3 Ways Businesses Can Combat Climate Change

Greenhouse Gases in Parts Per Million in the Atmosphere by Year

While the government has recently taken on steps to combat climate change, such as Obama's controversial plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is this really enough to make a difference? Many companies now are publicly making efforts to "go green," by installing efficient heating and cooling systems, adding rooftop gardens, and promoting recycling and waste reduction. In places like New York, public buildings must report their energy use and waste on a scorecard. However, while these efforts are certainly admirable, companies are not seriously addressing the problem of climate change. Scientists predict that within the next century, due to greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures will rise by 6°C (10.8°F), leading to catastrophic changes to our planet--from crop failures to melting glaciers to the deterioration of ecosystems. So what can businesses do to create a more sustainable future?

Here's how corporations can positively influence climate change:

1. Lobbying is one of the most effective methods to inspire change within the government. The government is undoubtably influenced by corporations, and businesses serious about going green and reducing their impact on the environment must focus their efforts on inspiring government change. Corporations donate hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to sway government opinion and should encourage the government to impose stricter laws that will reduce our carbon footprint. Businesses must realize that any change to the environment can and will effect their success. Starbucks, for example, has publicly posted ads to spread awareness about climate change while also lobbying the government since climate change will have a profound impact on the coffee plant and industry.
2. Promoting environmentally conscious policies also demonstrates a company's genuine concern for climate change. If companies are inconsistent in their stance, such as publicly promoting the environment while supporting government policies that undermine it, then not only will the public notice, but no real change can be made. Rather than thinking about their business in the short run, corporations should strive to think about long run benefits of combating climate change.
3. Encouraging suppliers to change their stance on climate change is also an effective way of making a real impact. If companies require their suppliers to report and reduce their carbon emissions and waste, then suppliers will have to meet their demand and follow their lead. Walmart has created a plan to create transparency in their supply chain, revealing where products are sourced and how they are manufactured. Walmart executives plan on working closely with suppliers to guarantee that their goods are being produced in an environmentally-conscious way. And while Walmart plans on reducing their carbon emissions by 20 million metric tons by 2015, an extremely impressive plan, they must further increase the pressure on the suppliers to change. Other corporations should follow this plan and be serious with their efforts. Without real pressure from companies, there will be no incentive for suppliers to change their production methods. 

Companies can help promote sustainability if they become serious in their efforts. Additionally, they should market their efforts and make it known to the public what is being done to combat the real problem of climate change. Consumers tend to prefer companies that are environmentally-conscious, so these efforts will not go unnoticed. By creating transparency for this global problem, and presenting real, applicable solutions, businesses can make a real impact on the world and help reverse a problem that the government and the public cannot tackle alone. 

For more information on corporate sustainability, check out GreenEDU's online Corporate Sustainability Manger courses!

NYC's First Net Zero Energy Elementary School

PS 62 Hallway Design

Staten Island's newest elementary school, PS 62, will be the first net zero energy school in New York City. The sleek building is covered with a photovoltaic skin able to generate enough power to sustain the school. The school is set to open in the fall of 2015 to 444 students.

The school will use natural light to light most of its hallways and classrooms with the use of windows and skylights. Additionally, the school is designed with a solar thermal system and efficient heating and cooling equipment to minimize energy use and cost. PS 62 is set to use 50% less energy than the average elementary school with only 10% additional start-up cost, with the total contract award granted to the demolition, construction, and design of the new building at $70 million. The school will also pursue a literal green design, featuring a green roof, vegetable garden, greenhouse, and walking track.

PS 62 Classroom Design

The building was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and differs from many of its urban city counterparts. Rather than a multi-story brick building, the school is designed to be sleek and glossy with only two stories, making use of open hallways and staircases to allow light infiltration. The inside of the building will feature sloping roofs, large windows, and a light, airy atmosphere. 90% of the light in the building will be natural.

