Cities Management (CM) is leading a nationwide effort to make property management cleaner and greener. It may surprise you to learn that environmentally responsible management techniques not only reduce pollution, they also save money, attract new residents and reduce the risk of lawsuits.
The Green Earth Initiative is a comprehensive program of healthy building management. It represents CM's commitment to improving quality of life through leadership, education and community action.
"The Green Earth Initiative is a timely and cost-effective strategy..."
Multi-Housing News, March 1994
Waste Reduction
The best way to reduce trash disposal is to attack the problem at the
source. Finding ways to eliminate waste, and choosing reusable products
will prevent needless landfill buildup and save hauling fees.
Recycling
Recycling programs are not only rewarding to implement, but also popular
with residents. These efforts reduce waste and dramatically cut disposal
costs.
Energy Efficiency
You don't have to sit in the dark and freeze to reduce energy costs.
But you do need to choose energy-saving products and to change energy-wasting
habits. A combination of new technology and old-fashioned common sense
can substantially reduce energy costs - and keep residents comfortable.
Water Quality and Conservation
Water is not an infinite resource and we pay for every drop we use.
Many options exist for reducing water use and implementing just a few
of them can reduce water consumption by 30% or more. In addition, water
quality is greatly affected by the waste and chemicals each of us pours
into our community water supply. The Green Earth Initiative provides
suggestions for water filtering and waste management to keep our water
supply clean.
Nontoxic Lawn Care and Pest
Control
Shifting to ecologically sound lawn care demonstrates concern for the
health of tenants and the environment and reduces the cost of applying
expensive and harmful chemicals. Non-toxic pest control methods now
provide economical, long-term solutions to indoor pest problems. Integrated
pest management programs limit the chemical hazards to humans - especially
children - and the environment.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Maintenance
Many of today's cleaning products contain ingredients that are considered
hazardous, unhealthy - even poisonous - to humans and to the environment.
Alternative products are available that work well and can cost up to
25% less than toxic products.
Ecological Construction
and Remodeling
One third of the raw materials our country consumes each year are used
for building construction, so it is important to choose materials that
are energy - and resource-efficient, and products that are environmentally
friendly. For example, many floor coverings now exist that use eco-friendly
alternatives: flooring made of waste glass, linoleum, cork, recycled
wood or plastic and salvage lumber for hardwood floors.
Indoor Air Quality
There are many sources of indoor pollution that have potential to harm
tenants. Concerns are rising over harmful exposure to lead, carbon monoxide,
asbestos, radon and formaldehyde, just to name a few. Pro-actively addressing
airborne hazards can improve air quality for residents and prevent costly
litigation.
EcoTeam Program and Staff Training
Education is the best and brightest hope for implementing healthy building
management. Cities Management will be your partner in an on-going process
of staff and resident training programs.
Waste
Reduction