IFMAGNY Past Events
The Green Indoors
March 25, 2008
"The Green Indoors" Toolbox Luncheon from IFMA/GNY
At a recent Tool Box Luncheon held by the New York Chapter of IFMA,
James Zampetti of
Integrated Building Controls, Inc gave the 70 attendees a compelling argument on the benefits of the “greening” of our indoor environments. In his colorful and entertaining slide presentation, Jim gave some statistics to support the need to green the inside of our buildings. For example, we spend on average 90% of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be 2 to 5, and as much as 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Furthermore, buildings consume 79% of all electricity and generate 38% of carbon dioxide. The EPA estimates that building-related illness costs employers $60 billion annually in lost productivity, while industry sources claim worker productivity can be enhanced by 16% by greener interiors.
Other interior comfort metrics were discussed including ergonomics, noise, temperature, crowding, odors, glare from lighting, eye strain, vibrations, and stress. All can contribute to an unpleasant and less productive workspace. Jim listed the numerous organizations with influence or control of the indoor environment, including
EPA, DEP, ASHRAE, USGBC, plus organizations like
IFMA, as well as some actions that can mitigate indoor environmental problems. One of the most effective methods of greening an indoor environment is to obtain a
LEED™ certification through the USGBC. While this is a difficult certification to achieve, it is the benchmark for building environments. Retro-commissioning is another way to lower the environmental impact of a building.
Jim suggested some innovative initiatives to make a greening process effective in a building. Getting the occupants of a building environment behind the process can be a good place to start. Also, starting a green building education program often builds momentum needed to keep improving. Sponsoring energy and environmental awareness events can add buy-in from building management and ownership. He added that additional resources are available from IFMA and its individual members with building environment expertise.
Jim also addressed the benefits of operating intelligent building environments with a fully integrated information management system that measures, monitors, and manages the many metrics of a building. He stressed the importance of integrating design with operations to create maximum operating efficiencies, for everything from HVAC to security and CCTV, to tenant services and HR systems, to elevators and energy management. IP and wireless installations are the current standards for many companies.
The event was held at the
Cort Furniture Rental showroom at 711 Third Avenue in Manhattan.
By John Poblocki of Real Estate Cost Strategies LLC, IFMA/GNY PR Committee Member