Tenants are in a prime position to create a culture of sustainability. Here are some ways to get involved.

Save Resources in the Office

There are plenty of simple (and painless) ways to cut waste and energy use in offices.

• Set your computer monitor to “sleep” when it is idle for 10 to 15 minutes, or just turn your monitor off when you will be out of your office for a half hour or more.
• Always turn lights off when rooms are not in use.
• Take advantage of natural light. Avoid using incandescent task lights.
• Use Energy Star office machines, and choose the most efficient options. Ink-jet printers typically use less energy than laser printers, and laptops typically use less energy than desktops.
• Plug machines into “smart” power strips that automatically turn off equipment when you’re gone.
• Turn off lights, monitors, printers and copiers at night and on weekends.
• Unplug appliances, such as coffeemakers, shredders, fans and battery chargers, when not in use. These can draw electricity even when they’re “off”.
• Use compact fluorescent bulbs for desk lighting – they can last 10 times longer than regular bulbs and use approximately one-quarter the energy.
• Replace your outdated office fridge with an Energy Star appliance.
• Purchase recycled paper and other recycled products.
• Consider the value of energy in computer purchase decisions. Ink jet printers can use 1/5 the energy of laser printers; laptops can use ¼ the energy of desktop computers; and flat panel screens can use 1/3 the energy of conventional monitors.
• Ride your bike: Most of our campuses have showers and bike storage available for your use.
• Use MTTA.

Recycle & Reduce Waste

• Use the collection bins in all campus buildings for paper, plastics, glass and cans. Every little bit you keep out of the trash helps save energy and reduce landfill waste.

WITH YOUR TENANT IMPROVEMENTS REQUEST:

• Separate metering of your suite; so you can monitor your energy use.
• Regenerating and recycled building materials.
• LEED for commercial interiors certification.
• High efficiency Energy Star appliances, and water efficient toilets and lavatories.