Attention all NYC businesses. New waste and recycling regulations went into effect last year. We are now in the warning period. The warning period for the new organics rule just ended. Enforcement begins Jan. 2017. Are you ready? Learn more: Q&A On New Waste And Recycling Rules – What Should Businesses Do? Need help? Here is what … Continue reading NYC Businesses: Get Ready For New Rules
Category : News
Event Dec. 15: Industry Experts Offer Insights Into What’s Next In Waste Management
Register now for Innovation in Waste Management, hosted by the NYASG. Great Forest CEO Ross Guberman will join experts from Rubicon Global, Terracycle and others to discuss what’s next in waste management and recycling. They will offer insights on “..the current state of waste management and recycling, where they see challenges and opportunities, and how this … Continue reading Event Dec. 15: Industry Experts Offer Insights Into What’s Next In Waste Management
New Report:
How Are NYC Buildings Using Water and Energy?
For the first time, data submitted by some of the NYC’s biggest buildings under Local Law 84 (benchmarking) and Local Law 87 (auditing) have been analyzed together to give a clear picture not only of the amount of energy and water used by these buildings, but also what heating, cooling, and other systems are being used. This data, … Continue reading New Report:
How Are NYC Buildings Using Water and Energy?
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager’s New Waste Tracking
EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager has introduced a new feature to track “Waste and Materials” in addition to Energy and Water, in an effort to streamline sustainability data. 29 types of materials can be tracked (eg: Trash, Mixed Recycling, Paper, Glass, Metal, Compost, E-Waste, Lamps, Donations, Furniture, etc.). In addition, trash is tracked to its … Continue reading ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager’s New Waste Tracking
Regulation Updates (Arlington, VA):
New Recycling Code, Businesses May Be Inspected
Aug 2016 — Businesses in Arlington, VA, should be on the lookout for a notice from the County’s Department of Environmental Services, which details changes to the recycling code. Note that Arlington businesses may be inspected by the County for compliance. An inspection fee of $66 per business will be assessed by Arlington County. According to the … Continue reading Regulation Updates (Arlington, VA):
New Recycling Code, Businesses May Be Inspected
Great Forest Wins Daylight Hour Award, Announces Daylight Fridays
Great Forest was one of over 650 offices worldwide that participated in the 2016 Daylight Hour movement on June 17. The fun event, designed to encourage the use of daylight instead of electricity when possible, reached over 10 million people on social media, and we are thrilled that Great Forest was named “Hype Master” this year, winning the … Continue reading Great Forest Wins Daylight Hour Award, Announces Daylight Fridays
Join Us Today – #DaylightHour Starts At Noon
At noon today, flip the switch to join the movement. We challenge everyone to work by daylight for just one hour. Then use this calculator to see how much energy and money you saved today. You can also estimate what you can save if you commit to one hour of daylight all year long. See what … Continue reading Join Us Today – #DaylightHour Starts At Noon
GPS Tracks America’s E-Waste HalfWay Across The World
What Can You Do?
As noted in this blog a few months ago, with e-waste rules firmly on the books across the country, the trend now seems to be towards greater enforcement, with bigger, multi-million dollar fines being levied. Why? Perhaps because a new investigative report has found that some e-waste is still being illegally dumped rather than recycled. The nonprofit Basel … Continue reading GPS Tracks America’s E-Waste HalfWay Across The World
What Can You Do?
Update: Changes to the Hospitality Roundtable Event
UPDATE: Please note that the upcoming Hospitality Roundtable on July 27 has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience. We will work with those who have already bought tickets for a refund. If you have any questions, please contact: info@greatforest.com and put “Event Refund” in the subject line. Watch this blog for information … Continue reading Update: Changes to the Hospitality Roundtable Event
NYC Alert (April 2016):
New Fines, the Retrofit Accelerator, Energy Map and more
A roundup of alerts for NYC: LL 84/2009 benchmarking enforcements: Note: beginning with the May 1, 2016 compliance deadline, submitted reports with one or more missing or inaccurate data fields will be considered non-compliant, and will result in a violation if not corrected. Read more. NYCECC and ECB enforcements: New rules covers energy compliance during … Continue reading NYC Alert (April 2016):
New Fines, the Retrofit Accelerator, Energy Map and more
Trend: Zero Waste
A Tale Of Two Cities
At this year’s Earth Day events, we put the focus on Zero Waste, encouraging everyone to reimagine waste, to: think of waste as simply a resource that is out of place. think of a waste stream as a value stream. Why? Because this is key to the idea of Zero Waste. The goal of a Zero Waste … Continue reading Trend: Zero Waste
A Tale Of Two Cities
Alert: Nationwide EPA Waste Benchmarking Coming Soon
As our clients head into the home stretch for NYC Benchmarking under LL84 (note: 2015 data must be filed May 1), we encourage all US clients to take inventory of their waste data to prepare for 2017 filings. This inventory should include identification of all the data points currently collected and the people responsible on both the … Continue reading Alert: Nationwide EPA Waste Benchmarking Coming Soon
Are You Ready For Earth Day 2016?
