Implementing “GREEN”
…It’s more than a few safer cleaning chemicals
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1) OVERESTIMATING THE OLD &
UNDERESTIMATING THE NEW
• We all hear about “Green” Cleaning & how a variety of
organizations are jumping on the “Green Bandwagon”
• Why go “Green” ?
* Because “Green” cleaning IS PROVEN:
- safer & healthier for cleaning workers, building occupants
and the environment
- easy to start and making a difference is quick and
gratifying
- there are various ways to start
1) OVERESTIMATING THE OLD &
UNDERESTIMATING THE NEW
* Because “Green” cleaning IS PROVEN:
- with products that work as well as or better than traditional
products - for the most part
- to be an effective tool to differentiate your offering and
therefore hold & keep your customers and grow new ones
- to be no more costly over the short term and can mean
savings over the long term as “Green Cleaning” improves
productivity
1) OVERESTIMATING THE OLD &
UNDERESTIMATING THE NEW
• In their book “Flight of the Buffalo”, James Belasco and Ralph
Stayer write, “Change is hard because people overestimate
the value of what they have - and underestimate the value of
what they may gain by giving it up.”
• Many end customers and distributors are overly comfortable
with the traditional cleaning products they have used and sold
for years. They are a known quantity
• It is time to realize that “Green Cleaning” provides a variety of
health and economic benefits to end-use customers and
service providers; and for distributors…they open doors and
provide opportunities
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
- “Green cleaning” is not a passing fad…It is here to stay
- you can either grasp the change and use it to capitalize on
positive change for you and your organization
OR
- you can let the opportunities go to others
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
Common Misconceptions…
• Green products are more expensive
• Green products are not as effective
• Green cleaning is too complicated
In Reality…
• Green products are competitively priced/cost neutral
• Green products can be more effective and have higher ROI
• A good program is easy to monitor, train and maintain
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
Green Cleaning is real and here to stay!
• Over 1000 registered LEED projects (1000-2000
unregistered)
• Federal / State / Provincial Agencies
• Cities / States
• School Districts / Universities / Colleges
• Hospitals / Nursing Homes
• Private Building Owners and Large Companies
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
As Stephen Ashkin, a leading “Green” consultant clearly says:
• It matters to workers and unions if cleaning products are
carcinogenic, reproductive toxins, neurotoxins, readily
absorbed through the skin, etc.
• It matters to building occupants, parents of school children
and health advocates if products are respiratory irritants,
developmental toxins, asthmagens, etc.
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
• It matters to environmentalists if cleaning products are derived
from non-renewable resources, contain no recycled content,
pollute air, are toxic to aquatic life, accumulate in the
environment, etc.
• It matters to governments and the green-building community
in general if cleaning products used by their custodial staff
and contractors violate their green initiatives
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
• It matters to schools if the cleaning chemicals can improve
attendance and student performance on standardized tests
• It matters to Universities and Colleges if they can market their
facilities as being safer for their students
• It matters to hospitals and nursing homes if they can reduce
nosocomial infections and occupational exposure to staff
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
Product Users
• Improves health
• Helps reduce Worker’s Comp claims and premiums
• Helps reduce turnover, which in turn impacts:
- Recruiting
- Hiring
- Training
- Impact of service
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
• Purchasing analysis shows that yearly janitorial supply costs
actually drop after a few months of instituting proper green
cleaning and maintenance system
• Using proper equipment with adequate training and education,
combined with using effective, non-toxic cleaning solutions,
results in lower operating and maintenance costs, faster, more
effective cleaning improved performance
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
Building Owners & Managers:
• Helps Reduce Complaints
• Helps Increase Tenant Retention and Satisfaction
• Helps Increase Profitability
-
Vacancy Costs
Sales
Space Improvements
• Marketing/Differentiation Opportunities
• Avoid Regulations
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
Building Tenants/Occupants:
• Increases Health
• Improves Productivity
• Reduces Litigation Potential
• Marketing/ Differentiation Opportunities
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
The Environment … save annually on WASTE:
• 6 Billion pounds of chemicals
• 35 Billion plastic trashcan liners
• 4.5 Billion pounds of janitorial paper
• 500 Million pounds of equipment
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
• Reduces environmental and
health impacts
• Reduces regulatory and
inspection load
• Reduces absenteeism and
associated health care
costs
• Reduces overall costs over
long-term
• Reduces liability, legal costs
and insurance
2) GREEN CLEANING IS
CUSTOMER DRIVEN
• Improves Indoor Air Quality
• Insures healthier facility
• Improves quality of work life
& moral
• Improves tenant satisfaction
• Improves tenant retention
• Improves grades and
attendance in education
• Improves employee
retention
It’s GOOD Business!!!
