sustainability for nonprofits

2011PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE Environment

SUSTAINABILITY FOR NON PROFITSA Kickstart guide and green checklist for the nonprofit community to increase sustainability in the workplace

Cover | “Fluorescent light bulb” symbol by The Noun Project collection Link>

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This resource introduces the benefits of green design and operations, and provides insight on how to incorporate such practices into nonprofit facilities. What can you do on your own? And what can a design professional help you accomplish? With a variety of strategies, funding opportunities and active examples, this guide shows how your organization can begin to maximize benefits of being “green.”

5part.1

WHY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

9part.2

WHAT YOU CAN DO ON YOUR OWN

19part.3

WHAT A DESIGNER CAN HELP YOU DO

26RESOURCES

28YOUR CHECK LIST

4 │ SUSTAINABILITY FOR NONPROFITS

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Part.1

WHY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

organization to more effectively deliver its mission. Potential positive outcomes of sustainable design include cost savings and environmental benefits, such as increased energy efficiency. A less frequently discussed but significant benefit is the increased community stewardship that comes from a building that demonstrates to your community a more visible and tangible vision for living sustainably. There is a lot that can be achieved on your own, but bringing in a designer early in the process can help you think concretely about your facility’s growth over time and how to design for sustainability. By offering this guide to the nonprofit community, The 1% program of Public Architecture hopes to direct pro bono sustainable design services and green resources to those most in need.

Discussions about how to live and work more sustainably have become a part of our everyday lives, from the mainstream adoption of recycling to increased use of sustainable products (e.g., energy efficient light bulbs). In parallel, sustainable design has also become more commonplace through certification systems like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and use of environmental friendly building materials (e.g., non-toxic paints, solar panels, and low flow plumbing fixtures). But have the benefits of living sustainably reached all levels of society?

Sustainable design is defined as the creation of accessible, secure, healthy, and productive spaces that also have minimal environmental impact. It is also a tool that can help your

INTRODUCTION

6 │ SUSTAINABILITY FOR NONPROFITS WHY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

BENEFITS TO THE ENVIRONMENTThere is increasing evidence about how sustainable design can make a profound impact on our health, well being, and productivity. Examples of this im-pact can be seen in a variety of environments:

1. Sustainable design in healthcare environments can have therapeutic benefits. Patients have shorter hospital stays, require less pain medication, and have fewer minor postsurgical complications when their rooms have views of nature (Effects of Healthcare Environmental Design on Medical Outcomes, 2001).

2. Classrooms with more daylight resulted in 7-18% higher scores on end of year performance than classrooms with the least daylight (Heschong Mahone Group).

3. Green schools save on average 33% in energy expendi-tures than traditionally built schools. These are savings that can be used to pay for educational tools, such as com-puters and textbooks (Greening America’s Schools, 2006).

4. According to the EPA, levels of air pollutants indoors can be two to five (and in some cases up to one hundred) times higher than outdoor levels. Poor indoor air quality is strongly linked to asthma and 20 million estimated cases of absenteeism occur each year as a result of the disease (Asthma and Allergy Foundation).

These are just a few examples. Research on the benefits of green design is increasingly revealing the positive impact that sustainable design can bring to every type of environment.

See What a designer can help you do for more examples.

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BENEFITS TO YOUR BOTTOM LINEOne of the major perceived barriers to green build-ing is cost. Many parameters will affect the ultimate cost of a project, but multiple studies have shown that green buildings can cost the same if not less than conventional building construction.

While green design can sometimes have a higher upfront financial investment when compared to tra-ditional building, it is important to understand that a significant amount of the potential cost savings from sustainable building practices come from re-ductions in operating and energy costs of a building over time. (Such costs are also known as lifecycle costs.) In 2009, Greg Kats, a nationally recog-nized energy advocate, published a research report showing that the 2% cost increase that is typical to construct a green building can be offset with a 33% reduction in energy use.

The cost savings from being an occupant in a green building will allow your organization to put its resources towards providing more services, rather than gas bills, leading to a more effective delivery of your mission. A well-designed green building can be less expensive to maintain and operate, giving your organization increased control over maintenance expenditures. These factors help your building main-tain its value while reducing the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by your organization, i.e. offset-ting your carbon footprint.