Some of the school's other green features include low-flow water fixtures, demand-control ventilation systems, occupancy sensors, and an ultra-tight envelope to reduce energy loss.

The school design recognizes Mayor Bloomberg's plan toward sustainability and green design. Each classroom will have a digital dashboard that will record the amount of energy used in each room. Students will be given a daily energy budget and Bruce Barrett, vice president for architecture and engineering at the New York City School Construction Authority, believes that they can encourage students to conserve energy through the use of contests and transparency. When students and teachers can actually see the progress they are making, they will be encouraged to keep pursuing sustainability. Similar to Mayor Bloomberg's goal to create energy transparency for public buildings, these digital dashboards will "shame" those who are not energy conscious. "Recognizing Mayor Bloomberg’s and New York City’s commitment to sustainability in general, and to energy conservation specifically, we have challenged ourselves to go beyond building code and design standards to realize innovative energy and carbon reductions exceeding our current achievements," said Barrett. "I don’t think anybody has ever seen a school like this,”

PlaNYC 2030, a New York City green building initiative by Mayor Bloomberg, mandates that new publicly funded schools must be LEED certified if they have a budget over $2 million. PlaNYC strives to meet current environmental and urban issues and create a greener, healthier city. PS 62 is one of the first net zero energy schools of its kind in the Northeast and New York City will continue to be a leader in combating environmental change and reducing their ever growing population's carbon footprint.

OSHA HazCom Trainer TIGER Training Corporation Joins GreenEDU Network

Marshfield, MA- TIGER Training Corporation has recently joined the GreenEDU network of environmental consulting and training services. We are excited to partner with TIGER as they have provided Marshfield with quality service for over 10 years. T.I.G.E.R. stands for "Technical Instruction and Guidance in Emergency Response." They provide Hazardous Materials training and educate their students on every step of the process: labeling requirements, storage areas, satellite accumulation areas, common generator errors, and hazardous waste determination.

By providing cost-effective, hands-on training along with instruction on current regulatory requirements, TIGER gives students the best education at the most efficient cost. Their goal is to not simply provide certification for hazardous material work, but to give their students a full understanding of the materials that will allow them to continue to succeed in their professional lives and reduce safety incidents. They understand that students need training that will protect themselves, their company, and their community.

TIGER Training Corporation currently has upcoming HazCom and the Globally Harmonized System courses with GreenEDU.  Employees who work with hazardous chemicals need to be trained on the new Hazard Communication Standard. Building on the success of OSHA's current Hazard Communication Standard, the GHS is expected to prevent injuries and illnesses, save lives, and improve trade conditions for chemical manufacturers. Target audiences include workers, consumers, transport workers, and emergency responders, as well as anyone who has hazard communication training requirements for their employees.

About TIGER Training Corporation
TIGER Training Corporation has a comprehensive array of OSHA training programs to fit your regulatory training needs. We are able to customize every OSHA training program to effectively and safely communicate hazards to your employees and equip them with the appropriate tools to effectively and safely deal with a hazardous material spill, their equipment, or site hazards. We understand that as an environmental health and safety professional you need to have training that safe guards your employees, reduces injuries, and protects the environment.

To register for a course with TIGER Training Corporation, visit http://www.greenedu.com/tiger-training-corporation

GreenEDU Partners with Nu Way Environmental Services, Inc.

Carteret, NJ- GreenEDU is excited to announce a recent partnership with Nu Way Environmental Services, Inc. Based in South Carolina, Nu Way provides training services nationwide, specializing in the new new HazCom OSHA training compliance. The company provides expertise in Hazardous Materials and hands on training to meet state and federal regulations, keeping students informed and updated about new laws and changes in regulations and procedures. Their quality, low-cost training saves students time and money and prevents companies from being fined. Nu Way also provides on-site training for larger groups and strives to meet the individual needs of all of their clients. With over 20 years of experience, Nu Way can assist students and companies in completing projects and keeping the public safe.

