Ensuring a High Performance Building through Commissioning

As part of our application for LEED-EBOM certification, Nichols recently went through a commissioning process. Although the process has been around for many years now, commissioning, like going green, is just now gaining momentum and recognition. But what exactly is commissioning? Think of it like maintaining your building. Just like you get periodic maintenance and service for your car to keep it running, commissioning evaluates performance of your building and finds areas that need fixing or improvement. Often, these improvements can lead to significant cost savings when added together. One of the most common inefficiencies found in building commissioning is ducts that leak. If you’re heating or cooling ducts aren’t properly attached, sealed, or they have holes, there is usually a large amount of energy being wasted on heating or cooling unoccupied spaces. Fixing these problems makes sense mechanically and financially.

The actual commissioning is a service, like a detailed inspection of the building envelope and the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. In general, commissioning has a very short payback. An average commercial existing building can be commissioned for approximately $0.30 per square foot. The results of this inspection are then put into a commissioning report. Many of the problems found can also be fixed relatively inexpensively- It may be as simple as fixing a leak in a pipe or duct. Overall, a building’s occupants can save between 10% and 20% on their energy bills by addressing these issues.

In our building, there were a few key problems that needed fixing. To prevent ice melt from being tracked into our building in the winter, we utilize heated sidewalks to keep snow and ice from building up. We found out that the sidewalk heating system was operating anytime the temperature fell below 50 degrees. We should have had a switch in the building to turn it on, but instead, anytime the outside temperature fell below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the heater would kick in, whether it was snowing or not. We also hadn’t realized that the bright light that illuminates our flagpoles at night also stayed on during the day.

Some issues are more subtle and take a little more investigating. In our café, we found that the thermostat controlling the room was located very close to our microwave because a hole was never drilled through the cabinet where the microwave was meant to be put. Every day during lunch when the microwave was utilized, the thermostat would sense the heat and turn on the air conditioning, even when it wasn’t needed in the room. One of the biggest findings from our commissioning report we had a third water system that was being used for irrigation to keep our lawn green was sourced from the city. In other words, we were watering our grass with drinking water. This was an important and an inexpensive fix.

It was through our commissioning process by a third-party commissioning agent that we discovered that two of the air conditioning units had refrigerant lines crossed and two of the motorized dampers for outside air intake were not functioning, in fact one was damaged in a way that could only have happened during installation. Many building owners assume that designers verify that the work has been done correctly. They do to a certain level but with complex building technologies and systems being so inter-related, testing need to be completed at different levels and it is not as simple as just making sure each contractor has done their job.

If every non-residential building in the United States went through a commissioning process, we could save about $30 billion by 2030 in energy costs which translates to about 340 megatons of CO2 kept out of the atmosphere each year. If you are getting into greenhouse gas inventories and reductions as many organizations recently have, you will realize what an impact that would have on reducing the threat of global climate change.

Nichols Green Product Identification

Are you utilizing our Nichols eBusiness Center? If not, you should be. Not only can it take steps (waste) out of the ordering process, it can provide you with real-time information such as inventory levels, order status and now (a new feature) products are flagged to help you identify those that are 3rd party certified, products with recycle content and those that support a green cleaning program such as microfiber. Check it out, if you don’t have a password, request one and try ordering online! http://ebiz.enichols.com/?mode=catalog

Login or request a password: http://ebiz.enichols.com/login.do

The Proper Use of Ice Melt

It seems as if summer has just heated up, but winter is just around the corner. With Michigan weather, we are sure to experience lots of snow and ice for the upcoming season and now is the time to prepare. Whether you are in the Northern regions and need effective ice melt for below zero temperatures, or you are looking for an economical way to keep those sidewalks and drives safe, Nichols has what you are looking for.

There are five main ingredients in various types of ice melt- Sodium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, and Urea. Each is effective in a different way and in different circumstances. Sodium Chloride- typically in the form of rock salt- is only effective in temperatures down to 20?F. Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride are effective at much lower temperatures. There is also a difference in how they melt ice. Some chemicals give off heat when in contact with snow and ice (exothermic) and some absorb heat from the sun to melt the ice (endothermic). Calcium Chloride is exothermic. It releases heat when applied, so it melts ice more quickly than Sodium Chloride, which is endothermic. Depending on the climate and weather patterns in your area, you could be using a more expensive ice melt than you really need.¹

With many products offered from North American Salt Company, Dow Chemical, and Flat Rock Bagging, you are sure to find the right ice melt to keep you from slipping this winter. But which product is right for you? If constant temperatures below zero have you fighting an endless battle with ice, try Dow’s Peladow™ Calcium Chloride ice melt. It is proven to be effective in temperatures as low as -25?F. If you are looking to be more environmentally friendly, the Safe Step Pro Series™ 750 may be your best option. The Magnesium Chloride formula is one of the most environmentally friendly ice melts on the market- safe for people, plants, and animals. It is also effective in temperatures down to -25?F. If you are just looking to cut back on costs this winter, but still want to get the job done right, the Safe Step Pro Series™ Econo Blend Blue is right for you. The blue color allows you to easily view the crystals to make even application simple, while being very cost effective.

For most efficient and effective ice melting, make sure to follow directions on the package to apply the correct amount. Applying the ice melt before the snow and ice build up is the best way to keep your surfaces ice-free. While many of the ice-melters we provide are safe to handle with your hands, the best way to apply it is with a handheld or walk-behind spreader. This ensures even distribution and maximum results without wasting salt. Ice melt is not any more effective if you use more than the directed amount, so there is no need to pile it on. Using excessive amounts leads to ice melt being tracked into your facility which could damage your floors overtime. If you are not sure which ice melt is right for your facility, contact your Nichols representative and we will assist you.

