdf

Other Practices that Reduce Waste, Energy or Raw Materials

The last section of the Scorecard provides opportunities for organizations to list other projects that have reduced waste or energy at the facility. This is a BONUS category. Organizations that have implemented other projects to reduce energy consumption, raw material use and/or waste volume or toxicity can list them here to receive additional credit and score. These projects may be specific to the process performed at the facility and have been effective in reducing energy consumption, raw material usage or the amount of waste generated from the process. Projects may also include substituting less hazardous materials for more hazardous or toxic materials. Many times, these projects have been implemented as part of regular process improvements to reduce waste and operational costs.

The Ozarks GreenScore program is intended to promote the adoption of existing waste reduction and energy efficient practices while encouraging new innovative practices that can be shared with other organizations. The scorecard cannot identify all opportunities for all organizations. Therefore, this section was provided for organizations to list specific projects and receive credit for their efforts.

The following are some examples of projects. This is not an exhaustive list. It is only intended to provide examples and ideas. An organization may have implemented a best practice normally used in its' industry or unique to its operations.

Examples:

  • Have an Environmental Management System (EMS)
    • The organization has developed and implemented an EMS. The EMS should address compliance, the prevention of pollution and continual improvement. See ISO 14001.
  • Participate in Ozarks Carbon Exchange Fund
  • Installed an automated Energy Management System
    • An Energy Management System requires procedures and controls to efficiently manage the electricity and natural gas consumption at the facility. www.chainleader.com
  • Building is LEED certified
    • The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
    • Commercial buildings as defined by standard building codes are eligible for certification under the LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, LEED for Retail, LEED for Schools and LEED for Core & Shell rating systems. Building types include – but are not limited to – offices, retail and service establishments, institutional buildings (e.g., libraries, schools, museums and religious institutions), hotels and residential buildings of four or more habitable stories. If you are unsure whether your building project is a candidate for LEED certification, review the LEED Rating System Checklist that applies to your project to tally a potential point total. Your project is a viable candidate for certification if it meets all prerequisites and can achieve the minimum number of points necessary to earn the Certified level. For more information see www.usbgc.org
  • Recycle gray water onsite
    • This strategy includes using gray water for irrigation purposes because it can include nutrients for the landscape and is also considered a pollutant or can have various negative effects on waterways and plumbing systems which can make them less efficient.
  • Other projects that are specific to the business or organization.
 

Presented By:

Ozarks Center For Sustainable Solutions Drury University SIFE Partnership For Sustainability