More companies are prone to putting down greener roots these days, according to a recent survey on facility sustainability from Raleigh, NC-based Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium.
Businesses are using increasingly techniques such as designing a building so that it significantly reduces the amount of water needed for operation. Or they’re interested in locating a site so that it does not disturb any nearby wetlands, soil or streams, according to the survey. And more companies are installing systems to allow them to capture wastewater for reuse.
“While businesses are still seeking to achieve an acceptable ROI for their green building initiatives, they are also beginning to show a greater general concern for the environment,” said Bruce Tompkins, executive director of Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium. “Decisions are still being made based on the bottom line, but this general concern shows that companies are increasing their triple bottom line – benefiting three elements: people, planet and profit.”
According to the report, 65% of the survey respondents said they always locate their site away from floodplains, prime farmland, habitats for endangered or threatened species, and wetlands. And 67% always eliminate all pollution from the building to control erosion, runoff to storm sewers or local waterways, and dust generation.
Advancements in controls technology have led to increased efficiencies in buildings and facilities, the survey says. Controls for HVAC, lighting, CO2 and other systems are now being managed with total building systems to optimize the comfort and safety of occupants and minimize energy, water and emissions.