Where can nonprofits find the funding to pay for green projects? Funding capital projects is often challenging, but increasingly there are funders who can help make sustainability upgrades or new green facilities more financially possible for nonprofit or-ganizations. Look for funding opportunities that are specific to your nonprofit’s service area. Many of the most interesting programs and subsidies are local or regional, rather than national, in nature.

Visit Resources for further information on sustain-ability cost estimating and financial incentives.

BENEFITS TO YOUR STAFF, CLIENTS & COMMUNITYGreen design helps create a healthy, comfortable environment for staff to deliver services to your clients. Embracing sustainability in your facility allows your organization to take a leadership role in the greening of your community.

The primary purpose of any building design is to provide conditions for human comfort. If you are planning a new building, working with a designer from the start of a building campaign can help you leverage sustainable strategies to ensure the com-fort of your staff and clients. Some of the primary sustainable strategies include solar orientation and the use of efficient heating, lighting, and ventilation systems. Not limited to providing comfort, sustain-able design strategies can reduce lifecycle costs and energy use. Something as simple as designing an office window to receive indirect sunlight can translate into happier staff and a better experience for your clients and visitors. Existing buildings can also be modified to provide healthier environments. From low-tech solutions such as using non-toxic cleaning products to more intensive solutions such as retrofitting your heating and cooling equipment, changes can be made within existing contexts to achieve comfort goals.

Healthy, sustainable spaces should be a right, not a privilege. The most disadvantaged citizens in our society are often those most in need of the healthy air, water, and daylight. Nonprofit organizations represent one of the key service providers of disad-vantaged populations, and together, they can work towards improving the quality and health of their communities by incorporating sustainability into their mission and operations.

See What a designer can help you do and What you can do on your own.

8 │ SUSTAINABILITY FOR NONPROFITSLEGEND PICTURE, SAN FRANCISCO

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Being green is a lifestyle. It’s not like going on a diet. Being green requires changing the way we live, from how we travel place to place to what we choose to buy. The first step of living sustainably starts on an individual level. Taken one small step at a time, everyone should evaluate their daily habits. By starting with small changes and working towards an ever-lighter footprint on the earth, you are doing your part in the global sustainability effort. Beyond individual efforts, belonging to a sustainable community brings together those who share this commitment. If you are like most nonprofit professionals, you chose your line of work because you believe in a cause. Your colleagues may not only share the belief in the cause, but also green values. Sustainability in the workplace can align the personal and

professional values of staff, and can contribute to your organization’s capacity to serve its mission. An organization can make great strides towards achieving sustainability on their own. This section identifies areas where you can start realizing the economic and positive benefits of going green.

Part.2

WHATYOU CANDO ONYOUR OWN

INTRODUCTION

10 │ SUSTAINABILITY FOR NONPROFITS WHAT YOU CAN DO ON YOUR OWN

I. ENCOURAGE INNOVATION IN YOUR EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS

1.��Brainstorm�on�how�to�implement�green�strategies�office-wide.

�2.�Get�stakeholders�on�board.��Talk�to�staff,�clients,�the�board,�and�your�funders�about�what�is�important�to�them.

�3.�Form�a�green�committee�for��direction�&�updates�on�your��organization’s�greening�strategy.

�4.�Make�an�office-wide�commit-ment�to�environmentally��sustainable�products�and�services�that�mitigate�negative�impacts�on�human�health�and�the�environment.�See�Environ-mentally�Preferable�Purchasing in�Resources.

5.�Subscribe�the�office�to�sustain-ably-minded�design�magazines,�like�GreenSource�or�Dwell,�which�often�profile�inspiring��and�innovative�green�building�strategies.

6.�Become�an�advocate�for�sustain-able�planning�in�your�region.�Attend�community�meetings�to�voice�your�support.

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1.��Swap�incandescent�bulbs�for�compact�fluorescents.

�2.�Turn�off�and�unplug�unused�electronics�(printers,�monitors,�copiers).

�3.�Activate�the�sleep�settings�on�idle�monitors�and�PCs.

4.��Keep�thermostats�below�68�degrees�in�winter�and�above�78�degrees�in�summer.

�5.�Take�advantage�of�daylight�to�reduce�energy�consumption�through�decreased�lighting�loads�and�associated�cooling�costs.