Here at Great Forest, we are busy preparing an online portal of resources to help you make a difference this Earth Day and Beyond. If you are a Great Forest client, look out for an email soon that will give you added access to customized information. Still wondering what to do for Earth Day on … Continue reading Are You Ready For Earth Day 2016?
This entry was posted in Education, Events, Outreach, News and tagged Earth Day. Bookmark the permalink.
The “Uber” Of Waste Removal Has Arrived – Download The “Pick It Up” App Today
Now getting rid of waste is as simple as ordering an uber. Great Forest’s new “Pick It Up” app allows you to schedule a pick up of almost any type of waste and recycling with just a few clicks, anywhere, nationwide. Download the app today for free. Mac: Pick It Up Android: Pick It Up Arranging for … Continue reading The “Uber” Of Waste Removal Has Arrived – Download The “Pick It Up” App Today
Introducing Great Forest’s Upgraded Sustainability Metrics Platform
Some of you may have already accessed our upgraded Great Forest Sustainability Metrics platform that was redesigned with feedback from you. The new metrics system is more powerful than ever. You now have more control, including the ability to input data directly into the system. Users also have even more options to download and print charts, … Continue reading Introducing Great Forest’s Upgraded Sustainability Metrics Platform
Industry Trend:
Big Fines For E-Waste
With the close of the 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this month, many in the sustainability industry are thinking about the flip side of that showcase of the latest tech gadgets — e-waste. As reported, “a recent United Nations study shows the U.S. is the world’s biggest producer of electronic waste, … Continue reading Industry Trend:
Big Fines For E-Waste
Great Forest Sponsors First Zero Waste Training Course. Register Today
“We believe more zero waste professionals are needed in NYC. That is why we are sponsoring this course. We are looking for more partners to join us in leading the zero waste movement.” — Ross Guberman, CEO, Great Forest. Great Forest is proud to be a sponsor of the first ever Zero Waste Business Associate Training … Continue reading Great Forest Sponsors First Zero Waste Training Course. Register Today
Great Forest Speaks With Curbed About E-Waste
Great Forest’s Director of Sustainability, Anna Dengler, was recently interviewed for an article about e-waste published in Curbed. As noted in the piece, the problem of e-waste is growing: According to the United Nations Global E-Waste Monitor, roughly 46 million tons of e-waste was generated worldwide in 2014. Only 7.1 tons were recycled or reused, slightly more … Continue reading Great Forest Speaks With Curbed About E-Waste
2015 Snapshot Of Collected Environmental Impact
As 2015 comes to a close, here is a snapshot of our collected environmental impact. We would like to congratulate and thank all of our wonderful clients and partners for a great, green year. To view your own environmental impact, log into our new online sustainability metrics database.
Industry Trends:
Mid-Atlantic Program Launches To Transform Dumpsters Into High-Tech, Responsive Tools
After a successful pilot, Great Forest is launching an innovative program in the Mid-Atlantic region to take waste management to the next level. How? By transforming dumpsters into smart, high-tech, responsive tools using wireless remote sensors. Over 250 enevo sensors are currently being installed under the Great Forest program at properties managed by First Potomac Realty … Continue reading Industry Trends:
Mid-Atlantic Program Launches To Transform Dumpsters Into High-Tech, Responsive Tools
Alert:
NYC’s Proposed New Commercial Recycling Regulations – What To Expect
New York City has proposed new commercial recycling regulations to go into effect July 1, 2016. While there will likely be some changes as the proposed rule is written, commercial buildings can expect: Few major changes to their established recycling program Little impact to their building operations/businesses Great Forest has submitted feedback to the city … Continue reading Alert:
NYC’s Proposed New Commercial Recycling Regulations – What To Expect
Calling All NYC Hotels – Join The Carbon Challenge!