¹ Source: http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article.asp?id=5191&keywords=ice+melt,+winter+care

Announcing SustainAble Solutions, a Division of Nichols

SustainAble Solutions a division of Nichols was created to help current Nichols’ clients and other organizations identify, plan and implement sustainable solutions beyond green cleaning. The expertise we have gained over several years now allows us to go beyond the scope of cleaning and really help you apply many concepts that will lead you to become a more sustainable organization. Let us help you in analyzing your current status and identify innovative opportunities that will help you add to your bottom line while reducing impact on the environment.

Our mission is to assist our clients with becoming a more sustainable organization focusing on the triple bottom line – social, environment and economics and to be able to help you share that message with your customers and associates in the proper context.

Check out the services that will be offered
http://www.enichols.com/sustainablesolutions.php

News Specific For Schools:

Energy Efficiency Program and/or Renewable Energy Program

Energy Works Michigan is pleased to announce a unique opportunity for partnership between local governments and public schools to match Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding. By partnering with public schools in either the Energy Efficiency Program and/or Renewable Energy Program offered by Energy Works, local governments would receive qualified Matching Funds for their EECBG.

Energy Works provides 60%-90% of total project costs through funding from the Michigan Public Service Commission. Details of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program are available at www.EnergyWorksMichigan.org.

There are a limited number of openings available – don’t miss this exciting opportunity. We look forward to your participation in the Michigan Renewable Schools Program!

USGBC Launches National Green Schools Campaign

As school doors across the nation open for the new school year, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is set to launch year three of its National Green Schools Campaign, a broad-based initiative involving policy makers, teachers, parents and students who want to substantially improve the indoor environmental quality of America’s schools, along with making them more energy efficient, water efficient and resource efficient.

Read More http://www.cleanlink.com/news/article.asp?id=11366

Nichols has become a distributor for Greencore Trash Can Liners that are made from 70% post-consumer recycled materials. Featuring Unique 3-Layer Technology for Sustainability, Flexibility and Performance. Made in Michigan. For more information on the technology (http://www.enichols.com/downloads/greencore.pdf) and for sizes, pricing contact your Nichols’ sales rep or customer service.

It sounds so simple as to be innocuous, a throwaway line in public-health warnings about swine flu. But one of the most powerful weapons against the new H1N1 virus is summed up in a three-word phrase you first heard from your mother: wash your hands.

A host of recent studies have highlighted the importance and the scientific underpinning of this most basic hygiene measure. One of the most graphic was done at the University of California, Berkeley, where researchers focused video cameras on 10 college students as they read and typed on their laptops.

Read More http://www.cleanlink.com/news/article.asp?id=11363

ISSA Launches Pandemic Planning Toolkit http://issa.com/?id=pandemic_kit

For more resources to help you prepare for H1N1 visit the Nichols website http://www.enichols.com/swineinfluenza.php

Michigan Green Health Care Conference – October 22, 2009 http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oppca-flyer-greenmiconference_289031_7.pdf

Cleaning Chemical Use in Healthcare Fact Sheet http://72.32.87.20/lib/downloads/cleaners/Cleaning_Chem_in_Hosp.pdf

Sustainability within Nichols’ Supply Chain

There are more than 550 manufacturers of cleaning and paper supplies and equipment that now offer products that are 3rd party certified for their environmental attributes. With that amount of activity comes much confusion about what products and companies are “greener” or more sustainable. We therefore will offer information each month to help you learn about the manufacturers that we represent. We represent some of the most sustainable manufacturers in the country and are proud to represent them. This month we feature our two paper manufacturers.

Sustainability at Kimberly Clark

Kimberly Clark’s approach to sustainability is straightforward: identify and focus on sustainability initiatives that generate competitive advantage, improve business results and fulfill their responsibilities as a member of the global community.

At the corporate level, they channel their sustainability efforts into four areas: products, operations, employees and communities.

Sustainable Forestry Leadership: Kimberly-Clark has one of the most progressive fiber procurement policies in the tissue industry. We support forestry practices that help conserve valuable forestlands, respect fundamental human rights and ensure both a thriving ecosystem and a sustainable source of wood fiber for the future. K-C was the first major tissue company to set the goal of purchasing 100 percent of our wood fiber from suppliers that gain independent certification of their woodlands or their fiber procurement activities. Read More About their commitment to Sustainable Forestry Leadership http://www.kimberly-clark.com/pdfs/KC_Sustain_NAmerica.pdf#zoom=130&navpanes=0

Please visit the sustainability area on their website to understand their commitment. http://www.kimberly-clark.com/aboutus/sustainability/sustainability_home.aspx

SCA makes Sustainability Top 100 for fourth year running 2008. Tork manufacturer SCA is the world’s second greenest company 2007.

Sustainability is all about care, not only for the next generation of trees but also people. It is about increasing the standard of living & quality of life without destroying the environment in which we live and depend upon. They pay particular attention to:

• Renewable & recyclable raw materials
• Environmentally sound processes, products & services
• Functionality

Their lifelong approach to sustainability Sustainable development is the foundation stone SCA has used for many years in order to create our efficient environmental management & control systems. It demands a continuous and lifelong approach.

Again, spend some time on their website to understand their commitment http://www.sca-tork.com/Pages/SimplePage.aspx?id=90459

In the News

Your resource for sustainability education and information.

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