6.�Provide�task�lighting�to�reduce�the�need�for�overhead�lighting,�thereby�reducing�electricity�use.

7.��Fill�gaps�around�doors�and�win-dow�frames�with�caulk,�spray�foam�and�insulative�batting.

�8.�Replace�window�and�door�weath-er-stripping�that�is�missing,�hard�or�cracked.

9.��Install�door�sweeps�on�exterior�doors�if�daylight�can�be�seen�under�the�doorframe.

�10.�Perform�regular�maintenance�on�heating,�ventilation�&�air�condi-tioning�Heating�Ventilation�and�Air�Conditioning�(HVAC).

11.�What�more�can�be�done�to�save�energy?�Have�a�designer�con-duct�an�energy�audit�to�identify�and�provide�solutions�to�improve�other�areas�in�your�building.

II. SAVE ENERGY


III. REDUCE OFFICE WASTE

1.�Familiarize�yourself�with�the�recycling,�composting�and�trash�policies�in�your�county.

2.�Recycle�paper,�cardboard,�alu-minum�cans,�plastic�bottles,�packing�materials,�and�toner/printer�cartridges.

3.�Opt�out�of�receiving�bulky�cata-logs�by�mail.�The�average�adult�in�the�US�receives�almost�40�pounds�a�year.

4.�Assess�your�waste�stream�and�save�money�on�your�garbage�bill�by�downsizing�the�size�of�your�curbside�trashcan�and�upsizing�your�recycling�can.

5.�Replace�personal�trash�bins�with�personal�recycling�bins�(most�office�trash�is�paper)�and�cen-tralize�the�trash�bin�in�the�office.

6.�Purchase�paper�products�with�35%�to�100%�post-consumer�recycled�content.

7.�Conserve�paper�by�printing�and�copying�double-sided�by�default.

8.�Shrink�two�pages�down�to�one�page�when�printing�draft�docu-ments.

9.�Use�electronic�communications�instead�of�paper�memos.

10.�Go�digital.�Phase�out�costly�printed�event�invitations,�news-letters,�and�brochures.

11.�Use�all�these�strategies�to�reduce�office�waste.

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1.�Consider�used�office�furnish-ings�and�equipment�in�your�next�upgrade;�save�near�perfect�cubicles�or�computers�from�the�dump�by�inquiring�with�another�company�when�they�upgrade�or�go�out�of�business.

2.�Donate�reusable�furniture�and�office�furnishings�to�another�lo-cal�nonprofit�organization.

3.�Recycle�or�donate�outdated�com-puters,�cell�phones,�televisions,�and�other�electronic�waste.�There�are�a�variety�of�internet�resources�for�finding�places�to�recycle�electronics.�The�National�Center�for�Electronic�Recycling�allows�you�to�search�by�zip�code�for�nearby�recycling�locations.

4.�Check�to�see�if�donations�may��be�eligible�for�valuable�tax�write-offs.�

5.�Discontinue�use�of�products�that�are�hazardous�to�human�health�&�the�environment.

IV. REUSE OFFICE FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT


V. BUY EFFICIENT FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES, AND INVEST IN ECO-FRIENDLY FURNISHINGS1.�Upgrade�toilets�to�low�flush�models�(saves�about�1,200��gallons�of�water�per�year�per�toilet).

2.�Install�faucet�aerators�and�high-efficiency�showerheads.

3.�Install�programmable�thermo-stats�to�ensure�reductions�dur-ing�off�hours.

4.�Replace�old�appliances�and�electronics�with�Energy�Star�ap-pliances;�Energy�Star�is�a�great�resource�for�information�on�en-ergy�efficiency,�and�many�useful�self-assessment�tools.

5.�Choose�environmentally�friend-ly,�low�maintenance�and�low-emitting�interior�furnishings.

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VI. ADOPT

“GREEN” CLEANING POLICIES

1.�Use�non-toxic�cleaning�supplies�and�“green”�commercial�clean-ing�services.

2.�Discontinue�use�of�products�that�are�hazardous�to�human�health�&�the�environment.


VII. CREATE A GREEN TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY

1.�Encourage�and�reward�staff�to�carpool�or�live�near�work.

2.�Provide�transit�passes�or�other�incentives�to�encourage�use�of�public�transportation.