Calling all NYC hotels. Now it is your turn to join the carbon challenge. Started in 2007, the NYC Carbon Challenge is a voluntary leadership program for 17 of New York City’s leading universities, the 11 largest hospital organizations, 11 global companies, and 18 residential management firms that have pledged to voluntarily reduce their building-based … Continue reading Calling All NYC Hotels – Join The Carbon Challenge!
Corporate Sustainability Reputation Can Account For 11% Of Firm’s Value
Two new reports presented at the recent Commit Forum shed more light on the increasing value of sustainability to businesses. A news summary of both reports noted that companies with strong sustainability reputations benefit from: Increased company value. According to the report, an average of 33% of a company’s value can be attributed to its name, and … Continue reading Corporate Sustainability Reputation Can Account For 11% Of Firm’s Value
This entry was posted in Great Forest Insights, News and tagged reputation, sustainability. Bookmark the permalink.
Judge Strikes Down NYC Foam Ban
Sept. 22, 2015 – Judge strikes down NYC’s foam ban. The city is exploring its options for reinstituting the ban, including an appeal. We will keep you updated. NYC’s foam ban went into effect on July 1, 2015 with a six-month grace period. Businesses had been preparing for the change by replacing foam products with … Continue reading Judge Strikes Down NYC Foam Ban
Regulation Update: NY Public Hearing On Organic Waste, Oct. 5
Review the proposed rule on organic waste and voice your opinion. DSNY is holding a public hearing on Oct 5. Register your feedback in person at the hearing, or write in via one of the ways below: Website: http://rules.cityofnewyork.us Email: nycrules@dsny.nyc.gov Mail: DSNY, 125 Worth Street, Room 710, New York, NY 10013. Fax: 212-788-3876. Learn … Continue reading Regulation Update: NY Public Hearing On Organic Waste, Oct. 5
10 Quotes from The Pope’s Encyclical On The Environment
The Pope’s encyclical on the environment released last month generated a worldwide maelstrom of discussion. Some have suggested that it marks a turning point in the debate on climate change. But beyond that, the document also talks about the modern economy, pollution, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of all life. Even for the non religious, the … Continue reading 10 Quotes from The Pope’s Encyclical On The Environment
Regulation Update: Announcement on NYC’s Commercial Food Waste Law
Update July 2 – Announcement released today. Key points: Mandatory recycling of organic material proposed for 350 businesses including: All food service establishments in hotels with 150 or more rooms All food service vendors in arenas and stadiums with seating capacity of at least 15,000 people Food manufacturers with a floor area of at least 25,000 square … Continue reading Regulation Update: Announcement on NYC’s Commercial Food Waste Law
Regulation Update: D.C. Bans Foam, NY Foam Ban Takes Effect
Update: Sept. 22, 2015 – Judge strikes down NYC’s foam ban. The city is exploring its options for reinstituting the ban, including an appeal. We will keep you updated. New York: NYC’s foam ban takes effect on July 1, 2015. Businesses will have until January 1 of next year to fully do away with the foam before … Continue reading Regulation Update: D.C. Bans Foam, NY Foam Ban Takes Effect
Highlights from the EPA’s Annual MSW Report
The EPA’s latest municipal solid waste (MSW) report now spots a new name – Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures 2013 – that emphasizes the importance of sustainable materials management. As reported in Waste 360, according to the study: The rate of MSW discarded fell one percentage point from 2012 to 52.8 percent. The recovery rate … Continue reading Highlights from the EPA’s Annual MSW Report
Can Single-Stream Recycling Work in NYC?
Great Forest’s Amy Marpman recently spoke with City Limits about NYC’s current recycling system in a piece that explores the city’s single-stream recycling ambitions. There are many factors that can affect how well a recycling program is working. Single-stream recycling is more convenient for the average person and we know that making recycling easy to accomplish does work. … Continue reading Can Single-Stream Recycling Work in NYC?
