As sustainability practices are on the rise within forestry, tree farming, pallet production, and wood recycling, more companies are beginning to bring environmental practices and awareness into their facilities. The benefits of these changes not only help the environment but can also provide cost savings, as well as benefit the employees with a brighter, less toxic work environment.
In 2017, Larson Packaging Company in Milpitas, California, installed solar panels from Cool Earth Solar on the roof of their facility as well as transitioned to LED lighting throughout. Mark Hoffman, CEO of Larson shared about his company’s transition to a more energy efficient workplace. Prior to adding LED lighting, the company installed more efficient fluorescent bulbs with the help of a subsidy within the state of California. As they began to have conversations with a representative from Cool Earth Solar about installing solar panels, they found that the representative was also a lighting specialist. “We didn’t like the quality of light we had, and since we were in the process of expanding the facility, we had to make a decision on the type of lighting we wanted to put in,” recalled Hoffman.
California offers several tax incentives for installing LED lighting, as do other states. “First, we decided the LED was much cheaper in the long run. Second, it is much brighter as well as easier to maintain.” As a whole, everyone in the workplace has been pleased with the higher quality of light and the fact that LED bulbs do not have to be changed as frequently as fluorescent bulbs. You also don’t have to worry about safely disposing of the tubes if one breaks. “Initially, LED lighting is more expensive, but in the long run it is considerably cheaper when you consider maintenance, frequency of changing bulbs, and disposal of broken bulbs.”
The company also noticed that the brighter lights produced better quality products because they could see what they were doing. “A big benefit is that it has improved safety because you can see what you are doing when you are nailing and things like that, especially on dark winter mornings. I think the LED lighting has been great all around,” stated Hoffman. Also, it’s better for the employees because it’s more energizing, the light is like being outside.
Beyond the LED lighting, Larson has many other green practices in place. Hoffman said, “When customers come in, one of the first things I say is, ‘We’re really green. All of our wood is ground up and recycled. We recycle all of our corrugated and metal. Plastic and foam get recycled. And by the way, we put solar on the roof and we have LED lighting.’ People nod their heads. I don’t know if it affects their buying decision, but they may think that we are somewhat a more advanced company that’s in line with them and their values.”
Recycling has been a priority for Larson since the 1990s when wood waste first started being turned into particleboard. “We have almost zero waste… People appreciate not having a lot of garbage everywhere,” added Hoffman.
As with other companies in California, a lot of focus is on clean water retention. Many companies like Larson have bio retention ponds to help filter the water through plants in the area to make clean water for the storm drains. “It adds plants and green features to the industrial site, so that’s a little different too.”
Larson has also installed an electric charging point as more people drive electric vehicles. They can charge all day while at work and be ready for the commute home. With all of the green practices implemented at Larson, the employees see the advantages of low waste and better lighting, as well as have an appreciation for being a part of a “forward-thinking company that’s reinvesting in the company,” shared Hoffman.
While many companies are installing solar panels and LED lighting to decrease energy consumption and lower electric bills, there are other ways to create a more environmentally friendly, “green” space with benefits that reach beyond the utility bill.
Sharlyn Thacker is an interior designer with sustainable design consulting expertise as well as a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council Southwest Virginia Chapter (now part of the USGBC Greater Virginia Chapter). She is also a LEED Fellow, which is someone who has expertise in supporting companies that use the LEED framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.
When asked the benefits of choosing green practices in the workplace, Thacker’s immediate answer was that “it promotes employee satisfaction and retention.” Looking beyond lowering costs and utility bills, increasing company morale and unity is vital to successful green building practices.
“Employees are much happier and feel better when the company works to improve indoor air quality by removing mold, toxins, and cleaning air ducts,” said Sharlyn. While using low or no VOC paint and adhesives helps the toxicity in the environment, employees benefit from having cleaner air in the workplace. This not only affects the physical health of the workforce, but also their mental health.
Thacker shared other ways that green practices improve the work environment. Installing more windows or skylights to allow for natural light is important, but windows that allow employees to see trees and nature are even better. “Exposure to light, the rising and setting sun, regulates the circadian rhythm,” she explained. Providing outdoor areas with benches and tables for eating lunch and taking breaks gets workers out of the indoor environment and into the sunshine to boost energy and alertness. Beyond the practices themselves, teaching employees why these practices are in place increases their awareness, builds their understanding, and helps them transfer some of these same practices to their homes.
Other options for reducing waste and lowering costs are installing dual-flush toilets in the bathrooms as well as facilitating rooftop rainwater retention. This helps a company move toward net zero water by creating a balanced consumption and retention ratio. Harvesting rainwater conserves water resources, reduces water pollution, and reduces water costs.
While many companies recycle the products they build and materials they use, having a recycling program for products employees personally consume while at work also continues green practices on a different level. This also relates to the packaging used for shipping products, i.e.. customized, corrugated boxes vs. bubble wrap and plastic air pillows. The less plastic, the more sustainable packaging, the better.
Awareness and knowledge of environmental impacts is increasing with each generation. Thacker commented, “younger generations are beginning to expect this in the workplace.” They want to work for a company that makes green practices a priority.
While there is an initial cost to making these environmental changes, there are proven long-term benefits, both financially and environmentally, as well as in terms of human resources. Tax breaks for green practices change frequently and are also different for each state, so check with your tax advisor on those details.