3.�Use�hybrid�electric�vehicles�for�company�business.

4.�Provide�bicycle�parking;�invest�in�a�fleet�office�bicycles�to�use�for�offsite�meetings.

5.�Sign�your�organization�up�with�a�rideshare�company�like�Zipcar.

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VIII. FIND A DESIGNER

1.�Work�with�a�designer�to�take�your�sustainable�strategy�to�the�next�level.

2.�Join�The�1%�program�of��Public�Architecture�and�use�the��matching�service�to�find�a�firm�who�can�provide�pro�bono�green�design�services.��www.theonepercent.org

3.�Use�your�organization’s�network�to�find�a�designer�on�your�own.

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Part.3

WHATA DESIGNERCAN HELP YOU DO

Designers can provide many levels of sustainability design services and consulting for projects of any size and type. Sustainable building strategies do not come in as a “one size fits all” solution and can be appropriately tailored to fit your needs and budget. Green design does not necessarily require new construction; it can also be achieved through the assessment and renovation of your existing facility.

The following section reviews some of the design strategies that designers typically use to achieve environmentally sustainable buildings. These strategies are meant to provide guidance on the issues and ideas that you can work with your architect to address. To help facilitate your project’s design, timeline, and budget, it is important to start discussing sustainable design strategies early in the project’s development.

INTRODUCTION

20 │ SUSTAINABILITY FOR NONPROFITS WHAT A DESIGNER CAN HELP YOU DO

I. CONFIGURE YOUR FACILITY TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE

1.�If�retrofitting�an�existing�space,�what�physical�alterations�to�the�building�structure�and�site�can�be�made�to�reduce�consumption�(energy�and�water)�and�waste�as�well�as�improve�operational�efficiency�of�your�space?

2.�For�new�building�projects,�place-ment�of�a�building�on�a�site�is�the�first�and�perhaps�most�impor-tant�step�in�sustainable�design.�A�well-situated�building�can�reduce�your�maintenance�and�operating�costs.�

3.�Create�views�–�and�if�possible,�access�–�to�outdoor�space�that�can�provide�opportunities�for�relaxation�or�respite.�This�can�positively�contribute�to�the�pro-ductivity�and�comfort�of�staff�and�clients.

4.�Use�landscape�plantings�that�are�adapted�to�your�climate,�such�as�natives,�to�reduce�the�need�for�irrigation�and�benefits�the�eco-system.

5.�Consider�using�porous�pave-ment,�rain�gardens,�infiltra-tion�basins�(bioswales),�and�vegetated�surfaces�to�recharge�groundwater,�reduce,�stormwa-ter�runoff,�and�mitigate�the�heat�island�effect.

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II. INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY THROUGH BUILDING COMPONENTS

1.�For�existing�building�projects,�alteration�of�windows�in�size�and�material,�and�the�addition�of�ar-chitectural�devices�such�as�sun�shades�can�help�maximize�solar�orientation�of�your�building.

2.�South�facing�windows�can�help�bring�maximum�daylight�and�solar�heat�into�your�space�in�the�winter,�reducing�your�reliance�on�–�and�potentially�cost�from�–�me-chanical�heating�systems.�

3.�Light�spaces�with�natural�day-light�using�strategic�placement�of�windows�and�skylight�to�re-duce�energy�consumption.

4.�Create�opportunities�for�energy�efficiency�at�a�localized�level.�Allow�building�users�to�regulate�temperatures�with�natural�venti-lation�through�operable�windows�and�shades.�Natural�ventilation�can�help�reduce�the�reliance�on�mechanical�cooling�systems.

5.�Install�high-R�value�insulation�in�the�walls�and�ceilings�to�help�control�heat�gain�and�loss.�Prop-erly�seal�all�enclosures,�such�as�windows.


* Well chosen mechanical and electrical systems as well as alternative energy systems can contribute significantly to the reduction of an organization’s energy use.

1.�For�retrofit�projects,�consider�conducting�an�energy�audit�to�identify�the�weaknesses�in�your�building�construction�and�HVAC�systems�(your�designer�can�help�you�find�a�professional�auditor�and�evaluate�the�results).

2.�Choose�high�efficiency�HVAC�equipment.�Energy�Star�is�one�rating�standard�for�indicating�such�equipment.

