Supply Chains Are Putting Down Greener Roots

A recent survey on facility sustainability conducted by Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium shows that more companies are prone to putting down greener roots these days. Techniques such as designing a building so that it significantly reduces the amount of water needed for operation, or locating a site so that it does not disturb any nearby wetlands, soil or streams, are being utilized by more companies, according to the survey.

In addition, more companies are installing systems to allow them to capture waste water for reuse.

“While businesses are still seeking to achieve an acceptable ROI for their green building initiatives, they are also beginning to show a greater general concern for the environment,” says Bruce Tompkins, executive director of Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium and author of the report. “Decisions are still being made based on the bottom line, but this general concern shows that companies are increasing their triple bottom line—benefiting three elements: people, planet and profit.”

Data from the report shows that 65% of the survey respondents always locate their site away from floodplains, prime farmland, habitats for endangered or threatened species, and wetlands. And 67% always eliminate all pollution from the building to control erosion, runoff to storm sewers or local waterways, and dust generation.

Another finding from the survey shows how advancements in controls technology have led to greatly increased efficiencies in buildings and facilities. Controls for HVAC, lighting, CO2 and other systems are now being managed with total building systems to optimize the comfort and safety of occupants and minimize energy, water and emissions. (See tables for more details.)