by Hannah Korsmeyer
From shipping furniture to client houses and construction materials to job sites, to all of the packing materials used for product deliveries, plus the waste of old materials from renovations, it has become increasingly difficult in the interior design business to follow sustainable guidelines. Despite all of these issues, Alexa Interiors is doing their best to promote sustainability across the industry and has recently been awarded a Silver certified membership to the Colorado Green Business Network!
The Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN) offers three levels of certification for Colorado businesses looking to promote their sustainable efforts. Their goal as a company is to "support organizations throughout the state at any level of implementation in increasing the efficiency and sustainability of their operation through assessing opportunities for growth, recognizing success, and providing connections to like-minded businesses throughout the state" (CGBN).
The three levels of certification (Bonze, Silver, and Gold) can be achieved after submission of a CGBN application containing a baseline assessment of the business, completion of a policy and leadership section as well as a resource reduction section and a submission agreement. Alexa Interiors was able to achieve a Silver certification through several actions:
Replacing outdated windows in the office with more insulative double paned fiberglass windows to reduce heating efforts and costs.
Turning off computers, lights, and a programmable thermostat to reduce energy outputs.
Working directly with contractors to improve recycling or repurposing of jobsite materials.
Replacing the previous lighting system with 'zone' lighting so we can reduce energy by turning off zones when not in use.
Donating unused or slightly used building materials and furniture to local locations, such as Habitat for Humanity, EAPL, and the Evergreen Center for Arts.
Whether you're a business or an individual, practicing sustainability in your daily activities can make a huge difference to our community's environment and the ecosystems around us. If you're wondering how to be more sustainable, don't worry, we've got you covered with some easy and wallet-friendly tips!
Energy Consumption: Let's start with the basics! Be mindful of your energy usage. Turn off lights when you don't need them, open those windows instead of cranking up the AC, and consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs. These small changes not only help the planet but also keep some extra bucks in your pocket!
Solar Power Savings: Here comes the sun, and it's ready to power your home! Solar panels may have a high upfront cost, but fear not, they pay for themselves in just 6-8 years. From then on, you'll enjoy free energy – a win for both you and Mother Nature!
Water-Wise Living: Water, water everywhere, but let's not waste it! Be conscious of your water consumption, and you'll contribute to conserving this precious resource. Every drop counts!
Waste Not, Want Not: Recycling and composting should be your new best friends. Reducing waste is a crucial step in the sustainability journey. Let's keep our planet clean and green!
Energy Star Appliances and Efficient Windows: Time to upgrade! Swap out those old appliances for Energy Star-rated ones, and you'll save energy and money in the long run. Don't forget about those windows too – invest in ones with high insulative values to keep your home cozy without excessive energy use.
Sustainable Renovations: Thinking about giving your home a fresh look? Opt for sustainable materials with a long-lasting rating. Reclaimed hardwood flooring, beautiful bamboo, and roof shingles made from recycled rubber are fantastic choices. Less waste, more savings – it's a win-win!
There you have it! By incorporating these simple practices into your daily life, you can make a big impact on our environment and create a greener future for all of us. Let's join hands and make Evergreen truly "green" again! Together, we can make a difference!
- AI xo
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