3.�Install�high�efficiency�appliances�and�lighting�to�reduce�electrical�loads.

4.�Properly�size�the�air�conditioning�system�to�improve�energy�effi-ciency�and�reduce�wear�and�tear�that�can�emanate�from�“short�cycling.”

5.�Facilitate�improved�indoor�air�quality�by�installing�proper�filtration�systems�and�adequate�ventilation�in�bathrooms,�allow-ing�proper�drainage�of�air-condi-tioning�coils.�Design�other�build-ing�systems�to�control�humidity.

6.�Install�occupancy�and�daylight�sensors�to�turn�lights�on�or�off�in�appropriate�conditions.�Having�lights�on�less�often�can�reduce�electricity�use�and�the�energy�needed�to�cool�the�heat�associ-ated�with�lights.

7.�Consider�installing�a�floor�air�distribution�system�which�can�allow�for�a�more�efficient�heat-ing�and�cooling�distribution�system�as�well�as�more�oppor-tunities�for�individualized�tem-perature�control.

8.�Consider�alternative�energy�systems�such�as�photovoltaics,�or�solar�panels.�The�installation�costs�may�be�high,�but�in�many�cases�lifecycle�costs�can�save�money�over�time�(some�local�utilities�offer�lease�or�purchase�agreements�that�can�help�sup-port�the�cost�of�such�systems).�

III. INSTALL MORE EFFICIENT MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT*

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1.�A�designer�can�help�identify�ma-terials�and�products�that�fit�your�organization’s�values�and�budget�by�weighing�their�impact�on�re-source�and�energy�efficiency,�in-door�air�quality,�water�conserva-tion,�and�affordability.�Find�some�of�the�most�common�sustainable�material�strategies�below.

2.�Select�durable�and�higher�qual-ity�materials�to�extend�the�life-cycle�of�the�building�and�reduce�cost�in�the�long�term

3.�Consider�building�materials,�finishes,�and�products�by�evalu-ating�their�sustainable�proper-ties,�which�could�include�reused�and�recycled-content;�zero�or�low�off-gassing�of�harmful�air�emissions;�zero�or�low�toxicity;�regionally�sourced;�and�sustain-ably�harvested�content.��

4.�Search�for�reclaimed�products,�such�as�building�materials,�fur-niture,�and�carpeting.�Reclaimed�products�can�reduce�the�proj-ect’s�environmental�footprint�and�sometimes�offer�an�econom-ic�alternative.

5.�Facilitate�a�sustainable�building�process�by�reusing�and�recycling�construction�and�demolition�materials.�

6.�Require�plans�for�managing�ma-terials�through�deconstruction,�demolition,�and�construction.�

7.�Design�with�adequate�space�to�facilitate�recycling�collection�and�to�incorporate�a�solid�waste�management�program�that�pre-vents�waste�generation.

8.�Automatic�shut-off�valves,�low�flow�fixtures,�and�dual�flushing�toilets�can�all�greatly�facilitate�reduced�water�use.

IV. USE ENVIRON-MENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS & PRODUCTS*

* One of the most important strategies in sustainable building is the use of green building mate-rials and products. Using green building materials and products promotes conservation of nonre-newable resources. In addition, integrating green building materi-als into building projects can help reduce the environmental impacts associated with the extraction, transport, processing, fabrica-tion, installation, reuse, recycling, and disposal of these building industry source materials.


1.�Obtaining�green�certification��can�be�a�way�to�quantify�and��provide�resources�to�support�your�green�commitment.��Several�programs�offer�assis-tance�to�nonprofits�in�areas�such�as�green�certification,�endorse-ments�and�technical�assistance.�

2.�Even�if�you�don’t�pursue�certifi-cation,�you�still�aspire�to�achieve�the�highest�environmental�goals�appropriate�for�your�needs�and�situation.�See�Certification�in�the�Resources.

V. SUSTAINABLE CERTIFICATION

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26 │ SUSTAINABILITY FOR NONPROFITS RESOURCES

www.greenglobes.comGreen Globes is a building environmental design and man-agement tool. It delivers an online assessment protocol, rating system and guidance for green building design, operation and management.

