LEED standards and award certifications now include Zero Waste standards. The global definition of Zero Waste is, "The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”
-Zero Waste International Alliance (zwia.org)
Recently, the US Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC) was folded into the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Zero Waste protocols have been added to the certification process for attaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. The USGBC's Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) is the entity in charge of LEED certifications, now enhanced with Zero Waste standards.
"A LEED certification can help your business reduce energy use and become more efficient in operations. Estimates predict that LEED-certified buildings will save as much as $1.2 billion in energy costs from 2015 to 2018. Building by LEED standards also helps create a more healthy environment for your business by replacing harmful chemicals with clean air and better access to natural light. Beyond environmental and health advantages, a LEED certification can also help make your business more profitable. Not only are LEED-approved features cost-efficient, but they also attract great publicity and, as a result, more money to your business. In fact, 61% of corporate leaders report the experience that sustainable features lead to improved financial performance." -Halycon Shades
Because China has placed severe restrictions on waste materials it accepts, Texas just passed Senate Bill 649 (Zaffirini, D-Laredo) which prioritizes the recycling market as an economic driver. A 2015 economic impact study showed that recycling programs in the State of Texas create an additional $3 billion in annual revenue and provide 17,000 jobs.
The new Circular Economy is gaining steam globally and risk-managers now point to environmental sustainability as a key growth factor for businesses. Our mission is to use new and existing technologies that make implementing Zero Waste strategies for LEED certifications easier and more affordable.
Our Zero Waste associates also provide a free waste management analysis to understand your specific business needs. We help you implement Zero Waste best practices through fun and empowering employee training, reviewing and adjusting purchasing practices, and targeting your ideal customers with "green-cause" marketing.
Our know-how is based on the Zero Waste International Alliance business principles and our advisors are global leaders in the development of Zero Waste best practices.
For a free business waste analysis, email save@garbitrage.tech with the subject line "Free Analysis" and we will contact you within 24 hours to schedule.
References:
http://zwia.org/zero-waste-definition/
http://zwia.org/zero-waste-business-certification/
https://www.usgbc.org/node/11600248?return=/credits/interiors---existing-buildings/v4.1
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://permatraders.com/2019/05/14/texas-businesses-help-pass-texas-recycling-bill/