This entry was posted in Great Forest Insights, News and tagged City Limits, recycling, single stream recycling. Bookmark the permalink.
Upcoming Events – June 2015
June 1 – 4, Las Vegas Waste Expo 2015 Organized by Waste360’s expo, this year’s event will cover a range of issues including recycling/resource recovery, technological innovations in the waste and recycling, and composting and organics recycling. Learn more. June 11, Washington, D.C. Discussion: Latest Sustainability Trends, Challenges and Updates The Apartment and Office Buildings Association … Continue reading Upcoming Events – June 2015
New Nationwide Study Reveals What Works in Workplace Recycling
A new Keep America Beautiful study produced in partnership with Great Forest, Action Research, and CBRE, and made possible by PepsiCo Recycling, helps to define some best practices for workplace recycling. Great Forest assisted with the waste audits for the study, provided typical office building waste profile data, and helped to confirm some of the findings. The study recommends several … Continue reading New Nationwide Study Reveals What Works in Workplace Recycling
This entry was posted in Great Forest Insights, News and tagged Keep America Beautiful, partnership, recycling, study. Bookmark the permalink.
Shortage in Facility Managers Expected, Sustainability Experts and BOMA Help Fill Gap
Facility managers are key to running buildings efficiently. But soon, there is expected to be shortage of experienced professionals, especially with the commercial real estate boom happening across the U.S. and in Asia. The International Facility Management Association reports that the average age of facility managers is 49. According to a report in the San Francisco Examiner, … Continue reading Shortage in Facility Managers Expected, Sustainability Experts and BOMA Help Fill Gap
Alert: Stricter Enforcement Means Lengthier LL87/ENERGY STAR Process
Attention property managers. Are you due to file your LL87 (2009) energy audit this year? Are you planning to get an ENERGY STAR certification for your building? If you answered yes to either question, you must begin the process by spring at the latest. Starting this year, you will need to file more extensive documentation … Continue reading Alert: Stricter Enforcement Means Lengthier LL87/ENERGY STAR Process
This entry was posted in News and tagged Energy, ENERGY STAR, LL87, regulations. Bookmark the permalink.
Grants Available For Recycling in Delaware
Businesses, institutions and organizations in Delaware may be eligible to receive financial help to install or expand their recycling programs through the Universal Recycling Grant and Low Interest Loan Program. Grant applications are due March 3, 2015. Awards will be announced in April 2015, and projects must be completed by May 2016. Learn more and apply online.
This entry was posted in All, News, Recycling, Composting, Waste and tagged grants. Bookmark the permalink.
Be Our Guest On Dec. 2: “Sustainability In The Hospitality Industry” Conference
On December 2, the Global Center for Hospitality Management at New York Institute of Technology, the New York State Restaurant Association & Green Hospitality Initiative will be hosting a day-long conference on Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry: A Global Perspective – Food, Operations, Work Culture, and Community. Great Forest will be among the speakers who will include leaders in the hotel and … Continue reading Be Our Guest On Dec. 2: “Sustainability In The Hospitality Industry” Conference
NYC’s Most Sustainable Hotels Are Identified, Artworks Awarded
Congratulations to the Waldorf Astoria New York, New York Hilton Midtown, and The Carlton Hotel – they are the winners of the first ever Hotel Association of New York City’s HANYC Sustainability awards. Great Forest provided expert guidance, and worked with the HANYC to launch the awards. Read more about the three hotels and why they … Continue reading NYC’s Most Sustainable Hotels Are Identified, Artworks Awarded
Hotel Sustainability – Top 3 Tips on Where to Begin
Great Forest has worked with many hotels across the country. Here, in brief, are our top three suggestions for hotels deciding to go green: Begin with increasing recycling and reducing waste because it is easy, has an immediate impact, and may lower costs by 40% to 60%. Investigate the chemicals you are using on-site and switch … Continue reading Hotel Sustainability – Top 3 Tips on Where to Begin
Q&A With Hervé Houdré On The Search For NYC’s Greenest Hotel
Hervé Houdré has been called one of the greenest hoteliers in NYC. As the regional director of operations and general manager of the Intercontinental New York Barclay (now under renovation), and chairman of the Hotel Association of New York City’s (HANYC) Sustainable Hospitality Committee, Houdré is passionate about making NYC hotels more sustainable. [Hotel Sustainability – Top 3 Tips … Continue reading Q&A With Hervé Houdré On The Search For NYC’s Greenest Hotel