Energy Star for Buildings & Manufacturing Plantswww.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=business.bus_bldgs�EPA works with businesses and organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through strategic energy management practices. An ENERGY STAR certified facility meets strict energy performance standards set by EPA and uses less energy, is less expensive to operate, and causes fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its peers.

ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING (EPP)EPA’s Environmental Preferable Purchasingwww.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/index.htmEPA’s EPP website was initially geared at federal govern-ment purchasing but can easily be used by the general public. Most useful to a broader audience are the links un-der “Finding and Evaluating Green Product and Services” and the “Hands On Tools for Green Purchasing.”

CHPS High Performing Products Databasewww.chpsregistry.com/live/The sustainable materials database helps in the identifica-tion and selection of products that can create a safe and healthy school environment. It includes information around green construction.

Green Purchasing Policy and Programwww.responsiblepurchasing.orgThe Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) is an interna-tional network of buyers dedicated to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing.

Green Guardwww.greenguard.orgThe Greenguard Certification Program is an industry-independent, third-party testing program for low-emission products and materials. Contains an online list of products that have met indoor air quality standards.

PRODUCTS & MATERIALSGood to be Greenwww.goodtobegreen.comA consumer/commercial interactive search guide for green building materials ranging from furniture to concrete as well as identifying green building professionals and services

Design for Reuse Knowledge Exchange and Primerwww.publicarchitecture.org/reuseAn online database and publication of Public Architecture, in partnership with USGBC, that offers case studies on the most sustainable material use and reuse strategies.

RESOURCES PRO BONO DESIGN SERVICESThe 1%www.theonepercent.orgThe 1% is a program of Public Architecture that challenges architecture and design firm nationwide to pledge a mimi-mum of 1% of their time to pro bono and connects these firms with nonprofits in need of design assitance

ENERGYEnergy Starwww.energystar.govA joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agen-cy and the U.S. Department of Energy helping households and businesses save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practice. EPA pro-vides an innovative energy performance rating system and recognizes top performing buildings.

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)www.Aceee.orgA general website for US Energy Policy resources, infor-mation and research

Lawrence Berkeley Labswww.poet.lbl.govA user-friendly calculator to compare one’s energy con-sumption with like buildings

CERTIFICATION*United States Green Building Council (USGBC)www.usgbc.orgA third-party certification tools developed to meet the unique needs of identifying green buildings. LEED rates how a building performs on a number of green criteria and assesses an overall ranking of green performance.

Uniform Standard for Green Business Certificationwww.usgreenbusinesscertification.orgA third party accrediting organization serving small business throughout the United States and Canada that provides consulting to small businesses and organizations regarding environmental management and sustainability.

Cradle to Cradle Certificationwww.cradletocradle.com�A multi-attribute eco-label that assesses a product’s safe-ty to humans and the environment and promotes design for future life cycles. The program provides guidelines, focus-ing on using safe materials that can be disassembled and recycled as technical nutrients or composted as biological nutrients.Green Globes

*�It�is�to�your�advantage�to�seek�local�programs,�as�many�state,�city�and�regional�municipalities�offer�sustainability�certification,�e.g.,�CalGreen�in�California.�

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Business.govwww.business.govA government front-page that links to various state and federal tax and grant incentives for sustainable businesses and organizations

Community Lending OrganizationsNCB Capital Impactwww.ncbcapitalimpact.orgHelps people and communities reach their highest poten-tial at every stage of life. As a national nonprofit organi-zation and a certified Community Development Finance Institution, NCB Capital Impact improves access to high-quality health and elder care, healthy foods, housing, and education in low-income communities through community lending, technical assistance and policy development.

Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF)http://nonprofitfinancefund.orgOne of the nation’s leading community development finan-cial institutions. NFF makes millions of dollars in loans to nonprofits and pushes for fundamental improvement in how money is given and used in the sector.

Opportunity Finance Network www.opportunityfinance.net/A leading network of private financial intermediaries iden-tifying and investing in opportunities to benefit low-income and low-wealth people in the U.S.

Foundation SupportThe Home Depot Foundationwww.homedepotfoundation.orgThe Home Depot Foundation focuses on repairing and refurbishing homes and facilities that serve disadvantaged families and individuals through partnership with local nonprofits and the volunteer efforts of Team Depot. The Foundation’s current emphasis is on serving U.S. military veterans who are facing growing financial and physical hardships at home as they return to civilian life.

