By Alex Shim Sustainability Analyst LEED Green Associate Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) When was the last time you thought about the trash you threw away? If you think about it now, did you throw it in a recycling or trash bin? To ensure that waste is diverted from landfills as much as possible, we encourage… more info
Category: Environment
Sustainable Resolutions for 2017
By Alex Shim Sustainability Analyst Sustainable Investment Group Now that 2016 is over, it is time for us to look towards 2017. There was a huge growth in the sustainability sector in 2016. 2016 was the year that Paris Agreement became actionable, ocean plastics joined production after being recovered, pollinators became a business issue (honeybees… more info
Green Buildings Mitigate Climate Change
By Alex Shim Sustainability Analyst Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) To begin, I think it is important to clearly define and understand the difference between weather and climate as well as climate change and global warming. Weather is the day-to-day conditions of a certain place; for example, it is raining today. Climate is the average weather… more info
October is National Energy Action Month
In addition to crisp apples, stiff autumn winds, and the swirling multicolored leaves, October also brings National Energy Action Month. But what is this month, what does it mean to be energy aware, and how can this help me in my home or commercial structure? What is National Energy Action Month? The federal government has… more info
Ways To Save Water In Commercial Buildings
Warm weather is finally here and, if you own or manage a commercial building, you’re probably thinking about ways to save on energy and water both inside and outside. Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) can help you improve your water and energy efficiency, and help you save money as you achieve LEED certification. If you own… more info
How to Recycle Styrofoam (Polystyrene)
A common misconception is that Styrofoam is the same thing as polystyrene. However, they are two different items, sort of. The foam like product is a trademark brand of extruded polystyrene foam presently constructed for craft applications and thermal insulation. It is owned and manufactured by Dow Chemical Company. Somehow the word Styrofoam got misconstrued.… more info
Stormwater Runoff: A Top Cause of Water Pollution
Damage to commercial property resulting from stormwater runoff is a serious growing environmental concern throughout Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation. Stormwater runoff can impact commercial businesses, home associations, homeowners, neighborhoods, towns and cities. In fact, stormwater runoff has become one of the most important issues facing commercial and residential developers today. The U.S. Environmental… more info
Mine Spill in the Anima River, Colorado
By Yagesh Panta Sustainability Analyst Intern Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) On August 5, 2015, a mine spill occurred in the Animas River in Colorado. The spill was a result of releasing mine wastewater, and the waste, approximately three million gallons, subsequently got mixed with the river. The spill was caused by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) workers while conducting studies… more info
Liquid Gold: Waste Water Recycling Systems and LEED Certification
For all practical purposes, residents of the United States tend to view water as an unlimited resource. The great engineering accomplishments of Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam showcased America’s ingenuity and expanding urban environments that relied upon the power and availability of water in the twentieth century. However, global warming and exploding population growth… more info
Siemans+ BMW Design A Recyclable Train Car
The Siemens Inspiro system uses light-weight aluminum cars to increase recyclability and efficiency. The sustainable train cars were designed for Poland’s new light rail system and aims for a 2012 installation. Siemens, BWM and Poland collaborated on the design. The design is cutting edge and will help divert wastes from the landfill. However, recycled materials… more info