Progressive Business Leaders Among 400,000 At People’s Climate March
I am not a scientist or an expert on climate change; I am an ice cream guy. But I do know that the more business leaders who are willing to walk out of the boardroom and walk into the streets, the more likely we are to avoid the climate crisis that is looming so large … Continue reading Progressive Business Leaders Among 400,000 At People’s Climate March
Do You Have A “Zombie” In Your Office? New Report Says You Might
A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has revealed the existence of millions of “zombie” servers in the U.S. About 30% of servers in the country drain energy without doing anything. Many others operate at only 12% to 18% capacity. “It’s like an airline flying 30% of its planes empty…,” said Pierre … Continue reading Do You Have A “Zombie” In Your Office? New Report Says You Might
80-Foot High Digester Eggs To Turn Even More Food Waste Into Energy
This fall, the eight 80-foot high steel digester eggs at Newtown Creek’s Wastewater Treatment Plant in Brooklyn will be processing even more of New York City’s food waste to be transformed into “pipeline quality” natural gas (mostly methane) by National Grid. The ambitious expansion will see the amount of food waste processed each day increase from 1.5 tons to … Continue reading 80-Foot High Digester Eggs To Turn Even More Food Waste Into Energy
The Value of Sustainability – 2 New Reports
Two new reports throw fresh light on the value of sustainability. Delivering Sustainable Buildings: Savings and Payback Produced by BREEAM, a U.K. green building certification body similar to LEED, this report concludes that making environmentally-friendly decisions for your building does not always mean incurring additional costs. According to the report, achieving basic certification incurs no … Continue reading The Value of Sustainability – 2 New Reports
5 Ways to Green Your Building and Get Money to Do It
Summer 2014 Many of our commercial clients have deployed energy projects in the last year that are now meeting or exceeding savings and incentives projections. Read on as DNAInfo New York describes how some of our clients have transferred important best energy practices from the workplace, into homes and condos. Some examples mentioned: A co-op in Manhattan received $197,000 in … Continue reading 5 Ways to Green Your Building and Get Money to Do It
JBG Companies Recognized for “Outstanding Achievement” in Recycling
Congratulations to JBG Companies on being recognized by Montgomery County for “Outstanding Achievement” in Recycling at 7200 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda. Both tenants and management at the building are being commended for “implementing or improving their recycling, waste reduction or buying recycled programs and educational efforts.” Strong Management “This is an example of what a great … Continue reading JBG Companies Recognized for “Outstanding Achievement” in Recycling
Bask in the Sun at Work, Save $70 million a Year
Talk about harnessing the power of the sun! According to a recent study, Let There Be Daylight, owners and tenants could save $70 million every year by introducing daylight responsive lighting systems. This is how they explain it: Most offices have their lights on even when they are not needed. This is a critical issue because … Continue reading Bask in the Sun at Work, Save $70 million a Year
BBC Talks To Great Forest About Starting A “Green Revolution”; Switch Off Vending Machine Lights, Save $1 Million
BBC’s Leader Board spoke with Great Forest recently about how managers and other decision-makers can start a “green revolution” in the workplace. If you’re wondering now how to begin, that’s where someone like Anna Dengler of New York City-based Great Forest comes in. Her company consults with companies on how to become more sustainable. The … Continue reading BBC Talks To Great Forest About Starting A “Green Revolution”; Switch Off Vending Machine Lights, Save $1 Million
New Report: To Encourage Green Behavior, Don’t Mention The Environment
You have all seen those notices in hotel bathrooms about reusing towels. A new report reveals that those messages are NOT very effective when they appeal to your green conscience like this: “Save our planet: every day millions of gallons of water are used to wash towels that have been used only once.” But are more … Continue reading New Report: To Encourage Green Behavior, Don’t Mention The Environment
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Biking to Work – Not Just in May
May is National Bike month. More than half of the U.S. population lives within five miles of their workplace, and the number of people cycling to work is growing (see infographic). One of them is Ross Guberman, Great Forest’s senior sustainability analyst, who bikes 30 miles a day and incorporates ways to minimize his impact in his … Continue reading Biking to Work – Not Just in May