Several pollution prevention (P2) opportunities exist in the management of facilities. This resource summary is intended to assist facility managers, facility maintenance or facility operation personnel implement activities that reduce pollution at the source.

Energy Efficiency with Energy Star

See Energy Star’s Guidelines for Energy Management which can help you create a management program focused on energy performance | View PDF >

Save Energy with Energy Star | Learn More >

• Invest in energy-efficiency measures that have a rapid payback.
• Educate and engage employees and occupants.
• Purchase energy-saving products.
• Get help from an expert.

Use Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager; an online tool to track your building’s energy and water consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions | Learn More >

• Find the financing you need for your energy saving plans | Learn More >
• Calculate returns on energy investments.
• Find rebates, incentives and financing.
• Learn about public sector financing options.

Find certified products such as lighting, office equipment, heating and cooling and other building products that are energy efficient for your facility | Learn More >

Heating and Cooling

Heat and cool efficiently to save money by:

• Installing a programmable thermostat.
• Sealing your heating and cooling ducts.
• Changing your air filters regularly.
• Upgrading older heating cooling, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
• Reviewing U.S. Small Business Administration’s tips for managing finances | View Tips >
• Keeping your cooling and heating maintenance system at peak by using Energy Star’s Maintenance Checklist | View Checklist >

Green Buildings

Green building refers to the whole-systems approach through design and building techniques to minimize environmental impact. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings are resource efficient, using less water and energy, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Go to LEED Website >

State of Arizona Green Building links:

• U.S. Green Building Council Arizona | Learn More >
• City of Scottsdale Green Building Program | Learn More >
• City of Mesa Green Building & Green Business | Learn More >

Water Efficiency

It is important for building managers to promote water efficiency and to find ways to reduce water use. There are many resources that can get you started in conserving water in your building.

• EPA’s WaterSense® program - Provides tools and guidance on water saving products and practices | Learn More >
  • Products - Find water efficient products | Learn More >
  • Planning - Review water use and develop implementation plans to achieve water management goals.
  • Metering - Monitor water use and quickly find leaks and other sources of wasted water | Learn More >
• See the Arizona Municipal Water Association’s Facility Manager’s Guide to Water Management | View PDF >
• Check out the Alliance for Water Efficiency's Resource Library for more information on various topics including fixtures, appliances and equipment | Learn More >
• Listen in to past training webinars from WaterSense for more water saving tips | Learn More >

Safer Cleaning

Cleaning with products that contain less toxic chemicals not only reduces chemical use but also improves air quality and the health of employees. EPA’s Safer Choice program can help you identify safer products for cleaning including:

• Carpet cleaners, floor care products and window/glass cleaners.
• Dry erase board cleaners, odor removers and other business products.
• Learn More >

For additional Resources check out:

• OSHA’s Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals | View PDF >
• See ADEQ’s Pollution Prevention for Janitorial Services for more information | View PDF >
• See EPA’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels | View PDF >

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality can affect the health, productivity and well-being of building tenants. Healthy indoor air quality can be hampered by the following:

• Biological - Dust mites, pollen, inadequate humidity control, pests from plants, water intrusion.
• Chemical - Emissions (gases and vapors) from products used such as white board spray cleaners, permanent markers, electronic equipment cleaners, cleaning chemicals used by employees to clean desks and work area.
• Particles - Dust or dirt from outside or during construction from installing drywalls or sanding wood.

See the following documents to improve indoor air quality in your building.

• OSHA’s Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings | View PDF >