Kresge Foundationwww.kresge.orgKresge Foundation is a $3.1 billion private, national foun-dation that seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations through its support of nonprofit organiza-tions in six fields of interest: arts and culture, community development, education, the environment, health, and human services.

Alcoa Foundationwww.alcoa.com/global/en/community/foundation.orgAlcoa Foundation seeks to promote environmental stew-ardship, prepare tomorrow’s leaders and enable economic and social sustainability. Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $530 million since 1952 in nonprofit organiza-tions throughout the world, focusing on environment, empowerment, education and sustainable design.

National Center for Electronic Recycling www.electronicsrecycling.org A national nonprofit dedicated to the development and enhancement of a national infrastructure for the recycling of used electronics in the U.S.

DSIREwww.dsireusa.orgDSIRE offers a database of state incentives for renewable materials and efficiency.

BEST PRACTICESEnvironmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tips on Green Livingwww.epa.gov/gateway/learn/greenliving.htmlEPA has tools to help you learn and understand the issues, and can help you reduce your environmental footprint in your home, workplace, and in the greater community.

Greenbizwww.greenbiz.comA database of articles regarding best practices for sustain-ability in business includes: how-to’s, case studies, and research in an e-zine format.

Green Business at Business.govwww.business.govA government site offering ten detailed steps suggesting more sustainable business strategies

Commuter Choicewww.commuterchoice.comA site offering viable solutions for commuters and employ-ers alike to find incentives and convenience in commuter options in major cities nationally

COST ANALYSISDavis Langdon’s The Cost of Green Revisitedwww.davislangdon.com/USA/Research/ResearchFinder/2007-The-Cost-of-Green-Revisited/A 2007 study that shows there is no significant difference in average costs for green buildings as compared to non-green buildings.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVESGovernment IncentivesEPA / Green Building Funding Opportunitieswww.epa.gov/greenbuilding/tools/fundingProvides numerous funding sources for funding for green building that are available at the national, state and local levels for homeowners, industry, government organiza-tions and nonprofits.

US Department of Energy (USDOE)www.eere.energy.govA summary of federal tax incentives and further informa-tion on energy efficiency can be found on this site.


YOUR CHECKLISTBefore you begin, your organization should set the sustainability goals for what you hope to accomplish as an organization. Use it as a way to establish a vi-sion for moving forward as well as a standard against which you can measure future results.

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1. ENCOURAGE INNOVATION IN YOUR EMPLOYEES & CLIENTS

WHAT YOU CAN DO ON YOUR OWN

WHAT A DESIGNER CAN HELP YOU DO

2. SAVE ENERGY

3. REDUCE OFFICE WASTE

3. INSTALL MORE EFFICIENT MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

4. REUSE OFFICE FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT

5. BUY EFFICIENT FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES, AND INVEST IN ECO-FRIENDLY FURNISHINGS

4. USE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS & PRODUCTS POLICIES

6. ADOPT “GREEN” CLEANING POLICIES

7. CREATE A GREEN TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY

8. FIND A DESIGNER

5. SUSTAINABLE CERTIFICATION

1. CONFIGURE WORK FACILITY TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE

2. INCREASE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF YOUR FACILITY THROUGH BUILDING COMPONENTS

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Sustainability for Nonprofits is a publication ofPublic Architecture

EditorAmy Ress–DesignCynthia Garcia–Public Architecture staff and volunteers who contributed to this publication: Grant Alexander, John Cary, Kristen Dotson, Nick McClintock, Liz Ogbu, John Peterson, Cali Pfaff, Amy Ress, Mia Scharphie, and Matt Weller.–The 1%, a program of Public Architecture, connects nonprofits with architecture and design firms willing to give of their time pro bono. www.theonepercent.org–Established in 2002, Public Architecture is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in San Francisco. It engages architecture firms, nonprofits, and manufacturers to commit to design for the public good through its nationally recognized 1% program; it acts to bring about positive community change through public-interest design initiatives and pro bono design service grants; and it shares the potential of design to change the world through advocacy and outreach. www.publicarchitecture.org–This publication was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. www.nea.gov–This guide is licensed by Public Architecture under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/

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PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE

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