The opportunities for green repair projects in institutional and commercial facilities go beyond installing high-profile, sustainable features, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels or a vegetative roof.
By establishing sustainability goals focusing on the repair process, as well as physical-design decisions for retrofits, maintenance and engineering managers can reduce the environmental impact related to a range of projects. This approach allows renovations to become a part of an organization's overall sustainability efforts.
To implement a green repair project, managers and the rest of the project team must consider these issues: maintain healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) by minimizing adverse impacts of project processes on the building and the environment; purchasing environmentally responsible materials used in the project; and properly handling unneeded materials.
Advance planning, establishing goals in each of these categories, and setting clear responsibilities will set up the project for success.
Green Renovations Should Focus on IAQ, Purchasing, Material Handling
Green Renovations: Best Practices for Preserving IAQ
Green Purchasing: Consider VOCs, Water Use, Energy Efficiency
Waste Management: Tips for Recycling, Reuse During Renovation Projects
