Mailing Systems Technology - September/October 2008 - (Page 38) In this country alone, our buildings are responsible for Some studies have been made confirming that implementing efficient alternatives will reduce energy and consumption and can realistically bring a positive outcome in your bottom line. For example, the new building for Adobe Headquarters in San Jose, California, has invested approximately $1.4 million for energy and environmental retrofits These retrofits have resulted in approximately $1.2 million in annual savings and $380,000 in rebates, for a total ROI of approximately 121%, according to a study distributed by the company. Larry Laque, an executive for Discovery Communications, Inc. (Discovery Channel), in the process of renovating one of its buildings, pointed to several changes the company had made. Green-handled, low-flush toilets were installed in every restroom. Three 400-gallon tanks in the garage store rainwater to irrigate the company’s lawn. Additionally, numerous unnecessary light bulbs, such as vending machine lights, had been removed. “I do believe it is a lot of little things that add up,” Laque states. “We are a big part of the problem, but we are also a big part of the solution.” Sometimes simple and ingenuous solutions can generate great benefits. A large facility in California is using far less electricity since a daytime janitorial schedule was implemented in 2002. Techniques such as shutting off staff lighting at 6:00 PM has reduced electricity consumption by 8% — a utility savings of $100,000 annually. Solutions in the realm of global warming are being researched across the board in most of the industries. In an article posted by Barry Sanel from Barry Sanel Packaging Advisors, about the Packaging Summit in Chicago in May 2008, sustainability was present in nearly each and every booth. Sanel writes about a device made by Recycletech that grinds up and melts down styrofoam waste. For example, the Outlook Group presented a label printer with pressure sensitive labels that are supplied on an ultra thin “microliner.” This liner claims to be 100% recyclable and allows the label roll to hold up to 30% more labels. Since the label liner is wasted 100% after application, this is a good way to minimize this waste stream, Sanel says. He proceeds, 38 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2008 | WWW.MAILINGSYSTEMSTECHNOLOGY.COM http://www.thinkink.com http://www.thinkink.com http://www.MailingSystemsTechnology.com
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