3) NOW LET’S REVIEW
4) What is “Green Cleaning”
5) Why go “Green Cleaning”?
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
Safer for cleaning workers, building occupants and
visitors, and the environment
Easy to do
Various components
Works as well
Helps differentiate
No more costly & can improve productivity
“Green Buildings” Saves Costs
3) NOW LET’S REVIEW
6) Implementing Green/Various Components
6.1 Chemicals
6.2 Micro Fiber
6.3 Entrance Matting
6.4 Liners
6.5 Procedures,Training, Workloading and Scheduling
6.6 Communications
6.7 Recycle Programs/Waste Reduction/Conservation
6.8 Equipment and Custodial Hardware
6.9 Filters
6.10 Paper
6.11 Ice Melters
6.12 Pest Management
6.13 People with Special Needs
6.14 Your Supplier
WE WILL THEN REVIEW
7) Conclusion
8) Q’s and A’s
4) WHAT IS “GREEN CLEANING”
• “…Products and services that reduce the health and
environmental impacts compared to similar products and
services used for the same purpose.”
• “…Cleaning to protect health without harming the environment
• Not just one or two chemicals, not even all chemicals,
includes various components such as:
- Cleaning chemicals
- Paper
- Liners
- Equipment
- Training
- Etc.
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.1)
Proven safer for cleaning workers, building occupants
and visitors, and the environment
People affected in three ways:
- direct contact of cleaning chemicals (cleaning workers)
- indirect contact of cleaning chemicals (building occupants)
- Indoor air quality (all)
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.1) PROVEN SAFER
Direct Contact:
• 6 out of every 100 janitors are injured on the job
• 40% of these injuries involve eye irritations or burns
• 36% of these injuries involve skin irritations or burns
• 20% of these injuries are severe chemical burns to the eyes
and skin
• 12% of these injuries involve breathing chemical fumes
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.1) PROVEN SAFER
Indirect Contact:
• Sit on / Lean on / Touch cleaned items
• Chemical residues get absorbed through the skin
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.1) PROVEN SAFER
Indoor Air Quality:
• Poor indoor air quality can produce health effects in
occupants ranging from headaches and dry eyes to nausea,
dizziness and fatigue; and the possible development of
asthma and multiple chemical sensitivity
• These health effects contribute to increased absenteeism/sick
days, low moral and decreased worker productivity
• A study of school districts in the greater Washington DC area
found that there was a direct correlation between indoor air
quality and both attendance and performance of their students
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.1) PROVEN SAFER
Indoor Air Quality:
• Much of the dramatic increase in asthma among school-age
children is the result of poor air quality related to inadequate
building maintenance and cleaning, and the exposure to
overly toxic cleaning chemicals
• Indoor air quality is ranked among the nations’ top 5
environmental risks. IAQ can be 2 to 100 times as worse
than the outdoors
• The World Health Organization estimates that 30% of all
buildings experience IAQ problems
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.1) PROVEN SAFER
• Improved cleaning methods and safer cleaning chemicals
can very positively affect the indoor air quality, worker and
occupant health and the environment
• Clearly, eliminating the toxic ingredients from cleaning
products would bring tremendous benefits to society – in
reduced occupational diseases and cancer and cleaner air
and water
• The main reason for going “green” is for the health of
yourself, your staff, and the occupants and visitors to your
facilities
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.2)
Easy to start and make a difference; quick and
gratifying
• Change one item, in one building, then add items and/or
buildings
• Change one building, then add buildings and/or other
components
• Going “green” is a journey, not a destination
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.3)
•
Various Components:
Some are more difficult and costly to change:
•
•
•
•
•
•
HVAC
Energy Source
Lighting
- Type
- Relamping
Insulation
- Type
- R-Factor
Type of glass, roof, building materials, etc.
Resources: - $
- manpower
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.3)
Various Components:
•
Some are easier and not costly to change:
-
Cleaning Chemicals
Micro Fiber – cloths, dust
mops, damp/scrub mops
Entrance matting system
Liners
Procedures, training,
workloading, scheduling
Communications
-
-
Waste programs
Equipment
Filters
Paper
Ice melters
Pest management
Your Supplier
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.3)
Various Components:
• Likely can not do all at once
• But do something
• Pick the on that best fits your
priorities, resources, timeline, etc.