Nu Way currently offers courses in Carteret, New Jersey with GreenEDU. They have several upcoming HazCom and the Globally Harmonized System Worker courses in New Jersey. By December 2013, employees who work with hazardous chemicals need to be trained on the new Hazard Communication Standard. Building on the success of OSHA's current Hazard Communication Standard, the GHS is expected to prevent injuries and illnesses, save lives, and improve trade conditions for chemical manufacturers.

About Nu Way Environmental Services
Nu Way Environmental Services, Inc (Nu Way) has been in business since 1995 and in that time has been entrenched in helping small and large companies meet and exceed their environment, health and safety goals. Nu Way melds into your organization by bringing over 20 years of professional experience to help you achieve your goals on projects that may have a limited window or spanning months on end. We offer training courses in Confined Space, Globally Harmonized System (GHS), HAZWOPER and OSHA compliance, among others.

To sign up for a course with Nu Way, please visit http://www.greenedu.com/nu-way-environmental-services-inc

Trainer Spotlight: Integrity Safety Services

Integrity Safety Services provides EPA Lead Certification, Asbestos Certification, and OSHA/Construction Training in Vancouver, Washington. They have a dedication to the customer that is unparalleled and gives them a unique teaching style. They customize their courses and responses to meet the needs of their diverse students and custom tailor their curriculum to provide the most time-efficient and cost-effective courses. Instructional training can be provided on site for larger classes on request.

Integrity Safety Services has received positive feedback from students at GreenEDU. "The instructor moved through the material quickly and well. Answered specific questions related to my work and I enjoyed his class," stated Gary T. and Darren H. described the instructor as, "Very helpful." Integrity Safety Services truly values customer feedback and encourages students to continuously present them with challenges and questions. They also provide video and print resources for their students to access at their own time and convenience.

Integrity Safety Services currently has over 15 upcoming courses with GreenEDU in various fields throughout the rest of the year. Among these courses is an EPA Lead Renovators Certification Initial course on both July 12th and August 16th. This training is mandatory for anyone who performs renovations, repairs, or painting in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities must be certified in the State of Washington. Individuals and firms that are not certified could face fines of up to $37,500 per day.

They also have multiple OSHA/Construction Safety courses available with GreenEDU, including OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour Construction training. They provide an entry level construction worker general awareness on recognizing and preventing hazards on a construction site. The training covers a variety of construction safety and health hazards which a worker may encounter on the job. OSHA recommends this training as an orientation to occupational health and safety.The OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Health & Safety course teaches OSHA regulations and standards as they apply to the construction industry. The course covers practices of identifying, reducing, eliminating and reporting on-site hazards. It also teaches safety awareness and assists supervisors in recognizing and reducing risks in the workplace.

Additionally, Integrity Safety Services also provides Asbestos Awareness courses, designed especially for custodial, maintenance, and trades persons who will conduct operations which may contact or disturb asbestos in buildings.

Integrity Safety Services offers these courses among others on multiple days, so students can find a time that is convenient for them. Check out their page to view all upcoming courses and to register.

About Integrity Safety Services
Integrity Safety Services is a team of dedicated safety professionals with a passion to develop and implement workplace safety, corporate loss control, and regulatory compliance solutions. Their staff has practical, real-world safety experience and brings to your business a realistic idea of what works and what doesn't. They refuse to take a short range, cookie-cutter approach to developing workplace safety goals, and so they take the time to analyze your situation and develop solutions that fit within the big picture of your overall business needs. They understand the performance and budget constraints that affect your decision making, and know that you need "how-to" solutions to problems that effect real people.

For more information, please visit: http://www.greenedu.com/integrity-safety-services

IICRC Trainer Hydro Lab Training and Equipment Rental Joins GreenEDU Network

Noblesville, IN - GreenEDU is excited to announce a partnership with Hydro Lab Training and Equipment Rental. Hydro Lab has corporate headquarters in Noblesville, Indiana and provides hands-on training through its different training facilities and state-of-the-art classrooms, specializing in Water Damage Restoration training. Hydro Lab is a leading provider of IICRC certification training in Indiana.

