KWL Company Brings Sustainability to its Office-III
Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) opted to bring the element of sustainability to its new office in Burnaby. The implementation of this element could be illustrated in the basic office furnitures such as the office chairs, office desks, etc.
The heating and lighting were also considered. Motion sensors were even installed in common and public washrooms to turn off lights if the employee left the room and failed to do so. Low energy halogen lighting is installed in the lobby area where lighting burns for long periods. In addition, many employees have been situated near windows, limiting their need to turn on lights during bright days.
“We encourage employees not to use the lights if they are not needed,” says Joan Broda, KWL’s communication manager in an interview. She further explained that heating has been divided into zones within the building so that there is more diversity in the temperature in various areas. Internal office programs include improved recycling of paper, cans, glass and plastic to minimize waste and garbage going to landfill. This also extends to computers, which are directed toward recycling facilities.
The KWL staff has worked closely with the architect and contractor to design and remodel the office space to LEED-CI standards. The office carpeting is made from low-volatile organic materials, which results in a better quality of air, and the paints used on the interior were also low-fume. The excellent air quality for the employees was verified through an independent testing service.
Broda further said that while the experience of bringing LEED-CI to the workplace has enhanced the work environment, it has also brought other benefits to the employees’ lives. She stressed that it has shown them the positive merits of the standards and also extended the concept of sustainability into their daily living.
“Sustainability is not just about being gentle on the environment but also helping employees to be happy and productive at work without sacrificing personal and family time,” Broda concluded.
Posted on: Meeting
Related articles
Recent Posts
- Getting Organized
- Taking Care of your Office Wood Table or Cabinet Storage
- On Choosing the Right Storage
- The Myths and Facts of Sitting Up Straight
- Companies Answer Employees’ Demands for a Better Workplace
- The Soft-Environment Office
- Two-in-One Office Furniture: A Desk and a Charger
- The Healthy Way to Sit
- Home Office Lighting Tips
- Choosing Storage Cabinets
News archive
- November 2007 (15)
- October 2007 (63)
- September 2007 (79)
- August 2007 (14)
- July 2007 (27)
- June 2007 (41)
- May 2007 (30)
- April 2007 (17)
- March 2007 (21)
- February 2007 (15)
- January 2007 (21)
- December 2006 (11)
- November 2006 (10)
- October 2006 (10)
- September 2006 (14)
- August 2006 (15)
- July 2006 (23)
- June 2006 (5)