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.4) It works as well or better than traditional products
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.4) Works as well
• If you pick the right product, it will work as well or better
• Some major users have had “green” cleaning chemicals for
6 to 10 years. If the products did not work as well, they
would not continue to use
• Perception:
doesn’t smell harsh – therefore doesn’t work
doesn’t burn the eyes – therefore doesn’t work
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.4) Works as well
• Might have to let sit longer
• Might have to adjust
procedures slightly
• Might have to leave one or
two chemicals that are “not
green” for occasional use
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.4) Works as well
Key is to pick products for your:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Location
Soil types
Equipment
Frequencies
Substrates
People
Etc.
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.5) To help differentiate your offering – make you different
Therefore, helping keep existing customers
and growing new ones
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.5) Differentiation
• The key is to “really” know your stuff
• The perception is that going “green” is difficult, confusing,
mixed messages, etc.
• Therefore, people will gravitate to those they feel are their
local expert
• If you think you know “green”, but your prospects believe
others are more knowledgeable, you will find it difficult to
use “green” to help your customers as well as using “green”
to grow new customers
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.5) Differentiation
• Customers want someone that can help develop a “turn key”
program that will deliver the promised results – easily and
quickly
• If they do not think you can – they will find someone who
can
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.6) Going “Green” is no more costly over the short term,
and can mean savings over the long term as “Green”
cleaning improves productivity
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.6) No more costly and improves productivity
• “Green” cleaning can help to improve IAQ
• IAQ can improve worker productivity by more than thirty
minutes per day. According to Stephen Ashkin, “Those
minutes might be saved by reducing the frequency of
blowing a nose, rubbing an eye, or dealing with an allergeninduced headache, not to mention calls to doctors and
pharmacies and time wasted discussing these maladies with
coworkers.”
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.6) No more costly and improves productivity
• This increase in productivity can translate into considerable
savings. The cost of salaries and benefits in a Class A office
building is approximately $150 per square foot, according to
the Building Owners and Managers Association
International. Even a conservative three-minute-per-day
improvement in productivity, Ashkin says, can result in a
savings of 75 cents per square foot for business owners
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.7) “GREEN Buildings” Saves Costs
A.
First-Cost Savings:
–
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B.
Streamlined permitting and approvals
Reduced infrastructure costs
Construction waste disposal
Downsizing of mechanical equipment
Tax credits and other incentives
Reduced Operating costs:
–
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–
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Energy
Water
Durability and Repairs
Cleaning and Maintenance
Reduced Waste
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.7) “GREEN Buildings” Saves Costs
C.
Health and Productivity Benefits:
–
–
–
D.
Improved Health
Reduced Absenteeism
Improved Learning
Community Benefits:
–
Reduced demand on Municipal Services
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.7) “GREEN Buildings” Saves Costs
E.
Environmental Benefits:
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Reduced Global Warming Impacts
Minimize Ozone Depletion
Reduced Resource Extraction Impacts
Reduced Toxic Emissions
Reduced Energy and Other Impacts of Transporting Materials
Reduced Contributions to Local & Regional Air Pollution
Reduced Local and Regional Water Pollution
Reduced Urban Heat Islands
Protection of Biodiversity
Increased Environmental Awareness
5) WHY GO “GREEN CLEANING”?
5.7) “GREEN Buildings” Saves Costs
F.
Social Benefits
–
–
Support of Sustainable Economics
Support of Companies with Social Responsible Policies
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.1) Cleaning Chemicals
•
The hazards of continuing to choose traditional cleaning
chemicals are increasing risks to the health and safety of
yourself, your cleaning staff and all building occupants. In
addition, you are contributing to the widespread damage
to the environment for future generations
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.1) Cleaning Chemicals
In a recent survey of 32 facilities in Richmond, California, for
250 janitorial products in use, the findings were:
–
–
7% should not be used as they could cause cancer or
were very damaging to the environment
56% require extreme care as the ingredients can cause
blindness, severe skin damage, interfere with the
endocrine system, or be absorbed through the skin or
inhaled and subsequently cause damage to the blood,
liver, kidneys, nervous system or a developing fetus
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.1) Cleaning Chemicals
•
•
•
Where possible, use concentrated and closed dispensing
systems
Use only Certified ‘Green Seal’ (GS-37) or ‘Environmental
Choice Program’ (CCD-146, 147, 148, 104) where
categories exist
If no category, balance performance with exposure time
and ability of the products to meet as many of the criteria
of either Green Seal or Environmental Choice Programs.
