Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Sustainable-Business-Development--Benefiting-your-Community.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Sustainable-Business-Development--Benefiting-your-Community.html Sustainable Business Development was popularized just over 22 years ago by a report put out by the Brundtland Commission. The world economy was growing and throughout the late 60’s and into the 80’s world development advanced rapidly with little regard to the environment and the Brundtland Commission, which came out of the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, characterized ‘sustainable development’ as: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” As a business leader and entrepreneur, we can benefit from the agenda established as a result of these United Nation Conferences in order to combat Poverty, Change Unsustainable Patterns of Consumption and Protect Bio-Diversity and Natural Resources. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Adding-up-Points-for-LEED--a-numbers-game-for-SIPs.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Adding-up-Points-for-LEED--a-numbers-game-for-SIPs.html Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs, is a product that is becoming more popular with it's high energy saving potential and value in construction material and labor costs. A common marketing trend is to promote the many points that are achievable by using said product, and the common adage Caveat Emptor still applies. When rating a particular product that will be implemented into a building application being constructed for LEED credits, we have to consider two points of view that I refer to as Direct Application, or Indirect Application. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Reasons-to-Save-Energy.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Reasons-to-Save-Energy.html Companies can establish an agenda to save energy and create a program for all the employees to embrace. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Sleep-Mode-saves-Money.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Sleep-Mode-saves-Money.html The EPA recommends utilizing Sleep Mode over screen savers to save money and energy http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Recycling-in-the-Office-shows-good-Leadership.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Recycling-in-the-Office-shows-good-Leadership.html Many companies don't recognize the benefits of recycling, for improving the bottom line is often the motivating factor for implementing such programs; but it shouldn't be. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Improving-Indoor-Air-Quality.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Going-Green/2316/Improving-Indoor-Air-Quality.html Have you ever said, "I need to go outside for some fresh air"? Or, how about the smell of new carpet, fresh paint, or experienced that "new car" smell. These odors are the off-gassing of VOC's, or Volatile Organic Compounds and your clients that enter your office may get the wrong impression, never to return again.