More hospitals each year are embracing sustainable design by achieving the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification while constructing or retrofitting their facilities. The LEED program is administered by US Green Building Council using a strict set of criteria. As of 2013, only three hospitals had achieved Platinum LEED status, the pinnacle of…
Fostering a Sustainable Future for Your Career and Community | Aexcel
Sustainability has evolved from an interesting buzz-word in the halls of industry and academia into a comprehensive strategy shaping institutional initiatives and producing innovative, active solutions to some of society’s most perplexing issues. One pillar of sustainability initiatives is minimizing the negative effects of chemical and energy misuse. Renewable and sustainable energy sources, elimination of…
What’s Your Sustainable Competitive Advantage? I Aexcel
Sustainability and competitive advantage are no longer mutually exclusive concepts. As the public becomes more aware of the realities of environmental abuse, many consumers have begun to look to companies that are creatively employing sustainable practices. And many sustainable products and practices today are less expensive to use and not as capital intensive to buy…
Refine Your Vision of Sustainability Using Data | Aexcel
In my previous post I shared the importance of establishing a baseline for energy performance, setting goals and developing a plan as the first steps to a more sustainable operation. For public sector organizations hoping to identify existing conditions, I suggest contacting your State Energy Office. Many states offer basic energy audits at little, to…
Sustainability Innovations in the Hospitality Industry I Aexcel
Sustainability occupies a prominent place in the Mission Statements of many global companies. The successful execution of sustainable practices can clearly demonstrate corporate responsibility, endear customers, save resources, and even enhance profitability. Sustainability initiatives require top-to-bottom commitment to a philosophical change in a company’s business approach. Some of the major obstacles include the inevitable trade-offs…
3 Ways Asphalt and Concrete Are Affecting the Planet | Aexcel
Motor vehicle traffic and its accompanying pollution have been a major environmental concern for decades. With approximately 1.2 billion vehicles in operation today and more on the way, Earth’s atmosphere continues to absorb massive amounts of harmful emissions from a billion internal combustion engines on a daily basis.
20 Interesting Facts About America’s Soybeans | Aexcel
Soybeans have long been featured as the most versatile agricultural product in the world. While most soybean production ends up as components for animal feeds, a notable and growing percentage of the product can be found on retailer shelves in an amazing variety of products or in industrial applications that most would never have imagined.
Today’s Influential Sustainability Voices | Aexcel
As the need for global sustainability becomes increasingly recognized, politicians, company leaders, community groups, and individuals are proudly announcing their commitment to protect the planet for future generations. This is particularly true as more organizations realize the economic and marketing benefits of using and producing sustainable products and energy sources. The trend has taken on…
How to Improve Sustainability Within Your Supply Chain | Aexcel
As companies embrace sustainability and environmental friendliness, they frequently look for solutions developed by their competitors and organizations outside their industry facing similar challenges.
Sustainability: How Does Your Organization Define It? | Aexcel
Defining sustainability can be a moving target to say the least. Organizations must examine their own unique circumstances and challenges in formulating their long term sustainability strategies. Formulating strategy must begin with a well-defined goal and vision for organizational sustainability. This definition lays the groundwork for overall action.