Make manufacturers prove their claims
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.1) Cleaning Chemicals
•
That is the easiest, simplest and safest way for users to
be sure that they are in fact using products PROVEN to
be safer. Unless you have the time, chemistry background
and receive all necessary info and 3rd party verification
from the manufacturer, you are at the mercy of misleading
and false claims, and can be held negligent
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.1) Cleaning Chemicals
•
For all chemicals – avoid / minimize the use of aerosols
•
Minimize atomizing chemicals
•
Use toggle top bottles or spray chemicals onto clothes
•
For more information on “Green Cleaning Chemicals”
Review the PowerPoint Presentation “Implementing Safer
Cleaning Chemicals” or the 3 “Why” brochures
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.2) Micro Fiber
•
•
•
•
Cloths
Dust mops
Damp / Scrub mops
Finish mops
•
•
•
•
Reduces labor; up to 70%
Increases performance; up to 6 times
Cut chemical waste; up to 80%
Reduces mop drag; and therefore fatigue
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.3) Entrance Matting System/ Dirt Walk Off Mats
•
•
•
•
•
Stop dirt before it gets in the building and at the entrance
ways
80-90% of all dirt gets tracked in on feet
System: - Outside/ Vestibule/ Entrance
- Scrub / Scrub & Dry / Dry
All pedestrian entrances, garage entrances, shipping &
receiving areas, freight elevators, etc.
Vinyl vs. Rubber – choose rubber as it is felt vinyl uses
manufacturing processes and produces components that
are less safe for people and the environment
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.4) Liners
•
•
•
Ensure correct size
Reduce use
Select correct material for task
– High quality re-pro (pre & post production) for light duty
– High alpha olefin (HAO) for heavy duty tasks (less raw
material use, less energy to produce, less packaging,
less material handling and transportation, and less
impact on landfill sites)
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.5) Procedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling
 Ideas/Considerations
– Dwell time, dilution rates (impact of over and under
dilutions), correct product for task, temperature (hot vs.
cold)
– Proper use of chemicals and equipment
– Clean areas based on traffic patterns
– Adequate dust mopping/vacuuming
– Vacuum over dust mopping
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.5) Procedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling
 Ideas/Considerations
• Inventory of all chemicals on site & review
• Vacuum/sweep outside by all entrance ways
• Deep clean to prevent the tracking of soil
• Do not use cleaning products or topical treatments
that leave sticky residue
• Where & how to empty dust mops
• Look for ways to reduce exposures, reduce harsh
products, identify inefficiencies
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.5) Procedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling
 Consider non-chemical cleaning opportunities
• Squeegees for glass & mirrors
• Micro fiber to reduce chemical use
• Mechanical snakes to open drains
• Steam/vapor cleaning
• Pressure cleaning
• Waterless urinals to reduce water use, use of harsh
chemicals, energy savings, sewage treatment
 Invest in proper procedural training and workloading.
Consider day cleaning and team cleaning
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.5) Procedures, Training, Workloading and Scheduling
Develop a Plan & Work the Plan
•
Identify what and how to clean which areas how frequently
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.6) Communication
• Stewardship - everyone needs to understand that
this all have an impact on the facilities environment
• Internally & Externally
• Educate & Inform on what, why, how, benefits
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.6) Communication
• Need to influence behavioral changes
- accept change
- give time (30-60 days) to prove it works
- ask for input ideas
- ask for all to help by being neat & tidy, not eating at
their desks, keeping their personal space
“cleanable” so that the cleaning staff can do their
job, etc.
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.7) Recycle Programs
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Paper
Cans
Plastic
Wet versus Dry
Water Energy Conservation
Energy Conservation
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.8) Equipment & Custodial Hardware
• Vacuums
• Extractors
- CRI Green Label Program
- Maximize moisture removal
- Only use ones with high
- Water conservation
efficiency filters (HEPA)
- Ability to heat water
• Floor Machines
• Durability, Longevity, ROI,
- Attachments to collect
Uptime
dust
• Use of post-consumer
- Energy use
recycled content
- Noise level/noise pollution
- carts, buckets,
- Increased productivity
wringers,mop handles,
• Enhance Ergonomics
recycling bins, etc.
