OUR OFFICE BUILDINGS AND
skyscrapers are right up there with cars as CO2 emitters. In fact, the nation’s office buildings account for 17% of all CO2 greenhouse gasses emitted. Happily, many states and counties are beginning to use LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Envoironmental Design) to make new developments more sustainable by using water and energy conservation, passive and photovoltaic solar systems, non-toxic and recycled materials, and energy effi cient cooling and heating systems.(www.usgbc.org.)

Arthur Court Designs was the fi rst office building in our industrial park in Brisbane, California to be solar powered. In 2005, we put a 30kW photovoltaic solar system on the roof (shown opposite). In the summer, the system generates more energy than the building uses which accrues credits with Pacific Gas & Electric for the winter months. The system cost $245,000, the California rebate was $87,000, and yearly energy saving is 73%. So far the system has avoided emitting more than 85,000 pounds of CO2 greenhouse gases. (To check the system’s output go to www. fatspaniel.com. Click on Live Sites, scroll down to MC Solar Engineering, and click on Arthur Court Designs.) We also installed fl orescent lighting – which consumes 50% less energy then conventional lighting – and office light sensors that automatically go on when someone enters a workspace and turn off within seconds of leaving.

Since we had to replace a 30-year-old roof, we installed a white plastic membrane that refl ects light rays and keeps the building cooler during the summer months. In 2006, our business was recognized by the Sustainable San Mateo County. Awards committee for our conservation efforts. We started our efforts early on. In 1996, we landscaped our grounds with drought-resistant vegetation including cacti, sage, lavenders, and native plants. We incorporated open space and rock gardens with a labyrinth for a walking meditation, creating a beautiful, environmentally friendly area. Our landscape uses a drip irrigation system which soaks the ground around the vegetation and avoids wasting water. Watering in the evenings also helps conserve water from evaporation. Our entire staff recycles glass, plastic, aluminum cans, and paper. Each desk has two waste receptacles; one for organic waste, the other for paper. Glass, plastic, and aluminum are recycled in the kitchen. We buy 30% recycled paper for offi ce use. Our warehouse purchases 30 to 40% recycled cardboard for shipping. Our protective packing material is recycled cardboard, avoiding the use of styrofoam whenever possible. All metal and cardboard waste is recycled, as well as discarded Arthur Court aluminum, which is a pure aluminum alloy.

All of our old computers are recycled. In 1990, California was charged with reducing its landfi ll 50% by 2000 which, for the most part, was achieved. Today, California has numerous innovative recycling programs to make use of what we throw away. (www.ciwmb.ca.gov) Supporting public or private programs that encourage alternative energies and recycled waste programs promotes research and viability. We helped fund San Francisco schools’ zero waste program that involves students and parents. We appreciate the beauty of our planet and know it’s worth putting effort and resources to making our presence sustainable. It is, after all, the planet’s resources which allow us to survive.