The Sustainable Operations Summit Program

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION INCLUDE:
 

Identifying Low Cost/ High Return Sustainable Solutions for Existing Buildings

·  Revealing low/no cost solutions to successfully address:

     ·  Energy Consumption

     ·  Waste Removal

     ·  Water Consumption

     ·  Janitorial/ Cleaning Services

·  Establishing which building attributes can & cannot be retrofitted with sustainable components

·  Understanding zero-cost operational adjustments that benefit the environment

·  Determining whether to pursue LEED-EB certification
 

Linking Sustainability with Profitability

·  Documenting verifiable cost reductions and payback analysis to communicate the business
   case for sustainability
·  Understanding how to model both the financial & environmental returns of proposed green

   initiatives
·  Examining the tools available that can provide on-demand data
·  Documenting and communicating realistic expectations of the long-term cost savings
 

LEED Success- Lessons Learned Along the Way

In this interactive session, owner’s representative from some of the nation’s most recent marquee LEED certified projects will share their knowledge gained along the way. From what worked to what didn’t work…the candid discussion in this session will equip you with the tools to succeed in your next LEED project.

Creating a Holistic Energy Management Program

·  Executing energy efficiency audits to effectively determine current performance levels

·  Developing a comprehensive plan to harvest more energy efficiency for your organization

·  Understanding where renewable energy sources can benefit your operations

·  Unveiling the latest technologies and tools enhancing energy management

·  Factors to consider when choosing an energy service companies

Building an Organizational Culture of Sustainability

·  Successfully engaging all stakeholders in energy savings efforts via a combination of training,

   tools and technology

·  Demonstrating the effect of high performance buildings on employee/inhabitant performance

·  Engaging members of your organization to contribute ideas to strengthen your initiatives

·  Strategies for winning the support of cynics and otherwise “too-busy” people

LEED EBOM: The Key to High Performance Green Buildings
LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance offers a certification path to ensure the optimal performance of all structures, which can be done completely in house. The rating system offers a great opportunity to integrate staff members into the process which helps lower the costs associated with documentation. In this session, learn how to get away from the building-by-building approach and move towards an organization wide approach to sustainability.

Investigating the Promise of Net-Zero Energy Buildings
·  Examining the feasibility of developing net-zero energy buildings

·  Identifying the challenges presented to several completed net-zero energy buildings

·  Understanding the costs and technical requirements of net-zero buildings

·  Discussing the challenges and opportunities of onsite power generation

Discussing the Politics of Green Building & Funding of Environmental Initiatives

·  Discussing current and future legislation aimed at curbing GHG emissions

·  Investigating the various tax breaks and incentives available in today’s market

·  Evaluating the alternative (& traditional) funding mechanisms being utilized today

·  Ensuring that your best interests are being served when entering into leasing/financing

   arrangements

Benchmarking Green Building Performance
·  Securing the necessary resources to accurately track yourperformance
·  Developing quantitative indicators for the performanceof your buildings
·  Investigating the USGBC’s Building Performance Initiative
·  Overcoming the lack of available industry data and the expenseof collecting it
·  Accurately tracking your progress in anticipation of future climatepolicies
 

Determining the Viability of Solar in Your Operations

·  Correctly estimating the power output potential of solar arrays in your operations

·  Considering the viability of solar technologies in various geographic regions

·  Examining the latest advances in solar technology

·  Determining the cost effectiveness of photovoltaics with or without subsidies and tax incentives

·  Discussing the pros vs. cons of entering into power purchase agreements

Developing a Long Range Sustainable Master Plan
·  Crafting a timeline for retrofits, revised design standards, energy programs and marketing

   initiatives

·  Integrating sustainable goals into your conventional master plan

·  Developing realistic timelines for your green initiatives

·  Continuously updating and re-evaluating your master plan

Embracing the Power of Integrative “Whole Building” Design

·  Developing concise responsibilities for all members of the project team

·  Ensuring the active & continuous collaboration of users, officials, consultants, engineers and

   contractors

·  Incorporating design, construction and commissioning into one process

·  Establishing goals early in the process and ensuring that they are met

·  Achieving a cohesive working relationship with outside contractors

Establishing Partnerships to Further Environmental Progress
·  Recognizing that collaboration between the private sector, government & NGOs is vital to the

   advancement of sustainable progress
·  Leveraging relationships with supplier/ vendor companiesin your quest to go green
·  Understanding the benefits and challenges of partneringwith NGOs
·  Maintaining clear accountability of your initiatives andcommunicating effectively

Identifying Simple and Effective Water Management Solutions
·  Setting quantitative goals for your water reduction initiatives

·  Uncovering cost-effective solutions that dramatically reduce water consumption

·  Successfully implementing a water use inventory for your organization

·  Discussing the future as it pertains to water availability

Implementing a Cost-effective Waste Management Program

·  Implementing winning strategies that minimize waste and maximize profit
·  Exploring alternative waste disposal technologies
·  Measuring the value and effectiveness of your current recycling programs
·  Creating incentive programsto encourage participation in your waste efforts