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.9) Filters
• HEPA for vacs
• What about for the HVAC
- proper ones
- proper cleaning and/or replacement
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.10) Paper
• Green Seal or ECP Certified = BEST
• If not, look at:
- Post Consumer content (not just recycled or
pre-consumer recycled) of 20%+ for toilet tissue
and 40%+ for hand towels
- processed chlorine free
- larger rolls (versus small ones or “folded”)
- touch free dispenser
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.11) Ice Melters
• Effect on sidewalks, vegetation/landscaping, floors
• Application frequency
• Cheapest is not the most effective overall
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.12) Pest Management
• Prevent pests from entering the building
• Manage food sources, moisture and nesting areas
• Eliminate or minimize entry at dock
• Keep all truck areas clean
• Use of toxic pest methods when necessary to
eliminate pests
• Pre-notify occupants prior to application
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.13) People with Special Needs
• Identify the building occupants with individual needs
and sensitivities
• Develop a plan to address those needs
• Change products, procedures, cleaning schedules,
frequencies as required
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.14) Your Supplier = KEY
• They can assist in - product selection
- trouble shooting
- training
- developing programs
- implementing programs
- bringing specialized resources to assist
- offering lease or equal payment options
- etc.
• They can provide the benefits of single source supply for all
your “Green” components
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.14) Your Supplier = KEY
• Going “Green” can be relatively easy to do
• Select a “Partner Supplier” that can make it easy for
you based on your objectives, priorities, resources, etc.
• REMEMBER - going “Green” is more than just
switching a couple of chemicals. It is a comprehensive
program of integrated resources
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
6.14) Your Supplier = KEY
• Pick a partner with PROVEN:
- Experience
- Knowledge
- Resources
- Added value
- Full product offering
- Ability to train
- Commitment
• Start the “GREEN” journey and begin reaping the
benefits to all
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
10 Steps
Goal= to develop and implement a program that creates
the healthiest and productive facility possible for the
cleaning workers, building occupants and visitors while at
the same time minimizing adverse impacts on the
environment.
Program= must be comprehensive, integrated and tailored
to the specific needs of the building and occupants, along
with all the chemicals, tools and equipment used to
maintain the facility, plus training, workplanning and loading
in order to meet the goal
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
10 Steps
1. Reach an Agreement- specifically what, when, how, etc.
2. Build the Team- members from all stakeholders that are
held responsible to “get it done”
3. Conduct Baseline Surveys - need to know specifically
where starting from
- to include an inventory of existing cleaning chemicals,
tools, equipment, etc
- should also include appraisals of overall housekeeping
quality, procedures, training, frequencies, and IAQ
problems, complaint records, etc.
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
10 Steps
4. Develop a Plan- set priorities, and determine what gets done
when
5. Get Everyone on Board- important to have all parties
included in the process, understanding how and why things
are being done etc.
6. Acquire “Green” Products and Equipment - chemicals
- entrance matting
- vacuums
- micro fiber
- etc.
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
10 Steps
7. Training in “Green” Cleaning- opportunity for the
adoption of learning the most up-to-date procedures
8. Implement the Plan, Products, Procedures- important to
get things done, something/anything, not just spend time
thinking and planning
9. Take Responsibility- once initiated, ensure all
management and staff responsible for cleaning and the
building occupants and visitors share in the responsibility of
maintaining to progress
6) IMPLEMENTING “GREEN”
10 Steps
10. Communicate and Provide Feedback
- vital
- measure results and communicate them to all
- what gets measured and monitored gets done
7) CONCLUSIONS
•
Going “Green” has proven over & over that there are
many benefits
•
Improved health & safety of the users of the products
and the occupants & visitors to the building is the most
important
•
The benefits to the environment, the positive effect on
overall long term cost, the potential increase in
productivity, are other important benefits. And there are
more
7) CONCLUSIONS
•
However, to effect change, it takes strong leadership
and committed effort
•
You can do it! There are plenty of resources to assist in
the development of a plan and program. You need to
provide the leadership and a committed effort to see the
task completed
•
Do not overestimate what you have - and
underestimate the value of what you may gain - by
giving up the old
Q’s & A’s
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Please be sure to visit our web site’s “Resource Center” for ‘Green’ “Presentations
& Reports” as well as “Other Helpful Sites”!