Manufacturers often use Hydro Lab as a testing facility and use the students to help develop new products for the water damage restoration industry. Hydro Lab takes advantage of this and teaches students how to use these tools in difficult environmental conditions, preparing them for real situations.

Hydro Lab also keeps its students up to date with industry news, information, and testing results, and structures its classes to meet new IICRC and industry standards and regulations accordingly. Hydro Lab has also assisted companies and researchers with multiple research projects over the years and is enthusiastic about using its facility for outside projects for the restoration industry. Some of these research projects include a mold study by Dr. Berry and sewage cleanup of Oriental Rugs by Rachel Adams and the SCRT. Hydro Lab Training and Equipment Rental promotes learning and knowledge and strives to keep their students updated and engaged.

Hydro Lab Training and Equipment Rental has several upcoming courses with GreenEDU including Commercial Drying Specialist training, Applied Structural Drying training, and Water Damage Restoration Technician training.

Hydro Lab's full training line up in Indiana includes:

• IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician/Applied Structural Drying (WRT/ASD) Combo
• IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
• IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST)
• IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS)
• IICRC Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
• IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)

About Hydro Lab Training and Equipment Rental
Founded in 2000 by Kurt Bolden, The Hydro Lab is an IICRC certified training facility and offers a range of IICRC certified courses and CE courses. Learning from industry leaders in specific fields of expertise, students have the opportunity to use and compare a wide range of restoration manufacturers’ equipment during their training classes. They are industry leaders in training with their state-of-the-art classroom and pride themselves on incorporating extensive hands-on exercises into their courses.

Interested in water damage restoration training in Indiana? View upcoming course dates at http://www.greenedu.com/hydro-lab-training-and-equipment-rental

How to Become an Asbestos Contractor in New York

Looking to become a certified Asbestos Contractor in New York? Below are the steps you need to take to properly register and become certified to perform asbestos abatement in New York. Visit our previous post on obtaining a New York Asbestos License For additional details and frequently asked questions.

1. Attend an accredited Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor training course, which is 5 days in length.
2. Apply with New York Department of Labor for Asbestos Supervisor Certification: View Application ($75.00). NOTE: There are no 3rd-Party examinations for Asbestos Certification in New York. 
3. Fill out Application for Asbestos Handling License to register as an Asbestos Contractor. All firms, corporations or other business entities providing management planning, project design, monitoring, inspection and/or air monitoring services shall obtain an Asbestos Handling License. A non-refundable fee of $500 for a first time license and $300 for a renewal license must be made payable in the form of a check or money order to the Commissioner of Labor. View Application.
4. Additionally, an “Application for Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance” MUST be filed as proof of acceptable Workers’ Compensation Insurance in New York State. The License and Certificate Unit at the address shown below should be entered in the ‘to be filed with’ and ‘change or cancellation’ sections of the form. Such certification may be obtained from the Workers’ Compensation Board district office nearest to you.
5. Disability Insurance is required in New York State if the applicant is a “covered employer,” i.e., if one or more of the applicant’s employees is employed in New York State for at least 30 days in any calendar year; the 30 days need not be consecutive. An applicant who is a covered employer must submit a copy of his/her Certificate of Disability Insurance (DB-120.1) or DB-155 - Certificate of Disability Benefit Self Insurance. An applicant who is not a covered employer must submit a CE 200 – Certification of Attestation of Exemption issued by the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Certifications are valid for one year, and contractors must take an annual Asbestos Supervisor/Contractor 8-hour refresher course. Failure to take refresher training within two years from expiration date will require applicants to retake initial courses. 

Have additional questions on becoming a New York asbestos contractor? Give us a call at 1-800-355-1751 and we'll be happy to assist you.