Pink was the new black, and now green is the new pink. And while we’re at it, geek is the new chic, with nerds suddenly being ‘in’ thanks to The Big Bang Theory. But we digress. Going green is now considered a solid business strategy, and not simply to please the environmental lobby. Environmental friendliness simply makes good business sense. One way big business is embracing nature is by building into it. Green or sustainable construction includes using fewer materials in the actual building, thus protecting raw products like limestone ad wood. It also involves reducing wasted items, and making sure that the materials are not toxic to the eventual user. So that means less lead and asbestos, for example. A green building is sustainable during use, by encouraging less consumption of energy and water because of how they house or office is made. For instance, solar panels or wind turbines may be installed instead of conventional electricity, and the plumbing may be set to recycle bath or dish washing water. This kind of construction is being increasingly used not just in high-rise office blocks, but also in executive’s homes. It is a status symbol, just like the one-dollar-paycheck. Incorporating nature into workplaces using gardens and plants boosts oxygen levels and therefore staff performance, which all add to the bottom line. Going green pays. As does saving electricity. Check out these pages for new ideas on energy savings.
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